Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
Sustainable and Renewable Energy engineers play a vital role in developing and implementing energy systems and technologies like solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promote a more sustainable future. They contribute to mitigating climate change, enhancing energy security, protecting the environment, and reducing energy waste.
Program Duration
2 Years
30 Credit Hours
Intake Commences
Tuition Fees*
3,000 AED / 817 USD (per CH)
Overview
AURAK’s Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy (MSRE) prepares graduates to lead the transition towards a more sustainable future by developing advanced expertise in renewable energy technologies such as solar, wind, geothermal, and hydropower, alongside energy management, energy storage, and energy policy. The program equips students with the knowledge and practical skills to design, evaluate, and implement solutions that address complex energy challenges across the UAE, region, and global markets.
The revised program reflects a modern, industry-aligned structure, enhancing flexibility, improving progression, and aligning with international postgraduate standards.
Program Structure & Pathways
The MSRE program offers two flexible pathways tailored to students’ career goals and research interests:
- Project Option Students complete five core courses, four electives, and an Applied Project, enabling them to apply sustainable energy concepts to real-world engineering challenges.
- Thesis Option Students complete five core courses, two electives, and a research thesis, conducting in-depth study under faculty supervision to contribute to academic and professional knowledge in the field.
Graduates are equipped to pursue roles across energy companies, government agencies, consulting firms, research institutions, and non-profit organisations, contributing to areas such as renewable energy development, policy, sustainability consulting, and environmental impact assessment.
Program Mission
The mission of the Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy program at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK) is to provide a high-quality education for United Arab Emirates students in the key aspects of Renewable and Sustainable Energy. It will enable the students to take responsible, creative, challenging, and stimulating posts in research and industry in this exciting field. The Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy program is designed to close the strategic gap between the technical aspects of renewable energy and the policy drivers for sustainable development. The program also addresses renewable energy systems' social, economic, and environmental issues. Through various opportunities, such as research projects, students can apply their skills and gain real-world experience in the field. After completing the requirements for the degree, students will be in an excellent position to start or continue a career in renewable and sustainable energy technologies. Students will be trained to design, model, manage and control complex projects and prepared to play leadership roles in industry and government.
Program Goals
The Program goals describe the expected accomplishments of graduates during their first few years after graduation. The program goals have been derived from and support the mission statement of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah. Upon successful completion of the Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy, a graduate should have the following:
- Acquired skills and competency in using renewable energy solutions instead of fossil fuel energy sources.
- Acquired a comprehensive understanding of renewable and sustainable energy systems.
- Teamwork skills in multidisciplinary projects, identifying problems, and proposing solutions, including rigorous analysis and design of a process, component, or system.
- Appreciation of the ethical and societal responsibilities entailed in the environmental engineering profession and the need for continuous education in the field and commitment to life-long learning.
Enrollment and Graduation Data
| NUMBER OF ENROLLED STUDENTS | |
|---|---|
| TERM | COUNT |
| Fall 2022 (Census: September) | 12 |
| Spring 2022 (Census: February) | 9 |
| Fall 2021 (Census: September) | 4 |
Sample Study Plan
Our graduate programs offer advanced knowledge and skills through specialized coursework, research projects, and experiential learning. Taught by world-class faculty with extensive research and professional experience, our programs equip students to make a difference in their careers and communities.
Year 1
First Semester
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Review of renewable energy resources; solar energy and photovoltaic, wind energy, wave energy, biomass energy conversion, fuel cells and batteries. Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Modeling methodology including system conceptualization. Model construction and validation (computational accuracy). Model evaluation and calibration. Simulation of energy and environmental systems. Optimization techniques; Classical direct search-for-optimum methods, Golden Mean, Conjugate Gradients, Modified Newton Method. Methods for constrained optimization such as Lagrange Multipliers, Search methods, Linear and Dynamic Programming. Use of software packages.
Second Semester
Year 2
First Semester
Second Semester
Year 1
First Semester
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Review of renewable energy resources; solar energy and photovoltaic, wind energy, wave energy, biomass energy conversion, fuel cells and batteries. Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Modeling methodology including system conceptualization. Model construction and validation (computational accuracy). Model evaluation and calibration. Simulation of energy and environmental systems. Optimization techniques; Classical direct search-for-optimum methods, Golden Mean, Conjugate Gradients, Modified Newton Method. Methods for constrained optimization such as Lagrange Multipliers, Search methods, Linear and Dynamic Programming. Use of software packages.
Second Semester
Year 2
First Semester
Pre-requisite(s): Department Approval; Co-requisite: None
A research-based thesis course that offers students the opportunity to work on a comprehensive, individual project. Topic to be agreed in consultation with a supervisor. The project will be of suitable complexity for results to be published for an expert audience.
Second Semester
Continuation of the Master Thesis I. A research-based thesis course that offers students the opportunity to work on a comprehensive, individual project. Topic to be agreed in consultation with a supervisor. The project will be of suitable complexity for results to be published for an expert audience. Thesis Research Course
Program Learning Outcomes
The outcomes of the Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy program have developed the Student Outcomes (SOs) that resulted from an extensive outreach effort and analysis. The outcomes are based on program educational objectives and are in line with level 9 descriptors of the QF Emirates. Students who complete this program will develop the following:
Program Accreditations
The American University of Ras Al Khaimah, located at the American University of Ras Al Khaimah Road, Ras al Khaimah, UAE, PO Box: 10021, is officially Licensed from 1 August 2009 to 15 September 2026 by the Ministry of Education of the United Arab Emirates to operate in the domain of Higher Education.
Program Requirements
The requirements of the MSRE program are thirty (30) credit hours as follows:
| Degree Requirements | Project option (credits) | Thesis option (credits) |
|---|---|---|
| Core Courses | 15 | 15 |
| Elective Courses | 12 | 6 |
| Project | 3 | - |
| Thesis | - | 9 |
| Total | 30 | 30 |
Core Courses 15 Credit Hours
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Review of renewable energy resources; solar energy and photovoltaic, wind energy, wave energy, biomass energy conversion, fuel cells and batteries. Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Modeling methodology including system conceptualization. Model construction and validation (computational accuracy). Model evaluation and calibration. Simulation of energy and environmental systems. Optimization techniques; Classical direct search-for-optimum methods, Golden Mean, Conjugate Gradients, Modified Newton Method. Methods for constrained optimization such as Lagrange Multipliers, Search methods, Linear and Dynamic Programming. Use of software packages.
Electives Courses 12 Credit Hours
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Comprehensive understanding of energy markets. Technological, cost, and environmental fundamentals of energy sources and environmental systems. Economic principles underlying the supply and demand for energy in a modern economy, through considerations of topics such as energy demand at the individual and economy-wide level, the supply of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, the rationale for energy policy and energy policy instruments. Advanced tools to analyze how energy and environmental policies affect the demand and supply of different types of energy.
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Techniques and approaches adapted to improve the efficiency of energy generation, utilization, conversion, transport, storage and management. Energy audits. Energy conservation opportunities for efficiency improvements in different sectors: industrial, commercial, transportation and domestic. Economic evaluation of energy conservation opportunities using engineering economic formulas, simple pay-back analysis, and life-cycle cost models. Short- and long-term planning. Restructuring and Privatization. Models of electricity industry, contract issues, markets and transmission pricing. De-regulation of the energy market around the world. Electrical demand control and power factor correction. Load forecast and generation side management.
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Basic characteristics of wind, site characterization, statistical methods of wind analysis, wind resources assessment, fundamental principles of wind energy utilization, aerodynamics, mechanical and electrical design aspects. Wind machine technologies and wind turbines performance analysis. Wind farm planning and design. Wind power integration into the power systems, and the environmental impact of wind power utilization.
Basic science and technology of water desalination to ensure sustainable water supply. Water production via desalination within the water-energy-cost nexus, evaluation of renewable-energy-powered desalination processes, power-desalination cogeneration analysis, evaluation and applications of novel desalination systems, such as thermal desalination, membrane distillation and forward osmosis. Recent technological improvements for enhanced desalination processes and fouling issues in current technologies. Assessing economic feasibility and the environmental impact of new desalination processes.
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Introduction to solar energy, solar radiation; review of the basics of thermodynamics and heat transfer, power plant technologies; types of CSP systems including CSP parabolic trough systems, CSP dish technology, CSP Fresnel technology and solar tower; heat storage systems; hybridization; secondary use of CSP systems; operation and maintenance of CSP systems; power quality control and grid integration; CSP plant project planning: economic, social and environmental considerations and site assessment.
Project 3 Credit Hours
Core Courses 15 Credit Hours
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Review of renewable energy resources; solar energy and photovoltaic, wind energy, wave energy, biomass energy conversion, fuel cells and batteries. Hydroelectric power and geothermal energy. Modeling methodology including system conceptualization. Model construction and validation (computational accuracy). Model evaluation and calibration. Simulation of energy and environmental systems. Optimization techniques; Classical direct search-for-optimum methods, Golden Mean, Conjugate Gradients, Modified Newton Method. Methods for constrained optimization such as Lagrange Multipliers, Search methods, Linear and Dynamic Programming. Use of software packages.
Electives Courses 12 Credit Hours
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Comprehensive understanding of energy markets. Technological, cost, and environmental fundamentals of energy sources and environmental systems. Economic principles underlying the supply and demand for energy in a modern economy, through considerations of topics such as energy demand at the individual and economy-wide level, the supply of renewable and non-renewable energy resources, the rationale for energy policy and energy policy instruments. Advanced tools to analyze how energy and environmental policies affect the demand and supply of different types of energy.
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Techniques and approaches adapted to improve the efficiency of energy generation, utilization, conversion, transport, storage and management. Energy audits. Energy conservation opportunities for efficiency improvements in different sectors: industrial, commercial, transportation and domestic. Economic evaluation of energy conservation opportunities using engineering economic formulas, simple pay-back analysis, and life-cycle cost models. Short- and long-term planning. Restructuring and Privatization. Models of electricity industry, contract issues, markets and transmission pricing. De-regulation of the energy market around the world. Electrical demand control and power factor correction. Load forecast and generation side management.
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Basic characteristics of wind, site characterization, statistical methods of wind analysis, wind resources assessment, fundamental principles of wind energy utilization, aerodynamics, mechanical and electrical design aspects. Wind machine technologies and wind turbines performance analysis. Wind farm planning and design. Wind power integration into the power systems, and the environmental impact of wind power utilization.
Basic science and technology of water desalination to ensure sustainable water supply. Water production via desalination within the water-energy-cost nexus, evaluation of renewable-energy-powered desalination processes, power-desalination cogeneration analysis, evaluation and applications of novel desalination systems, such as thermal desalination, membrane distillation and forward osmosis. Recent technological improvements for enhanced desalination processes and fouling issues in current technologies. Assessing economic feasibility and the environmental impact of new desalination processes.
Pre-requisite(s): None; Co-requisite: None
Introduction to solar energy, solar radiation; review of the basics of thermodynamics and heat transfer, power plant technologies; types of CSP systems including CSP parabolic trough systems, CSP dish technology, CSP Fresnel technology and solar tower; heat storage systems; hybridization; secondary use of CSP systems; operation and maintenance of CSP systems; power quality control and grid integration; CSP plant project planning: economic, social and environmental considerations and site assessment.
Master Thesis 3 Credit Hours
Pre-requisite(s): Department Approval; Co-requisite: None
A research-based thesis course that offers students the opportunity to work on a comprehensive, individual project. Topic to be agreed in consultation with a supervisor. The project will be of suitable complexity for results to be published for an expert audience.
Continuation of the Master Thesis I. A research-based thesis course that offers students the opportunity to work on a comprehensive, individual project. Topic to be agreed in consultation with a supervisor. The project will be of suitable complexity for results to be published for an expert audience. Thesis Research Course
Admission Requirements
AURAK is dedicated to providing students with a high-quality education that prepares them for successful careers and fulfilling lives. To be considered for one of our programs, you'll need to meet specific criteria. Our admissions requirements are designed to ensure that each student has the skills, knowledge, and commitment required to thrive in our challenging and rewarding environment. Admission offer is only issued upon admission review and a master evaluation.
Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy
- A baccalaureate degree, or its equivalent, in a relevant field with a minimum CGPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
- Qualified applicants requiring prerequisite courses may be required to take such courses in addition to their regular graduate program courses.
English Proficiency Requirements
| Name of Exam | Score |
|---|---|
Academic IELTS |
6.0 |
TOEFL – Paper based |
550 |
TOEFL – Internet Based |
79 |
Oxford Online Placement Test (OOPT) completed at AURAK Campus |
Successfully pass the test with the required score |
Duolingo English Test |
105 |
- Copy of Degree certificate – translated into English, if the original is not in English
- Official university transcript – translated into English, if original not in English
- Two letters of recommendation – from a current supervisor and/or professor
- Updated / current CV (résumé)
- Two passport photos
- Emirates ID
- Passport Copy
- Health Insurance / Card
- Copy of a birth certificate
- Copy of the Family Book (Emirati)
- Two years of work experience required for Master of Education Program and five years for Executive Master of Business Administration
Meet our experienced Faculty Members
Our faculty members are a core strength of our program, with diverse backgrounds, impressive academic pedigrees, and a solid commitment to enriching your learning experience. All of our faculty members hold Ph.D. degrees from respected universities worldwide and bring a wealth of professional and research experience to the classroom.
Explore your Career Opportunities
Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy courses offer excellent career opportunities not only in Dubai and the other UAE emirates but also globally. Gain a competitive edge in the job market with AURAK’s Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy.
AURAK’s degree in Master of Science in Sustainable and Renewable Energy leads to exciting career opportunities such as:
-
Energy Efficiency Manager
-
Wind Energy Professional
-
Solar Photovoltaic Expert
-
Research and Development Expert
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