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MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures

An Energy Institute accredited courseThe MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures is an internationally unique programme. Throughout the year our students have lectures and guidance from experts across all research areas at Imperial College London, as well as leaders from the energy industry. The curriculum's focus on a multidisciplinary view of the energy sector means graduates are well placed to work in a diverse range of energy-related areas and are in high demand from employers.

"The MSc in Sustainable energy Futures has a 97% overall satisfaction rate in the Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey"

The main aim of the programme is to develop the next generation of leaders for the energy transition. This postgraduate course provides grounding in the major features of global energy issues, sustainable energy technologies and their interactions with economics, the environment and policy. Taking a quantitative approach to the study of technology and systems, the MSc mainly, though not exclusively, attracts students from engineering and physical sciences. It also appeals to those with some post degree experience wishing to gain a broader, more strategic perspective of energy issues.Students looking at a computer

Combining the academic and industrial experience of the Faculty of Engineering with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and the Imperial College Business School, the MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures offers a unique multidisciplinary teaching programme. Emphasis is placed on the study of whole systems and sustainability in order to be directly applicable to the wide-ranging and cross-cutting energy problems faced by society. Students will develop the critical evaluation skills, research techniques and quantitative analytical methodologies essential for assessing real-world energy systems.

 


Course overview

The MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures is offered as a full-time one-year intensive course starting in early October and finishing in late September. It is split over three terms: Autumn and Spring consist of mandatory taught modules that include Core Foundational Modules and 2-week Intensive Modules. The Summer term is dedicated to carrying out a research project.

"I really enjoyed the opportunity to meet, and work with, some of the top academics and business people in the energy sector. The course gave me a strong foundation across all energy technologies and systems, and put it all in an economic and policy context"

Simon Bushell (2014)

Energy Engineer, Ameresco

Modules in the Autumn Term, including Energy Systems Technology, Methods for the Analysis of Energy Systems and Energy Economics and Policy, bring a diverse cohort up to speed on common language and analytical tools. In the Spring Semester, students take specialised modules that are taught as a sequence of intensive two-week courses. Before embarking on individual research projects in the summer, students will have chosen their topic and submitted an initial literature review.

The research project is an opportunity to make use of the interdisciplinary nature of the MSc with projects available from across all academic departments involved in energy research at Imperial College London.

Throughout the year, students are able to attend Graduate School MasterClasses to develop transferable skills such as ‘Public Speaking’, and ‘Creative Thinking’. 

Applying for the course

We are now closed for 2023/24 applications. We will reopen for 2024/25 applications from early October 2023 to 30 April 2024.  

Applications must be completed online through the Imperial College London application system.

For information about applying or your application please contact mscinsef@imperial.ac.uk. 

Celebrating 15 Years

As the programme celebrates 15 years, hear from alumni and staff about what makes the MSc in Sustainable Energy Futures special.