Best Universities to Study Masters in Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is more important now than ever before, with sustainability a key priority of communities and organizations around the world. A masters in renewable energy helps you crack into the career opportunities this creates to make a tangible difference to mankind. So, which universities and programs offer you the qualifications to kickstart a successful career in this field? Let’s jump into the ins and outs of studying renewable energy abroad, including program opportunities and career prospects.
Why Study Renewable Energy?
From contributing to the world to kickstarting your career, there are quite a few compelling reasons to study renewable energy. A Masters in Renewable Energy guarantees specialist education in the field, which can have many advantages. Besides this, your interest and sense of responsibility towards the world and its people can also drive you towards this sector. Here are some plus points to consider if you are planning to study renewable energy:
Combat Climate Change
The first and most important reason to invest in understanding renewable energy is combating climate change. Climate change is real and impacting our planet in critical ways. Experts in renewable energy are among the groups who can take charge in reversing its effects. Education and career pathways in renewable energy can help you accomplish your responsibility towards the planet and give you a meaningful life goal.
Excellent Career Prospects
Alongside the moral gratification, this degree is also in high demand. The renewable energy industry is fast-growing and sees a lot of investment. Critical climate conditions translate into a high demand for sustainability experts to combat them.
A masters in renewable energy from an excellent university can prepare you to join giants in the industry leading the cause for sustainability.
Leading Role in Industry
A specialization in renewable energy is a niche and high-demand qualification. In fact, it is in recent decades that renewable energy has grown into a core discipline in higher education. What this means for you is a master’s degree that is innovative, industry-relevant, and very high in demand. With a master’s specialization in renewable energy, you have a strong competitive edge in the job market. Explore the list of university courses in renewable energy in our GRADSearch database to discover options from the world’s best institutions!
International Acceptance
Climate change is impacting the whole world, making sustainability concerns a universal experience. A degree in renewable energy has incredible global recognition and relevance. This industry is in demand all over the world, with subsidies and funding from international organizations. This gives you the versatility to work anywhere, internationally.
What Will I Study Under Renewable Energy?
Renewable energy is a broad term that encompasses the study, research, development, and deployment of sustainable energy solutions that mitigate environmental concerns such as pollution, finite resources, global warming, etc. Under renewable energy, you can explore specialist fields and niches such as:
• Hydroelectric Energy
• Wind Turbine Energy
• Solar Energy
• Biomass Energy
• Geothermal Energy
• Tidal Energy
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Planning
• Sustainability Engineering
• Energy Policy and Planning
• Etc.
Career Opportunities in Renewable Energy
Here are some of the top career options you can explore with a masters in renewable energy:
| Career | Average Yearly Salary (2024) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | £30,548 |
| Energy Engineer | £34,485 |
| Urban Planner | £37,948 |
| Nuclear Engineer | £45,912 |
| Heating & Ventilation Engineer | £34,885 |
Top Universities in Renewable Energy
Renewable energy is a specialist subject and the best universities for the program will have expert faculty, industry-relevant curricula, and high-tech experiential learning facilities. Take a look at some of the best universities around the world that check these boxes and more.
University of New South Wales
UNSW is one of the most prestigious and top-ranking universities in Australia. As one of Australia’s prestigious research leaders and Group of Eight members, UNSW has one of the best research facilities in the country, especially for its science and technology subjects.
UNSW offers an excellent Master of Engineering in Renewable Energy program. The university itself has a decades-long history of producing industry-leading innovations and contributions in renewable energy.
| Degree Name | Master of Engineering in Renewable Energy |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Intakes | February/July |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | AUD 54,000 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS total 6.5, reading 6.0 and writing 6.0 |
Macquarie University
One of the most popular institutions among international students heading to Australia, Macquarie University also offers a great masters in renewable energy. The university is one of the best in Sydney for graduate employability, a special plus with the engineering sector in Australia set to see a record high in job opportunities. You will learn under industry experts and mentors in Australia’s biggest innovation district, CMPID, as well as the university’s expert faculty heading its new engineering precinct.
| Degree Name | Master of Engineering (Professional) in Renewable Energy and Electrical Engineering |
| Duration | 2 years, 1 year |
| Intakes | February/July |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | AUD 43,200 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS total 6.5, reading 6.0 and writing 6.0 |
The University of South Wales
The University of South Wales in the UK is another excellent option to consider for a masters in renewable energy. This university hosts the Sustainable Energy Research Center (SERC) where the program delivery occurs. The research center has a 30-year track record of working towards a sustainable future.
The University of South Wales offers an MSc in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology, teaching you the ins and outs of green technology.
| Degree Name | MSc in Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology |
| Duration | 2 years, 1 year |
| Intakes | February/September |
| Type | Full-time/Part-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | £16,000 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS total 6.0, individual 5.5 |
Coventry University
Coventry University, one of the world-leading universities in the UK, is also one of the more affordable options for international students opting for this program. The university offers a world-class MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering. This program acquaints you with the technology necessary to manufacture and process renewable energy. Built with industry relevance and demand in mind, the program also includes a work placement opportunity for hands-on practical learning.
| Degree Name | MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering |
| Duration | 2 years, 1 year |
| Intakes | January/September |
| Type | Full-time/Part-time/Sandwich |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | £20,050 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS total 6.5, individual 5.5 |
The University of Canterbury
New Zealand is one of the global leaders in fighting climate change and creating a greener world. Studying at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand is a great opportunity to enter this industry. This university offers a fantastic Master of Engineering Studies degree with a specialist focus in Renewable Energy.
| Degree Name | Master of Engineering Studies in Renewable Energy |
| Duration | 1 year |
| Intakes | February/July |
| Type | Full-time |
| Mode | On-campus |
| Course Fees | NZD 49,900 annually |
| English Requirements | IELTS total 6.5, individual 6.0 |
Admission Requirements for Renewable Energy
Universities set their own requirements for entry into their renewable energy programs. These requirements do not strictly mention a prior degree in renewable energy in most cases. This is because renewable energy is a niche field of study, with many choosing to specialize in it after completing a general engineering degree. Universities typically ask for an undergraduate degree in a relevant field of study, preferably in engineering, for masters in renewable energy applicants. Admission criteria may include:
Undergraduate education: Generally, a Bachelor's or Graduate Certificate degree in Engineering. Some universities mention minimum grade thresholds and requirements.
English proficiency: You will need to take an English proficiency test, with scores that meet the minimum requirement of the university and program.
Financial Requirements: Most countries will require you to provide proof of financial solvency to apply for a student visa. This solvency should include the ability to pay for at least one year of tuition fees and living costs.
Documents:
● Statement of Purpose
● Academic Transcripts
● Letters of Recommendation
● CV/Resume
● Proof of identity
● English language test scores
● Other test scores, such as the GRE General Test
Rounding Up
Studying for a masters in renewable energy can be a game changer for your career. As one of the most critical and relevant fields today to tackle universal environmental concerns, a profession in this sector is both lucrative and positively impactful. Master’s degree programs, which typically take a strong professional focus, can build up your industry-relevant knowledge and skillset for career success. Explore top renewable energy programs from the best global universities with GRADSearch.
