MSc Engineering Net Zero

The program is a one-year full-time Master's.

The programme is presented in two stages:

In Stage 1, you will follow taught modules to the value of 120 credits, with 80 credits being core modules, and the remaining optional modules being chosen from an extensive list covering various specialisms. You will be guided in choosing these optional modules based on your experience, discipline and preferences.

Stage 2 consists of a Dissertation module worth 60 credits, undertaken over the summer.

You will study the core modules necessary for attaining the knowledge and skills needed to address the change needed across the profession to provide solutions to the challenges of climate change.

You will also be able to choose from a range of optional modules allowing you to specialize or follow your own interests.

You will be able to develop a research project focussing on your own interests or future aspirations. This may involve a placement with one of our external partners or working with one of our internationally recognised research groups.

Core Modules for Year One

• Earth and Society
• Low Carbon Footprint
• Principles for Decarbonisation
• Decarbonisation Design Project
• Decarbonisation Research Project
• Decarbonisation Dissertation

Optional Modules for Year One

• Environmental Fluid Mechanics

• Environmental Policy and Regulation

• Advanced Power Systems and High Voltage Technology

• Risk and Hazard Management in the Energy Sector

• Alternative Energy Systems

• Environmental Building Studies

• Energy Management

• Flood Design

• Waste Management and Recycling

• Energy Studies

• Building and Infrastructure Information Modelling

• Renewable Energy Technologies

• Grid Integration of Renewables

• Sustainable Transport

How Will I Be Assessed?

Modules will be assessed either by coursework, presentation, examination or combinations therein. You will be assessed by a range of methods designed to enhance your learning experience and to test your skills and knowledge. These typically include open and closed book examinations, written assignments, in-class tests and linked formative activities including peer review, reflection and presentations.

Assessments are designed to best reflect practical relevance and to be authentic, whilst evidencing achievement of the learning outcomes.

Feedback is an essential element of your learning experience and will be provided during the duration of your studies. Each module will have feedback mechanisms to aid in your learning and development. Formative assessments will have feedback that assists in developing your knowledge, understanding and skills. Feedback following summative assessments will outline the evidence used to mark your submission against set criteria and give constructive comments towards developing your knowledge, understanding and skills for the future.

What Skills Will I Practise and Develop?

The Learning Outcomes for this Programme describe what you will achieve by the end of your programme at Cardiff University and identify the knowledge and skills that you will develop. They will also help you to understand what is expected of you.

On successful completion of your Programme you will be able to:

Knowledge & Understanding

• KU 1 Appraise the application of new and existing knowledge of advanced engineering principles concerning decarbonisation in relevant engineering disciplines and apply it to authentic problems encountered in research and industry by drawing on key theories
• KU 2 Construct engineering solutions through a comprehensive understanding of fundamental principles and theories to real engineering challenges
• KU 3 Identify the role of net zero engineering within the climate change emergency and formulate responses to engineering challenges within a wider societal context
• KU 4 Formulate approaches to decarbonisation within specific disciplines and wider society and propose pathways for implementation
• KU 5 Act autonomously in critical decision-making

Intellectual Skills

• IS 1 Develop innovative engineering solutions to address and implement change towards creating a decarbonised society
• IS 2 Solve engineering challenges that require a thorough and comprehensive knowledge and understanding of underpinning engineering principles and practices
• IS 3 Collaborate with other engineering and science-based disciplines and related areas to create a holistic approach to tackling climate change challenges
• IS 4 Critique and defend your engineering solutions within a research and industrial context, as well as across wider societal impact
• IS 5 Appreciate preconceived bias within engineering practices and society towards climate change and critically assess data and approaches to decarbonisation based on thorough research and undertaking validation and verification processes

Professional Practical Skills

• PS 1 Instigate engineering projects with regard to addressing sustainability and decarbonisation
• PS 2 Develop and implement solutions using a range of engineering skills, fundamental principles and processes
• PS 3 Critically review the framework of relevant government and legal requirements to hasten the implementation of net zero solutions
• PS 4 Contribute positively and effectively when working in a team and be able to communicate complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences
• PS 5 Identify, define and analyse complex issues and ideas, exercising critical judgment in evaluating sources of information
• PS 6 Independently report, present and critically evaluate findings resulting from the dissertation against stated objectives

Transferable/Key Skills

• KS 1 Deploy a range of skills including problem-solving, communication, teamwork, information retrieval, IT skills, self-learning, reflection and career development
• KS 2 Collect, evaluate, synthesise and interpret qualitative and quantitative data in a variety of ways, identifying means to gain new data where needed
• KS 3 Conceive, plan, execute and communicate outcomes of significant project or research work that includes originality on the application of knowledge and critical engineering judgement
• KS 4 Appreciate key aspects of the Climate Emergency and the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, identifying their relevance in formulating an engineering response
• KS 5 Actively reflect on your own studies, achievements and self-identity

You will be well prepared for leadership roles in implementing decarbonisation strategies in engineering and science-based research and industrial, commercial or government organisations. Career destinations include senior and principal engineering leads, environmental and sustainability officers, legislative and management roles and university research.

Graduates will attain the essential attributes required by today’s employers which include collaboration, communication, societal responsibilities, self-learning, self-determination, critical thinking, problem-solving, innovation and reflective practices.

Strong links with our research groups and industrial partners will enhance your employability skills and opportunities to network. Visiting lecturers from industry and professional advice from engineering institutions together with support from our Careers Team will provide relevant help and advice in relation to future employment opportunities.

How Will I Be Taught?

The School of Engineering has been internationally recognised for its research excellence, which translates into a strong and active research-led teaching culture. Your learning experience is at the heart of the programme, where we have created an inspirational approach to achieve a dynamic and challenging environment based on high-quality face-to-face teaching around problem-based learning, authentic design-led group work and cutting-edge research.

Modules are delivered through a series of face-to-face lectures, tutorials, workshops or seminars, as well as design and research-led group activities. Supplementary learning resources are also provided to both aid student learning and provide stretching activities.

Individual modules provide further information on how to study and guidance on learning resources and further support.

As well as having individual activities, learning together is an important aspect of this programme, especially when collaborating in multi-disciplinary groups. Directed support is provided concerning effective team participation, developing group dynamics and reviewing peer contribution.