Net Zero Communities MSc
Course code F853
What is special about this course?
Communities have a key role to play in the development of a net zero society. Are you keen to discover more about how renewable energy production can play a central role in community development? Do you want to be at the centre of and leading these developments?
In May 2019, the Committee on Climate Change recommended that the UK should aim to be net zero on all greenhouse gases by 2050. A U.N-backed global campaign, the 'Race to Zero', which launched in June 2020, brings together businesses, cities and other organisations that aim to cut their planet-heating emissions to net zero by around mid-century, meaning they produce no more emissions than they can offset through different measures. A number of community groups have emerged to develop local solutions that help to meet this target. Communities will be at the centre and forefront of the new energy transition.
This MSc Net Zero Communities will enable you to take the lead and be the change in the new energy transition. You will be taught by recognised experts and supported by guest lectures from both industry and community fields. You can be confident you will graduate armed with the most up-to-date information and highest quality skills.
The course is designed to provide opportunities for both recent graduates and mature students working in relevant professions, industries, agencies or the voluntary sector to advance or update learning in sustainability issues, with a particular focus on providing net-zero solutions for communities. It aims to develop practitioners with an advanced level of knowledge and competence in planning, developing, advising and delivering sustainable solutions in relevant public sector, industry or community contexts.
Studying online, on a full-time or part-time basis, you will critically analyse the theories, principles and concepts of renewable energy, carbon budgeting and community energy development.
Special features
- Modules are led by recognised experts in the field of community development and low-carbon technologies
- You will study fully online which means you can fit your studies around your professional and personal life, within the UK and internationally
- You can study individual modules for personal or professional development (CPD), or work towards the PgCert, PgDip, or full Masters degree
Entry requirements
- Honours degree in a relevant subject
- Applicants with an ordinary degree or other qualification and at least three years relevant work experience will also be considered
- Applicants with formal qualifications below the level of HND, who possess substantial experience in an appropriate field or have demonstrated exceptional abilities, may also be admitted to the course
Postgraduate Loans (SAAS) (Scotland-domiciled and EU students)
Loans for tuition fees are available from SAAS for eligible Scotland-domiciled and EU students, and loans for living costs for eligible Scottish students.
(see fees/funding tab for more information)
Access routes
PgCert
Core modules are:
- Developing a community energy project
- Net zero society
- Renewable energy technologies
PgDip
Optional modules:
Semester 1
- Energy, climate and carbon
- Measuring greenhouse gas emissions and carbon footprint
- Quantitative research methods and data analysis
- Sustainable land use
- Understanding the policy environment
Semester 2
- Energy modelling for buildings
- Qualitative inquiry
- The economics of community wealth building
- Tidal wave and future energy
- Understanding sustainable discourses
- Working with communities
MSc
To achieve the award of MSc Net Zero Communities you must complete the PgDip and a research dissertation.
How will I study my course?
- Full-time
- Part-time
- Part-time modular (standalone modules)
- You will study fully online, with no scheduled sessions or tutorials - live tutorials can be organised on demand for some modules
- You may also be able to access sessions online from your local campus - please contact them directly for more information
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will have the option to take part in an online induction in August
How long will my course last?
- Full-time: 1.5 years @ 35 hours per week
- Part-time: 2-4 years @ 12 to 18 hours per week
- Part-time modular: 16 weeks @ 12 hours per week (per module)
Number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent in lectures and your own time spent on individual study and research.
Where can I study my course?
- North, West and Hebrides
- This is a fully online course. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI North, West and Hebrides
Start date
- September
- January (part-time study only)
For more information on other start dates please contact UHI North, West and Hebrides.
Fees
For students normally domiciled in Scotland, with a term-time address in Scotland, the following fees apply:
This includes
- EU nationals with settled or pre-settled status in the UK,
- EEA/Swiss nationals with settled status in the UK
- EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £584 | £610 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £1,752 | £1,830 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £3,504 | £3,660 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation) | £5,256 | £5,490 |
Rest of UK students
For students normally domiciled in the rest of the UK (England, Wales and N. Ireland) or assessed as rest of the UK for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £780 | £840 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £2,340 | £2,520 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits) | £4,680 | £5,040 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £7,020 | £7,560 |
EU/EEA and Swiss nationals without settled or pre-settled status in the UK
Following the UK’s departure from the European Union, the Scottish Government confirmed that EU/EEA and Swiss nationals, who do not have settled or pre-settled status, will be considered as international for fee purposes. These students will get an automatic fee scholarship.
This includes EEA/Swiss nationals with pre-settled status who are not self-employed or migrant workers in the UK.
| 2024-25 | With scholarship | 2025-26 | With scholarship | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £833 | £1,200 | £900 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £2,499 | £3,600 | £2,700 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £4,998 | £7,200 | £5,400 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £7,497 | £10,800 | £8,100 |
International students
For students who do not normally reside in the UK or European Union, studying online from their home country, or assessed as international for fee status, the following fees apply:
| 2024-25 | 2025-26 | |
| Per module (20 credits) | £1,110 | £1,200 |
| Postgraduate certificate (3 modules, 60 credits) | £3,330 | £3,600 |
| Postgraduate diploma (6 modules, 120 credits, 180 credits) | £6,660 | £7,200 |
| Masters degree (6 modules + dissertation, 180 credits) | £9,990 | £10,800 |
This course is not available to international students requiring Student Route visa sponsorship to study in the UK.
A no fee increase guarantee is available for self-funding full-time and structured part-time rest of the UK, EU and international postgraduate students for continuous study for the same award, up to the permitted standard time limit for the relevant award.
Funding
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying full-time can access loans up to £11,500 from the Student Awards Agency for Scotland (SAAS). This comprises a tuition fee loan up to £7,000 and a non-income assessed living cost loan of £4,500.
Eligible Scotland-domiciled students studying part-time can apply for a tuition fee loan from SAAS. You must be intending to complete the course in no longer than twice the length of time it would take for a full-time student. For example, if your course is available to full-time students as a one-year programme, you will be funded for a maximum of two years' part-time study. If your course does not have a full-time option, you must complete within three years. You can apply for a tuition fee loan up to £7,000, which will be paid pro-rata for each academic year of study.
Full details can be found on the SAAS website. Applications for loans open in April.
Students from the rest of the UK who meet the eligibility requirements may be able to apply for a loan from the Student Loan Company.
What can I do on completion of my course?
On completion of this Masters in Net Zero Communities, you will be well-equipped to take up positions in the management of community development projects, and in the public and private sectors .
Is there more information available online?
You can use the above QR code to connect directly to the course details.
Apply for Net Zero Communities MSc
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.