Engineering - Sustainable Energy Engineering - Waterford

This post-graduate programme has been designed to facilitate professionals practicing in the areas of building design, management and technology. Its’ purpose is to provide expertise in terms of; energy use, environmental performance and sustainability in the design and operation of buildings and their associated facilities and services systems.



The programme will focus on Sustainable and Low energy building design; Building energy performance and analysis; Dynamic thermal simulation; Low and zero carbon heat and power generation technologies; Energy policy and legislation; Energy auditing; Facilities management and Building pathology and investigation.



The knowledge, skills and competencies that participants will gain are relevant to their career development. This programme is developed to meet the Level 9 criteria as set out by the National Qualifications Authority of Ireland (NQAI). The treatment of all programme subjects will encourage the development of powers of analysis, of synthesis and of communication.



This will be achieved by building upon both the undergraduate studies and postgraduate experience of participants to develop a broader understanding of low energy building design and management. In addition the selection of a research topic for a dissertation will allow the student to concentrate on one or more of these directions.



The Masters degree requires successful completion of twelve mandatory modules. The student must also complete an applied programme consisting of a Research Dissertation and an Industrial Research seminar series.



The programme is accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Energy Institute for candidates with the relevant prior qualifications.

Modules

Research Methodology

Personal Development & Effectiveness

Statistical Analysis for Engineers

Energy Modelling for nZEB Design

Mechanical Services Systems

Low Energy Building Systems design

Sustainability & the Environment

Energy Modelling for HVAC Systems & Controls

Energy Auditing

Building Performance & Analysis

Electrical Systems & Energy Monitoring

Electrical Generation Technology

The normal minimum expected entry requirement for the MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering will be a cognate accredited NFQ Level 8 Honours 2.2. Engineering or Science Degree.



Entry to the programmes may also be allowed via the university’s Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) process on an individual case-by-case basis. This robust RPL process demonstrates that the candidate’s prior learning (education and experiential) has achieved outcomes commensurate with accredited Level 8 programme outcomes. Each RPL applicant must submit of a portfolio of evidence that maps the prior learning against the required Level 8 outcomes. This portfolio is reviewed by the Programme Leader and Head of Department and is supplemented by an interview.



International Students

International Students are advised to contact the SETU Waterford International Office before submitting an application via PAC. The International Office staff will give guidelines on how to apply and use PAC. The International also assists the Programme Leader and the Head of Department in their assessment of each international applicant’s educational qualifications and suitability for the programme.



This includes a detailed review of all relevant documentation and in many cases interviews (e.g. via Skype). Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of competency in English.



Engineers Ireland

The MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering programme is at NFQ Level 9 and has been designed to meet the accreditation standard of Engineers Ireland at Chartered level. Candidates who enter the programme with the relevant Level 8 qualification accredited by Engineers Ireland or recognised under the Washington Accord will have fully satisfied the education requirement for Chartered Engineer status on graduation with the MSc in Sustainable Energy Engineering*.



However it is important to note that those candidates (Irish and/or International) who enter via the RPL process or have a degree qualification that is not accredited by Engineers Ireland/Washington Accord will have to subsequently confirm with Engineers Ireland on a case-by-case basis if they have fully met the education requirement for Chartered Engineer.

Application Deadline 28 Aug 2026

1 - 2 years, part-time.



Part-time Mode:

Students will be required to attend SETU Waterford campus for 16 days during the year on 8 occasions of 2 days duration (typically all day Thursday and Friday

Next Intake September 2026

Further Study

Graduates from this programme will be equipped with knowledge and skills to supplement their existing areas of expertise and allow them to progress to a career in the design or management of energy in buildings either in Ireland or abroad.



Typical career opportunities for graduates can be found in fields such as:

Facilities Management

Energy Auditing

Energy Management within a corporate structure

Energy Management Consultancy

Construction Industry Design Professional