This course supports individuals who wish to undertake sustainability-focused roles in a wide range of engineering and manufacturing sectors in relation to our zero-carbon transition and achieving our 2050 Net Zero Emission targets. Specifically, it will provide detailed understanding and training in renewable energy production and assessing and monitoring sustainable processes. In association with the Postgraduate Certificate in Hydrogen Energy Systems, this certificate course will help provide training and support for regional, national and international transition towards a net-zero economy.
On completion of the course the student will be able to:
• Demonstrate awareness of the various low-carbon technology options and evaluate how these can be deployed in different scenarios.
• Exercise investigation and critical analysis of the published literature to produce technical and economical evaluations of low-carbon technologies.
• Build skills in the modelling of systems and understand the complexity of achieving net-zero carbon.
• Effectively communicate net zero carbon options to a wide range of stakeholders ranging from the general public though industry and policy.
WHO ARE YOU?
You are someone who is interested in the energy transition towards achieving our Net Zero Emissions targets. That could be in relation to understanding more about the fundamental process and how we can achieve it or developing the skills to directly contribute within your current sector or industry. You could be someone already working within the renewable energy sector or someone thinking about reskilling and beginning a career in a more sustainability-focused role.
WHY STUDY THIS COURSE?
You will gain a strong foundation in the engineering and associated skills that are needed to underpin growth in the renewable energy sector. This includes exploring current low-carbon energy manufacturing routes, advancements in emerging technologies, and assessing and modelling sustainability. You will therefore be well placed to support existing and new industries in their energy system transition. Students completing this course will possess skills in each of these areas which are increasingly sought by local and international employers for positions such as a low-carbon technology engineers, carbon consultants and low-carbon solutions managers. You will therefore be well placed to support existing and new industries in their energy system transition which will play a key role in the growing local and global economy.
The course is taught by leading academics from across the faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences including the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering which is a unique and internationally recognized school.
Zero Carbon Engineering highlights
Industry Links
We regularly consult and develop links with a large number of global employers from a variety of sectors including large energy producers (as well as smaller industries) including Horiba Mira and Petronas. Furthermore, we work with a range of local and start-up/spin-out companies including Wright Bus, Green Lizard Technologies and Nuada.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Sustainability is one of the School’s two core themes. Core staff are leading multi-million pound research projects on sustainability and net zero research. As the UK’s only combined Chemistry and Chemical Engineering School within the Russell group, our experts very well placed to equip the next generation of scientists to address these issues.
Governments around the world have set legally binding targets in support of low-carbon growth, which will require significant investments in resources, infrastructure, and technology. The aim of this programme is to provide students with a strong foundation of the engineering and associated skills that are needed to underpin such “green growth” in a wide range of sectors. They will therefore be well placed to support existing and new industries in their transition to net-zero carbon manufacturing.
Introduction
This course will start in September 2025 and run until mid-May 2026. Assessment activities will be carried out throughout the course and may extend beyond individual module teaching blocks. Students on the course will need to have access to a computer with internet access.
The course will be divided across three 20 CATS modules (60 CATS total) and will utilize online delivery and blended-learning activities to enable students to access learning materials in a highly flexible manner, compatible with a part-time mode of study. Delivery will take the form of pre-recorded lectures and reading material being made available to students on a weekly basis, followed by regular synchronous online workshops, seminars and Q&A sessions to ensure continuous engagement with the students.
Blended teaching and assessments will be delivered via a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, live online workshop and seminar classes and self-directed study and practice materials. In addition, a short guest lecture series will be delivered with lecturers from industry.
List of Indicative Programme modules
Applied Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technologies
Sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Criteria
Tools for Assessing Energy and Carbon
Options for further study
This programme (60 CATS), along with the one in Hydrogen Energy Systems (60 CATS), can also contribute towards the MSc in Net Zero Engineering (180 CATS). Students who are interested in using this certificate to build towards the MSc in Net Zero Engineering are encouraged to contact the MSc Programme Director.
Chemical Engineering Dr Curry specializes in Life Cycle Analysis and has expertise in the renewable energy sector including Anaerobic Digestion for biomethane generation.
Teaching Times
Blended teaching and assessments will be delivered via a mixture of pre-recorded lectures, live online workshop and seminar classes and self-directed study and practice materials.
Learning and Teaching
Our online delivery aims replicate the interactive and engaging nature of an on-campus delivery
Online Support
There is online advisory support for learners to connect with experts who provide bespoke one-to-one support. Offered - Monday to Friday, daytime to early evening, to flexibly support leaners.
Practice activities
Regular practice activities including set exercises, problem sheets and other tasks to reinforce learning and build practical skills.
Seminars
There are regular seminar classes to allow students to engage with lecturers and ask questions about the taught material within the teaching blocks.
Workshops
Workshops will consolidate learning and further explore course topics. These will be delivered live via Teams to permit learners to connect and ask / answer questions. The classes will also be recorded to permit flexible on-demand access.
Assessment
Assessment will be continuous.
There will be regular formative assessment through written and oral assignments, presentations and group reports to measure learner progress and to provide advice and direction.
Facilities
The McClay library at QUB provides you with online access to relevant journals (e.g. International Journal of Hydrogen Energy, Journal of Cleaner Production, Energy Policy), books and other research literature. Key databases including Scopus and the Web of Science are also at your disposal (see the library’s information guide [https://libguides.qub.ac.uk/chem] for an overview). If you would like help with making the most of the wide range of available sources, your subject librarian at the library can be contacted for advice and one-to-one support.
Investment continues to be made in the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering extending our range of facilities. The well-equipped research laboratories are augmented by excellent computational facilities and some of the most modern instrumentation available from HPLC, GC and mass spectrometers, to FT-IR, UV-Vis and Fluorescence spectroscopy, dedicated to the training of analytical techniques. Significant additions to open-access equipment have been made recently and all activities are supported by a highly trained team of technicians.
For further information please see: https://www.qub.ac.uk/schools/SchoolofChemistryandChemicalEngineering/Discover/Facilities/
The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.
Block 1
Topic:
Concepts of sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Staff TBC
Block 2
Topic:
Applying sustainability criteria and metrics to industrial, commercial and residential sectors Staff TBC
Block 3
Topic:
Assessing the societal impacts of technology, engineering, design of infrastructure and policy implications in the area of sustainability and Net Zero Carbon Staff TBC
Block 4
Topic:
Evaluating regional and global trade-offs associated with resource use strategies to achieve Net Zero Carbon Staff TBC
Summary of Module Delivery:
This module is delivered in blocks of 3 weeks (on average). Each of the four blocks consists of online asynchronous content with synchronous content delivered via Teams.
Learning Outcomes
This module examines the drivers for sustainability and achieving net zero carbon. It looks at how this need has accelerated over recent years and sets out to evaluate the opportunities arising from green growth. It provides an understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of this challenge and enhances skills in areas relating to interdisciplinary communication of complex and interdependent concepts.
At the end of the module the students are expected to:
Have a sound understanding of the concepts of sustainability and zero carbon.
Read, understand and assimilate new information and subsume acquired knowledge into a concise format.
Critically evaluate literature and current thinking in the area.
Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills, including preparation and presentation of reports.
Be able to work in a team, through participation in group projects.
Evaluate impacts and consequences of sustainability decisions, and their uncertainty, at regional and global scales.
Skills
Skills Associated With Module:
Critical and interdisciplinary thinking.
Ability to review literature, to produce written documents and reports.
Analytical skills
Block 1
Topic:
Modelling mass, energy and carbon balances Staff TBC
Block 2
Topic:
Methods and tools for collection and analysis of environmental sustainability and carbon data Staff TBC
Block 3
Topic:
Applied life cycle analysis and carbon foot printing Staff TBC
Block 4
Topic:
Tools for energy and carbon management Staff TBC
Summary of Module Delivery:
This module is delivered in blocks of 3 weeks (on average). Each of the four blocks consists of online asynchronous content with synchronous content delivered via Teams.
Learning Outcomes
This module provides a greater understanding of the methods and tools that facilitate measurement and tracking of progress towards net-zero targets and furthermore provides an evidence base for decision making at different levels. Within the module we look at the tools and techniques that are used to measure environmental sustainability, including greenhouse gas emissions, resource use, waste, and water. We look at how these are applied across sectors and the challenges of their measurement, reporting and management.
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Conduct energy and mass balances at different scales.
• Describe tools for quantifying/estimating the availability and consumption of resources including energy, water, carbon etc.
• Search and critically evaluate the literature and compile an inventory of technology performance assumptions and associated CO2-eq emissions;
• Apply knowledge and understanding of Life Cycle Analysis, Carbon-Foot Printing, Inventory and Model development and build computational models to undertake this analysis
• Predict the potential environmental, social, and economic impacts of an action or decision.
• Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of uncertainty and complexity in inventory development and modelling through the use of Sensitivity Analysis
Skills
Skills Associated With Module:
Mathematical model development
Core skills in underlying physical sciences, in particular physics and chemistry as applied to solving problems relevant to energy systems
Critical evaluation
Analytical skills
Applied Renewable Energy and Low Carbon Technologies
Overview
Summary of Lecture Content:
Block 1
Topic:
Fundamentals of renewable energy technologies including wind, solar, marine, geothermal and biomass Staff TBC
Block 2
Topic:
Integration and evaluation of renewable energy systems with other current and emerging low-carbon technologies Staff TBC
Block 3
Topic:
Application of low-carbon systems to either retrofit existing, or design new buildings, factories and infrastructure Staff TBC
Block 4
Topic:
Economics and other factors for supporting decision making in the deployment of low-carbon systems Staff TBC
Summary of Module Delivery:
This module is delivered in blocks of 3 weeks (on average). Each of the four blocks consists of online asynchronous content with synchronous content delivered via Teams.
Learning Outcomes
Understanding the various options for deploying low-carbon solutions and balancing negative and positive emissions technologies to achieve net-zero forms the core of this module. Here we look at the range of options available and examine not only the individual technologies but consider how these work together in an overall energy/carbon system.
• Apply knowledge of renewable energy systems to the design of future buildings, cities and transport infrastructure
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Explain key decision factors in choosing appropriate renewable energy and low-carbon technology systems
• Analyse and interpret data sets in support of low carbon technologies
• Understand current and emerging technologies and evaluate the related challenges towards their deployment
Skills
Skills Associated With Module:
Core skills in underlying physical sciences, in particular physics and chemistry as applied to solving problems relevant to energy systems
Critical evaluation
Analytical skills
Systems thinking
Communication and report writing skills
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) in any STEM subject. Applicants who can demonstrate appropriate work experience in a process, manufacturing or related role will be considered on a case by case basis and may be required to successfully complete a brief skills assessment and/or interview.
Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal. Notifications to this effect will appear on the Direct Application Portal against the programme application page.
Please note: a deposit will be required to secure a place.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the link below for more information. http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB
International Students
Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.
English Language Requirements
Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.
International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.
If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, INTO Queen's University Belfast offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.
Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.
Those graduating with a PGCert in Zero Carbon will have significantly enhanced their skills portfolio in renewable energy and will be able to effectively communicate low-carbon energy options to a wide range of stakeholders ranging from the general public though to industry and policy developers. As a result, they will be well placed for securing a job in one of the growing number of sustainability-focused careers, including positions such as a low-carbon technology engineer, carbon consultants, low-carbon solutions managers
Employment Links
The School has excellent links with a range of established and emerging companies for whom Sustainability and the Green Economy are key platforms.
Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills
In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.
DfE Funded students: Free / Other students: £2,434
Republic of Ireland (ROI) 2
£2,434
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) 1
£3,083
EU Other 3
£8,600
International
£8,600
1EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.
2 EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.
3 EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.
All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.
No tuition fees are payable by eligible students for the programme as it is funded by the Department for the Economy’s Skill Up programme. Please refer to https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/skillup for further information.
Applicants must meet the entry criteria for the course and be:
• over 18 years of age;
• eligible to work in Northern Ireland;
• settled in Northern Ireland, and has been ordinarily resident in the UK for at least three years; or
is a person who has indefinite leave to enter or remain in the UK
All Students
Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.
Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.
Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.
If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.
Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.
There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
How do I fund my study?
The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.
A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.