Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The Master of Engineering in Energy (MEng. Energy) is an interdisciplinary qualification. The programme incorporates coursework and electives applicable to a wide range of disciplines. This includes Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and the Built Environment. The new qualification ensures that the curriculum offered at CPUT can be directly compared to that of other institutions; not only nationally, but also internationally through the benchmarking process that took place during the development of this new qualification. Graduates develop the knowledge and skills required to conduct independent research in many energy related aspects of engineering and environmental challenges, and to contribute significantly to knowledge production through the understanding, application and evaluation of existing and new knowledge.

PURPOSE AND RATIONALE OF THE QUALIFICATION
This qualification is intended for engineers that intend working in the broader energy field. Graduates achieving this qualification have the competence to conduct independent research in energy engineering, and contribute significantly to knowledge production through the understanding, application and evaluation of existing knowledge. The research problem, its justification, process and outcome is reported in a thesis, which complies with the generally accepted norms at that level. For Africa, the transition towards a knowledge economy provides significant opportunities for higher education. Higher education should therefore focus on these government and market-driven demands. Education in engineering will play a key role in building Africa’s future technological innovation. This transition, also driven by globalisation, industry and employability, calls for matters such as developing an interdisciplinary approach and the ability to combine theory and practice. As global energy resources come under pressure, engineers are needed that have a broad and expansive awareness of energy related issues such as energy efficiency, energy management, energy policy, energy access, etc. This qualification will aim to address the current shortfall in this arena.

The purpose of this professional Master’s Degree in Energy is to educate and train researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in Energy Engineering at an advanced level. This qualification is intended to enable graduates to apply integrated technical knowledge; advanced skills and advanced analysis and problem solving to a particular specialisation in the field of Energy, through involvement in an applied research project. The graduates will develop the capacity to conduct research, be able to reflect critically on theory and its application. The qualification provides for the ability to deal with complex issues both systematically and creatively. The graduates will be able to critically appraise research and make sound judgments based on data and available information, and to make their conclusions on their findings. Furthermore the graduate will be able to continue advancing their knowledge and skills within the profession.

PROFESSIONAL REGISTRATION
On completion of the coursework master's graduates have the opportunity to register as engineers with the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA). For more information on Staff and Research Areas, go to the following pages:

Centre for Distributed Power and Electronics Systems (CDPES)

CPUT Focus area 3: Smart Energy

Engineering researchers play an important role in the development of new products, new applications for existing products or raw materials, or cheaper ways of making existing products. The high-level skills obtained by the graduates of the programme will be directly marketable to the energy industry as well as improving their individual competitiveness. The benefits derived from this qualification are directly applicable to the South African economy and the continent through the energy sector.

The energy sector in South Africa and the continent is experiencing a growth phase in many areas. These developments are evident from examples such as the renewable energy sector in the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer Procurement Programme (REIPPP), to the boom and rapid expansion in the natural gas industry and the planned expansion of the nuclear energy capability. These indicators show the need for suitably qualified personnel in energy related fields. The graduates of this programme will be able to contribute and serve this growing energy sector. Graduates are employed in research and development in industry, as well as in teaching positions at Higher Education institutions.

Full-Time / 1st year coursework, 2nd year completion of thesis.

Course is offered on Bellville Campus.