Research Project
| Module title | Research Project |
|---|---|
| Module code | ENEM018 |
| Academic year | 2025/6 |
| Credits | 60 |
| Module staff | Dr Helen Smith (Convenor) |
| Duration: Term | 1 | 2 | 3 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duration: Weeks | 15 |
| Number students taking module (anticipated) | 20 |
|---|
Module description
This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate the renewable energy engineering knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.
You will be required to solve an academic or industry related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the Renewable Energy Engineering MSc programme. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects or, alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader/potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to explore if they offer required technical rigour and research challenge.
Project management is a key skill for successful completion of any project. To help develop your project management skills, before commencing your research project you will complete a summative assessment to produce a short, formal research proposal that must be signed off by your supervisor before project commencement
As part of the research project, you are expected to undertake a considerable amount of self-study. There is limited formal taught component in the module, plus suggested regular meetings with the supervisor.
Students undertaking one of the following pathways are required to focus their project on their chosen specialist subject area to have their specialism noted in brackets after the degree title:
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Solar Energy)
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Energy Storage Systems)
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Offshore Energy)
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Wind Energy)
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Low Carbon Transport)
Module aims - intentions of the module
The aim of the project and associated dissertation is to showcase a range of your abilities, including project management and effective communication skills. You will have the chance to undertake individual research of a technical, management or combined nature at master’s level in the field of Renewable Energy Engineering.
Intended Learning Outcomes (ILOs)
ILO: Module-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 1. Demonstrate a deep and systematic understanding of knowledge in areas appropriate to the chosen research project at the forefront of the academic discipline
- 2. Research and critically evaluate the academic and industry literature relevant to the proposed project area (M4-FL);
ILO: Discipline-specific skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 3. Evaluate the ethical concerns associated with the project and put appropriate safeguards in place as required (M8-FL);
- 4. Plan your project using recognised and appropriate project management techniques, and analyse the risks associated with the project and implement appropriate mitigation measures (M9-FL, M17-FL);
ILO: Personal and key skills
On successfully completing the module you will be able to...
- 5. Identify and reflect on the skills developed through the project in the context of UK-SPEC as the foundation for lifelong learning/CPD (M18-FL);
- 6. Communicate your research effectively both orally and in writing (M17-FL).
Syllabus plan
Programme of work to be set by the project supervisor.
Dissertation-specific skills sessions to include:
- Dissertation introduction
- Ethics
- Health and safety
- Library resources and research skills
Learning activities and teaching methods (given in hours of study time)
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching Activities | Guided independent study | Placement / study abroad |
|---|---|---|
| 24 | 576 | 0 |
Details of learning activities and teaching methods
| Category | Hours of study time | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Learning and Teaching activities | 24 | Supervision |
| Guided Independent Study | 576 | Dissertation writing and private study |
Summative assessment (% of credit)
| Coursework | Written exams | Practical exams |
|---|---|---|
| 85 | 0 | 15 |
Details of summative assessment
| Form of assessment | % of credit | Size of the assessment (eg length / duration) | ILOs assessed | Feedback method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Planning report | 10 | 2000 words | 3-4 | Written and verbal |
| Dissertation | 75 | 15,000 words | 1-2, 5-6 | Written |
| Interview | 15 | Interview with examiners | 5-6 | Written |
Details of re-assessment (where required by referral or deferral)
| Original form of assessment | Form of re-assessment | ILOs re-assessed | Timescale for re-assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| All above | Coursework (100%) | All | Referral/deferral period |
Re-assessment notes
Deferral – if you miss an assessment for certificated reasons judged acceptable by the Mitigation Committee, you will normally be either deferred in the assessment or an extension may be granted. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of deferral will not be capped and will be treated as it would be if it were your first attempt at the assessment.
Referral – if you have failed the module overall, you will be required to resubmit the original assessment as necessary. The mark given for a re-assessment taken as a result of referral will be capped.
Referred and deferred assignments will mirror the original modes of assessment.
Indicative learning resources - Web based and electronic resources
- ELE
| Credit value | 60 |
|---|---|
| Module ECTS | 30 |
| Module pre-requisites | All compulsory taught modules for the Renewable Energy Engineering MSc. |
| NQF level (module) | 7 |
| Available as distance learning? | No |
| Origin date | 11/03/2024 |
| Last revision date | 24/07/2025 |