This course supports individuals who wish to undertake sustainability-focused roles in a wide range of engineering and manufacturing sectors in relation to hydrogen energy and achieving our 2050 Net Zero Emission targets . Specifically, it will provide detailed understanding and training in hydrogen generation and use for clean energy applications as well as hydrogen system design and integration with existing infrastructure. In association with the Postgraduate Certificate in Zero Carbon Engineering, 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 hydrogen energy 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 hydrogen technologies.
• Build skills in the modelling of systems and understand the complexity of achieving energy production which contributes towards net-zero.
• Effectively communicate hydrogen energy options to a wide range of stakeholders ranging from the general public though to industry and policy developers.
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 the School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering and other Faculty Schools. QUB Chemical Engineering is ranked joint 8th in the UK for Graduate Prospects (Outcomes; Complete University Guide 2026).
Hydrogen Energy Systems highlights
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. Our experts are well placed to equip the next generation of scientists to address these subjects.
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.
The course will be divided across three 20 CATS modules 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.
The aim of this programme is to provide students with a strong foundation in the engineering and associated skills that are needed to underpin growth in the hydrogen economy.
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
Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use
Hydrogen System Integration
Hydrogen System Design
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 Course Director.
School of Chemistry & Chem Eng Dr Thompson is interested in llquid phase and gas phase catalytic reactions, pollution remediation, batch and continuous flow reactors and structure-activity relationships.
School of Chemistry & Chem Eng Neil has worked in the areas of decarbonisation and net zero for over a decade, and from 2022 - 2025 held a prestigious Forrest Foundation research fellowship at the University of Western Australia, where he was named 2024 Western Australian Early Career Scientist of the Year. Neil's research focuses on the development and characterisation of porous materials to enable the energy transition, including microporous materials for the separation and storage of useful gases, and catalysts for the production of low-carbon fuels from renewable resources.
School of Chemistry & Chem Eng Dr Gui is interested in synthesis of solar fuel energy and finding energy-efficient solutions for conversion of carbon dioxide into useful chemicals such as zero-carbon hydrocarbon fuel.
School of Chemistry & Chem Eng Dr Kavanagh is interested in electrochemical energy technologies, with a focus on developing innovative methods for hydrogen production, energy storage, and carbon dioxide utilisation. His research explores how electrochemistry can be used to develop greener and more sustainable approaches to chemical manufacturing, fuel generation, and environmental applications.
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.
At least 20 hours of study effort will be expected each week.
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.
The School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering has seen substantial strategic investment in building new state-of-the-art research laboratories for synthetic and analytical chemistry, as well as catalysis research, with accommodation for over 50 researchers.
A £4 million investment in research and teaching laboratory space has significantly modernised and further extended our facilities, with recently added equipment including an environmental SEM facility, powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction equipment, a high-end confocal Raman microscope, 400 & 600 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometers, and a 500 MHz solid-state NMR spectrometer, the first instrument of this type in Northern Ireland. A further investment of £1.2M resulted in an Ion-mobility qTOF MS and a SAXS instrument - both unique in Northern Ireland - being added to the School's instrument facilities.
Further School facilities include two additional NMR spectrometers, three mass spectrometers, and additional powder XRD, ICP-OES, BET and Hg porosimetry equipment, a CD spectrometer and a HPLC/GC instrumentation, as well as standard spectrometer and computational facilities.
The transition to net zero is one of the defining engineering challenges of our time. This MSc equips graduates with the both the underpinning fundamentals and applied systems-thinking needed to lead sustainable innovation across our energy, transport, and chemical industries.
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.
This module explores the drivers behind the emerging hydrogen economy including challenges and opportunities, which will be used as the rationale and context for a hydrogen power system design project. In addition, the module will also investigate what must be achieved by lower TRL systems to further develop towards operational status. This module comprises lectures covering the following:
* Introduction to the hydrogen economy
* Drivers for hydrogen energy (including international treaties and national policies)
* Opportunities and challenges in hydrogen energy; the transport sector and buildings
* Opportunities and challenges in hydrogen energy; smart grids and energy distribution
This module further involves a significant design project element which will be supported by a series of workshops and tutorials. Students will be divided into small groups (based on final admission numbers) for carrying out design projects for a hydrogen power system. Students will be given a design brief and overview of the project which will allow them to utilise the knowledge and content covered throughout the course. Students will be asked to deliver an elevator ‘Dragons Den’ style pitch to a panel of staff with the aim of promoting and selling their hydrogen system.
Course delivery:
CHE7206 is delivered via online asynchronous content, with synchronous content delivered via MS Teams.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Describe the hydrogen economy and discuss the key drivers behind its emergence
• Provide an overview and discuss relevant international treaties and national policies currently in place for hydrogen energy
• Describe the role and relationship that policy development has with technology design and innovation
• Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of ongoing opportunities and challenges associated with hydrogen energy in transport, buildings and smart grid and distribution
• Discuss and apply the importance of assessing and critically evaluating hydrogen energy systems at different TRLs and describe what must be achieved for further advancement
• Outline key parameters on a technology roadmap to determine feasibility for deployment and wider applications
• Conduct and manage a design project for the development of a hydrogen energy system which incorporates the learning and knowledge delivered throughout the course
• Apply knowledge of operating a hydrogen energy system (e.g. fuel cells) and evaluate the key parameters which influence performance and scale up
• Assess and evaluate the key parameters associated with the design of a hydrogen system at a relevant TRL level and present those findings in a scientific report
• Deliver an elevator pitch based on the findings of project work highlighting innovation and basic entrepreneurship
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 and systems thinking
Project design and management
Analytical skills
Entrepreneurship
Communication and reporting writing skills
Fundamental Principles of Hydrogen Generation and Use
Overview
Summary of Lecture Content:
This module covers current and future routes for the production and use of hydrogen and is focused on developing the underpinning science and engineering associated with each key stage of the hydrogen value chain. This will provide students with an understanding of what is needed to support the design of hydrogen energy systems. The course is split over four broad topics which broadly cover catalytic, electrochemical, and emerging technologies, as well as hydrogen separation technologies. Lectures will cover:
* Fundamentals of hydrogen; overview of categories and manufacturing routes;
* Introduction to current production methods 1; an overview of refineries, reforming, pyrolysis and gasification
* Introduction to current production methods 2; environmental impact and challenges;
* Understanding the energy and mass balance 1
* Understanding the energy and mass balance 2
* Introduction to electrolysis, electrolysers, and electrochemical hydrogen production
* Industrial electrolysis - polymer electrolyte membrane electrolysis
* The efficiency of electrochemical devices for hydrogen generation
* Electrochemical utilisation of hydrogen; introduction to fuel cells.
Course delivery:
CHE7204 is delivered via blended approach of live lectures and online content
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Provide a detailed and comprehensive overview of the hydrogen sector including the main routes currently used for hydrogen production
• Explain the significance of the manufacturing route and source of feedstock to determine the environmental impacts and benefits of each including challenges associated with emissions.
• Categorise hydrogen into the colours associated with its feedstock source and manufacturing route.
• Perform energy balances and determine CO2 emissions associated with hydrogen production technologies.
• Describe the scientific principles of electrochemistry for hydrogen production
• Describe and evaluate the electrochemical generation and consumption of hydrogen including electrolysis and fuel cells.
• Discuss electrolysis in relation to industrial deployment and operation including the key drivers and challenges
• Exhibit an understanding of emerging technologies for hydrogen generation and group them based on their scientific principles e.g. photoelectrochemical, biological, hybrid
• Explain photocatalytic and photoelectrochemical systems for hydrogen generation including artificial photosynthetic processes and the core scientific principles involved.
• Highlight and discuss the need for and importance of hydrogen separation and purification technology for an energy system
• Apply an understanding of phase behaviour and physical properties to the design and function of hydrogen separation technologies.
Skills
Skills associated with this module:
• Core skills in STEM
• Critical evaluation
• Analytical skills
• Problem solving and calculations
• Systems thinking
• Communication and report writing skills
This module covers the design and modelling of hydrogen energy systems, including systems integration, basics of control and dynamics, storage, and safety. The content delivered here will build on the core principles explored in CHE7204 with more focus on the engineering aspects associated with whole hydrogen systems including using case studies as key examples. The module will be delivered over the following four themes:
• Applied Engineering properties of hydrogen
• Hydrogen system modelling
• Integrated Hydrogen energy systems for heating
• Fuel Cell and Electrolyser Systems
Workshops will cover case studies on hydrogen purification, power-to-X for hydrogen storage, simulations of a hydrogen power train, and a hydrogen safety workshop.
Course delivery:
CHE7205 is delivered via blended approach of live lectures and online content.
Learning Outcomes
At the end of the module students will be able to:
• Understand the key physical properties which influence the design of hydrogen systems including thermodynamic properties for compression and storage of hydrogen as well as cooling .
• Use tools for modelling hydrogen systems including dynamic systems.
• Use knowledge to break down examples of existing hydrogen energy systems into the individual sub-systems and technologies in order to provide greater detail on the function and underpinning science and engineering associated with their individual design.
• Apply mathematical modelling to evaluate fuel cell and electrolyser system performance.
Skills
Skills Associated with Module:
• Increased STEM
• Improved modelling
• Safety awareness
• Critical and interdisciplinary thinking.
• Ability to review literature, to produce written documents and reports.
• Analytical 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.
A limited number of fully funded places (provided by the Department for the Economy) are available for this programme. Where there are more eligible applications received than places available, the academic selectors for this programme will make offers in rank order based on academic merit and potential as evidenced in the totality of the information provided in each application. We will operate a waiting list as required to allow us to fill all available funded places. If you have not been selected for a funded place, we will accept self-funded or employer-funded applicants, if spaces are available.
If you have already applied for this course but did not know about the funded places available, your original application will still be considered equally for a funded place. We will contact you if this applies to you.
Further information is available at the link below.
Closing date for applications is Friday 22nd August 2025 at 12 noon. However, we encourage applicants 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 earlier than the deadline. Notifications to this effect will appear on the portal against the programme application page.
The University's Recognition of Prior Learning Policy provides guidance on the assessment of experiential learning (RPEL). Please visit the following link for further information: http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicyQUB https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/skill-up-flexible-skills-fund/
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, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre 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 Hydrogen Energy Systems will have significantly enhanced their skills portfolio in renewable energy and will be able to effectively communicate hydrogen energy options to a wide range of stakeholders ranging from the general public though to industry and policy developers.
Employment Links
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.
