MSc in Sustainable Energy Systems

The MSc programme is a taught multi disciplinary international programme suitable for applicants from engineering, architecture, planning and other relevant backgrounds, intended to incorporate the latest developments not only in the international scientific field, but also in the European and national regulatory and legal framework.

The students will be introduced to power generation and management technologies, to oil and gas exploration and exploitation technologies, to energy demand management, to environmental impact assessment and to emissions trading. They will obtain the expertise to become active professionals in the broader energy sector, including stakeholders in the electricity and gas market, they will be able to work for and to co-operate with public and local authorities and the energy regulator and the transmission system operator and also to provide consulting services in all these fields.

Also, students will be introduced to the principles and tools of energy and environmental design of buildings, and, by learning to use powerful computer modelling and simulation techniques, they will obtain the expertise to participate in the design process of buildings.

Students will also be acquainted with laboratory and in-situ methods for measuring, monitoring and evaluating the energy efficiency of building systems, of buildings, of renewable and conventional energy systems and of indoor environmental quality conditions, in accordance to legal and best-practice requirements, so as to be able to carry out energy renovation, retrofitting and refurbishment projects. Furthermore, they will learn to evaluate, by means of applying standards and models, the environmental performance of buildings, as needed in order to implement the environmental labelling schemes.

The Programme is designed to stimulate and encourage novel and imaginative solutions with respect to their implementation in a real market and a rapidly developing economic environment, surrounding the energy sector and the built environment. The Programme involves theoretical and hands-on learning methods aiming at producing skilled professionals who will be able to effectively enter the competitive European market of energy experts. Graduates of the program acquire a strong qualification that assists them in the professional progress.

The degree greatly enhances the employability of our graduates in public and semi-public organisations, whose work is related to the implementation of energy and environment related legislation and to the operation of the energy market, or in the power generation, the construction and the building materials industries.

The implementation of the Energy Performance Directive in Buildings in 2010 in Cyprus was followed by the increasing demand for more energy efficient buildings, which at the same time ensure a high level of indoor environmental quality. Buildings have to be characterized by the respective energy and environmental studies and certifications and this sets new challenges for engineers and architects, opening at the same time new professional opportunities in the European market for energy professionals. Further, in light of the new developments of oil & gas exploration in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Cyprus, and the immediate needs of providing skilled engineers to support the whole planning and operation, the Degree will allow our Graduates to first penetrate the area and become leaders in this effort.

Key Learning Outcomes

1. Demonstrate awareness of the content and philosophy of the European and Cypriot legislative framework on energy and relate to the processes and factors that lead to its development;
2. analyse the contemporary global, regional and local energy issues and develop systemic, critical and creative thinking about their impact on economic activities;
3. demonstrate  knowledge and core skills in rational use of energy sources, conventional (oil & gas) and renewable ones, in the power generation field and in the energy management, in the energy design of buildings and in achieving high energy efficiency of new and existing buildings;
4. explain the economics of energy, including the security of supply aspects, environmental costs and other externalities;
5. assess the performance of buildings and power production sites; enforce pertinent legislation, enhance the issuance of energy-related certification, and better facilitate the environmental labelling procedure and perform feasibility analysis;
6. implement the range of European Directives  and national legislative acts in the energy and building sector and in the efficient use of conventional and renewable energy resources;
7. plan and execute a significant project of research, investigation or development in a specialist area within the energy sector, demonstrating extensive, detailed and critical understanding;
8. critically review existing practice and develop original and creative solutions to problems within the energy sector and the domain addressed by the programme, incorporating the marketing approach in order to capitalize on the solutions developed;
9. communicate and work effectively with peers and academic staff in a variety of tasks, demonstrating appropriate levels of autonomy and responsibility.
10. use effectively state-of-the-art software tools for energy design of buildings, for dynamic simulation of the building’s performance, for the evaluation of thermal comfort and indoor air quality conditions and for the optimization of energy systems’ selection and sizing;
11. gather information about the main local and international funding opportunities for improving the energy efficiency of residential, commercial and public buildings and infrastructure;
12. demonstrate the necessary knowledge so that they can become chartered in the professional chambers and association;
13. use research results in education, within their professional environments and in society.

Frederick University academic year consists of the fall and spring semesters. The calendar is arranged so that students may start classes either during the last week of September or the first week of February. Candidates may submit an application for admission in any of the semesters. Due to the fact that formalities for the issue of an entry visa take at least 6 weeks, candidates are urged to file an application at least 8 weeks prior to the expected date of enrolment. Students are expected to be on campus prior to the beginning of the intended semester/session. In response to arising need, courses could be provided within the summer period.

Admission Requirements

Candidates for a master degree must submit a recognized bachelor degree (in Engineering, Architecture, Planning and other relevant backgrounds.) or qualification deemed to be equivalent to degree level as well as the official transcripts (grade reports) of their first-degree studies.

A. Nationals of EU countries
Candidates who are nationals of EU countries can enter Cyprus as visitors. On arrival at Frederick University they must submit to the Admission Office the following:

• A fully completed application form.
• An application fee of Euro 25 (non-refundable).
• Attested (certified true) copies of their academic qualifications.
• Evidence of proficiency in English, (if available).
• A photocopy of their passport. The passport should be valid for at least one year from the date of their arrival to Cyprus.
• A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.

Furthermore, they must pay the registration fee, the semester tuition fees, and register for subjects. Next they must apply to the Migration Department for a temporary residence permit. The application to the Migration Department must be supported by evidence that they have paid their tuition fees for the semester, have enough funds for their initial living expenses and have obtained local health insurance coverage.

B. Applicants from non EU countries
International Students from non EU countries need to have a valid student visa in order to be allowed to enter Cyprus. The issue of an entry visa takes about 6 weeks from the date of the submission of the application. It is therefore recommended that candidates submit their application at least 8 weeks before the beginning of the semester. Cyprus Migration Department requirements in respect of the issue of a student visa, which from time to time may be modified, are available to candidates in a separate document.

Once the Conditional Acceptance Letter is issued by the University, the prospective student is directed
by an Admissions Officer to send to the University several documents by email and then by courier.
The documents are as follows:
1. Original attested passport copy must be valid for 2 years
2. Original attested copy of High School Leaving Certificate and mark sheets
3. Original attested Police Clearance Certificate must be valid for 6 months
4. Original attested bank letter showing that the student’s sponsor has the financial ability to
support tuition fees and leaving expenses must be valid for 6 months
5. Original attested bank statement which clearly shows the minimum amount of €7,000 in the
sponsor’s account must be valid for 1 month
6. Original attested chest X-ray report for Tuberculosis must be valid for 4 months
7. Original attested blood test results for HIV, Syphilis, Hepatitis B and C must be valid for 4
months
8. Attested document of parental consent for the student’s proposed stay in Cyprus and its
official translation in Greek or English– only for applicants below the age of 18 years
(minors).
9. Attested reports of medical tests showing that they are not suffering from Hepatitis B,
Hepatitis C, HIV, Syphilis and a chest X-ray report.
10. A recent certificate of good conduct issued by the police of the candidate’s country of
origin or residence, if necessary translated in Greek or English. The good conduct
certificate should be original and issued less than 6 months prior to the beginning of the
semester for which the student is applying. The names and titles of the persons issuing
and certifying the document should be clearly stated therein.
11. Attested letter from a bank in the country of origin or residence stating that the student or
his/her parent (s) – full names to be mentioned – have the financial capability to cover the
cost of living and studying in Cyprus, and the student’s repatriation cost, as well as recent
bank statement showing a balance of at least €7000 (seven thousand Euro).

It is estimated that, on average, a student spends about 600 Euro per month for private accommodation, utilities, food and transportation. Of course, a budget is a very personal thing, depending on one’s preferences.

Full time students from non EU countries are entitled to seek employment of 20 hours per week during the study period, provided that the employment hours will not coincide with their study hours at the University, or 38 hours per week during their holidays. The right to employment starts after the completion of six months study and residence in Cyprus. 

Scholarships aim is to support young people with capabilities to distinguish and to contribute to the development and social progress.

The university offers full and partial scholarships to incoming students based on the academic merit of the high school performance. The University also has in place a scholarship scheme for continuing students which reduces tuition fees based on the GPA achieved by the student. The percentage of reduction is related to the GPA achieved.

Additionally, Frederick University has a broad range of scholarships to athletes.