Climate change and environmental sustainability are global grand challenges that need urgent attention from all parts of society, in order to combat global warming and mitigate the impacts of pollution. Many sectors have significant skills gaps in areas involving energy systems, sustainability and decarbonisation. The aim of the course is to provide a foundation in energy systems, economics and the environment to support the global societal shift to net zero.
This part-time, two-semester postgraduate certificate programme is tailored to equip qualified professionals (such as engineers, economists, accountants, architects, lawyers, scientists, and policymakers) with a thorough grasp of energy systems and policy, energy economics and management, environmental and energy efficiency, and renewable and sustainable generation. This knowledge is essential for driving the decarbonisation revolution over the next thirty years. The programme includes theory and practice along with techno-economics, current legal requirements and standards, and future policy. Those completing the programme will acquire the key technical and economic skills to actively contribute to the design, implementation and management of the net zero transition.
This program is particularly appealing to individuals currently employed in sustainable energy and engineering, serving as ongoing professional training and expanding new job opportunities for graduates from other fields who need to upskill and transition into environmental sustainability. It is also ideal for professionals with significant experience in business, industry, enterprise, or policymaking who aspire to become leaders in energy systems, environmental sustainability, and decarbonisation.
In the UK We are ranked 9th for Aerospace Engineering and 15th for Mechanical Engineering. We put emphasis on active, collaborative and problem-based learning and invest heavily in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Engineering of Energy, Economics and the Environment highlights
World Class Facilities
The School has a range of state-of-the-art facilities for teaching and research, which have received investments totalling £19m in recent years.
Internationally Renowned Experts
Queen’s is ranked 18th in the UK for Engineering with 96% of our research rated as world-leading or internationally excellent. (REF 2021/ Times Higher Education)
In the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, we are ranked 151-200 globally for Engineering - Mechanical. In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, we are ranked 176-200 globally for Engineering.
Our commitment to excellence is further exemplified by our recent ranking within the top 25 universities in the UK, and having 28 subjects in the top 20 in the Complete University Guide 2024 rankings. Queen's is also ranked 10 in the UK for graduate prospects (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024)
Industry Links
Teaching and research activities within the School have strong connections with local, UK, and international companies, in industries including aerospace, turbomachinery, automotive, consumer materials, and biomedical devices.
Our Industrial Advisory Board features representatives from heavyweights like Caterpillar, Spirit AeroSystems, Collins Aerospace, Thales, Wrightbus, and Rolls Royce. They feed into the course content – what they need from graduate engineers, we’ll teach you. External lecturers from our industrial partners come in to teach on the course.
Student Experience
Students study within a vibrant international mix of students and staff from the UK, Europe, Asia, and beyond.
Our class size means that we can focus on your individual career and development needs, building your skills, enhancing your personal experience of the course and thinking of your career path, rather than just teaching you theory.
Students enrol on a part-time (1 years) basis. Part-time students typically complete one or two modules per semester, completing a total of three modules (60 CATS points) over the academic year.
The Postgraduate Certificate is awarded to students who successfully complete all three taught modules.
Course Details
The course will consist of 3 x 20 CATS modules.
Indicative Number of Modules per Semester
The 3 modules will be taught over the autumn and spring semesters, with approximately 30 CATS of taught material per semester. The on-campus delivery methods combined with online educational materials and opportunities for interaction provide an overall blended-learning approach that enables students to access learning materials in a flexible manner.
Modules
Sustainable Energy Systems (20 CATS)
Advanced Environmental Engineering for Energy Systems (20 CATS)
Energy Economics (20 CATS)
Contact teaching time is typically scheduled on-campus, in the evening, over three evenings each week, during the normal working week. A blended approach to learning is employed that may also include online and flipped classes.
Learning and Teaching
Students attend scheduled taught classes during the autumn and spring semesters. Each of these semesters involves 12 weeks of classes. The classes are generally scheduled over 3-evenings per week on-campus.
Additional Teaching Information:
The taught module content will be supplemented by guest seminars from industrial experts in the field of energy systems. These modules are assessed through a combination of practical sessions, independent coursework, and small group projects.
Feedback associated with this course is outlined below:
Students will receive feedback on all assessed work, with written and oral feedback provided on an individual basis.
Assessment
Assessments associated with the course are outlined below:
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.
Advanced Environmental Engineering for Energy Systems
Overview
Advanced Environmental Engineering will focus on the impacts of the energy technologies, networks and
systems on the environment, climate change, environmental legislation and regulation, carbon budgets and markets, social and corporate responsibility, as well as carbon capture utilisation and storage. Other topics covered include hydrology, ecological pollution, water quality, water pollution and treatment, wastewater and sludge treatment, air and noise pollution, waste recycling/recovery, solid and hazardous waste treatment, environmental impact assessment, circular economy and environmental modelling.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity
Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks
Skills
Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems
Analyse data using appropriate techniques
Support previously identified areas by using appropriate IT resources
Energy Economics will focus on energy markets and society, energy supply and demand, energy dynamics, levelised cost of energy, funding mechanisms, wholesale and retail energy markets, energy legislation and regulation, energy security and sustainable business practises. Energy economics will be examined across sectors e.g., transport, buildings, industry and agriculture. Current trends and perspectives on development and application of energy and engineering economics with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Use a risk management process to identify, evaluate and mitigate risks (the effects of uncertainty) associated with a particular project or activity
Adopt a holistic and proportionate approach to the mitigation of security risks
Apply knowledge of engineering management principles, commercial context, project and change management, and relevant legal matters including intellectual property rights
Skills
Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems
Analyse data using appropriate techniques
Support previously identified areas by using appropriate IT resources
Fundamental principles, applications, and potential of key mature sustainable and renewable power sources used globally including: 1) wind power, 2) hydro power, 3) biomass, 4) solar power, and 5) nuclear energy. Other non-mature and/or less widely utilised technologies including a) wave and tidal, b) compressed air energy storage, c) geothermal, and d) energy storage will be introduced at a higher level. Current trends and perspectives on development and application of sustainable energy systems with guest lectures from industry and research, and site visits.
Learning Outcomes
Apply a comprehensive knowledge of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles to the solution of complex problems. Much of the knowledge will be at the forefront of the particular subject of study and informed by a critical awareness of new developments and the wider context of engineering
Formulate and analyse complex problems to reach substantiated conclusions. This will involve evaluating available data using first principles of mathematics, statistics, natural science and engineering principles, and using engineering judgment to work with information that may be uncertain or incomplete, discussing the limitations of the techniques employed
Select and critically evaluate technical literature and other sources of information to solve complex problems
Design solutions for complex problems that evidence some originality and meet a combination of societal, user, business and customer needs as appropriate. This will involve consideration of applicable health & safety, diversity, inclusion, cultural, societal, environmental and commercial matters, codes of practice and industry standards
Apply an integrated or systems approach to the solution of complex problems
Evaluate the environmental and societal impact of solutions to complex problems (to include the entire life-cycle of a product or process) and minimise adverse impacts
Identify and analyse ethical concerns and make reasoned ethical choices informed by professional codes of conduct
Skills
Produce creative and realistic solutions to complex problems
Analyse data using appropriate techniques
Support previously identified areas by using appropriate IT resources
Exercise initiative and personal responsibility, which may be as a team member or leader
Applicants must have a 2.2 Honours degree, or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University, in any of the following: Science, Engineering, Medicine and Health, Business, Management, Law, Sociology, Geography, or a related discipline. Students will be expected to have good analytical and mathematical skills, to support complex engineering problem solving and design. Applicants with entry qualifications other than a 2.2 Honours degree will be considered on an individual basis based on a Recognition of Prior Experiential Learning (RPEL) assessment. Please visit http://go.qub.ac.uk/RPLpolicy for more information.
Students must pass each module to be awarded the Certificate, a minimum of 50% is required to pass a module. The certificate grade banding is 50% for a pass, 60% merit/commendation, 70% distinction. Note that all students are expected to have access to their own computer and internet connection for the duration of the programme.
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 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. 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
Applicants 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. Please see the following link for further information: https://www.qub.ac.uk/International/International-students/Applying/English-language-requirements/
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.
This postgraduate certificate programme is designed to provide its students with knowledge and skills in energy systems and policy, energy economics and management, the environment and energy efficiency, as well as renewable and sustainable generation needed for the decarbonisation revolution over the next thirty years. Those completing the programme should acquire the key technical and economic skills to actively contribute to the design, implementation and management of the net zero transition.
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.
This PGCert can consider applicants for a DfE funded place if the applicant is:
1. An international applicant who has indefinite leave to remain, living in NI and considered NI for fees.
2. A European applicant who has pre-settled status, living in NI and is considered NI for fees.
The following applicants could be considered however, they would not be eligible for DfE funded place and would have to pay the relevant tuition fee as detailed below.
1. Has UK immigration permissions to live in the UK on a temporary basis (eg skilled worker visa) AND are
resident in NI (international for fees), or
2. However, if the applicant is ordinarily resident in GB they would be considered GB for fees.
International applicants are not eligible to apply if they are living in their countries of residence, e.g. India due to visa restrictions.
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.
