Course overview
As industries, governments and communities accelerate towards net zero, the need for engineers who understand whole-system sustainability has never been greater. This degree provides you with the technical depth, systems thinking, and innovation mindset required to design, implement and manage sustainable energy and engineering solutions across diverse sectors.
The MSc Sustainable Engineering and Clean Energy (with Advanced Practice) course equips you with the advanced knowledge and practical skills required to address the global sustainability challenge. This forward-looking programme integrates sustainable engineering principles with clean energy technologies, digital engineering systems, and zero-carbon infrastructure to prepare you for leadership roles in the green transition.
A vocational internship is a great way to gain work experience and give your CV a competitive edge. A research internship provides you with the opportunity to develop your analytical, team-working, research and academic skills by working alongside a research team in an academic setting. We guarantee a research internship, but cannot guarantee a vocational internship. We will, however, provide you with practical support and advice on how to find and secure your own vocational internship position should you prefer this type of internship.
Here at Teesside University, we carry out a range of sustainability research and contribute to several regional strategic projects. We are based in the Tees Valley, a hub of the green energy industry, housing bioethanol, hydrogen and offshore wind farms. The region is also a centre for investment in carbon capture and storage, industrial decarbonisation and net zero initiatives – making it an ideal location to study this course.
The curriculum has been designed to connect engineering systems with clean energy innovation. This course reflects rapid advances in:
- sustainable engineering systems
- clean and renewable energy technologies
- digital and interactive manufacturing systems
- circular economy strategies
- zero-carbon built environments.
If you are looking to be involved in net zero initiatives, then this course is an ideal launchpad for your career, and there are a number of £12,000 Kellas Midstream Clean Energy Scholarships available to fund your studies
Course details
Course structure
Year 1 core modules
Advanced Practice is normally undertaken over a one semester period and has been developed to enable a student to gain real-world practical experience to enhance their employability and academic learning. Students will receive preparatory sessions to enable them to apply to internship opportunities, which normally include:
Vocational internships with external organisations based offsite
Research or development internships based on campus
Employer-led internships based on campus
Students will undertake an appropriate advanced practice opportunity to meet their skill set and aspirations, related to their course.
All students will be assigned an academic supervisor to provide academic and pastoral support throughout their internship. Students will be assessed through a reflective report on a pass/fail basis. This module does not count towards the overall classification of the degree.
Develop a deep understanding of circular economy models, sustainable materials, lifecycle analysis, waste minimisation, and resource efficiency strategies within engineering systems.
Undertake an independent research project addressing a real-world sustainability or clean energy challenge. This project enables you to apply advanced research methods, technical analysis, and critical evaluation to produce industry-relevant solutions.
Examine global and regional energy demand trends, energy modelling, electrification, smart grids, and the challenges associated with balancing supply and demand in a low-carbon economy.
Interactive Digital Factory Systems
Investigate Industry 4.0 technologies, including digital twins, automation, data-driven manufacturing, and smart production systems that enable sustainable and efficient industrial processes.
Study renewable technologies such as solar, wind, hydro, and emerging systems, alongside energy storage, grid integration, and performance optimisation.
Explore the principles of sustainability within engineering practice, including environmental impact assessment, systems thinking, climate change mitigation, and policy frameworks supporting sustainable development.
Zero Carbon Built Infrastructure
Analyse the design and operation of low- and zero-carbon buildings and infrastructure, including sustainable construction methods, building performance, and energy-efficient design strategies.
Modules offered may vary.
How you learn
You will learn through a blend of:
- applied engineering case studies
- simulation and modelling tools
- lab and digital systems analysis
- industry-informed teaching
- independent research and project work.
How you are assessed
You are assessed on your subject knowledge, independent thought and skills acquisition.
Assessments include design and lab reports, portfolios, exams, group work, posters presentations, technical interviews, oral presentations, literature surveys, evaluations and summaries, and a dissertation.
Entry requirements
Normally a 2.2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in a discipline related to engineering, technology, maths or applied physical science, for example, physics, chemistry, or geology.
Students with a degree awarded outside the UK must also meet the University's minimum English language requirements.
International applicants who need a student visa to study in the UK should check our web pages on UKVI-compliant English language requirements. The University also provides pre-sessional English language courses if you do not meet the minimum English language requirement.
For general information please see our overview of entry requirements
International applicants can find out what qualifications they need by visiting our international country pages.
Employability
Career opportunities
You are well positioned for roles such as:
- Renewable Energy Engineer
- Sustainability Engineer
- Energy Systems Analyst
- Circular Economy Consultant
- Net Zero Strategy Advisor
- Digital Manufacturing Specialist
- Infrastructure and Built Environment Engineer
Information for international applicants
Qualifications
International applicants - find out what qualifications you need by selecting your country below.
Select your country:
Useful information
Visit our international pages for useful information for non-UK students and applicants.