University of Birmingham & IIT Madras Launch Joint Masters Programme

The University of Birmingham and Indian Institute of Technology Madras are launching a new Joint Masters programme in Sustainable Energy Systems. Students will study in Chennai and Birmingham, receive a single degree jointly and work on projects within internationally recognised research groups. This builds on last year's joint Masters programme in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, aiming to equip graduates with skills in a rapidly growing industry fighting climate change.

The programme provides students with the option to finish their studies in either Birmingham or IIT Madras. They can start at IIT Madras and complete an industrial placement. They can choose to study in the UK for 12 months, including a research project in Birmingham, or return to IIT Madras for six months and a research project.

Applications for the Sustainable Energy Systems programme are open from May 6, 2024, with offer letters expected on June 26. The programme offers a global perspective on sustainable energy and hands-on industrial training at leading institutions in India and Birmingham, leveraging Birmingham Energy Institute's expertise in industrial applications and IIT Madras' decarbonisation technologies.

The interdisciplinary course at IIT Madras focuses on energy systems and technologies for a sustainable future, covering technology development, engineering, societal, economic, environmental and policy aspects. Students learn about current energy systems, including fuel cells, hydrogen, energy storage, solar and nuclear energy. 

The course offers innovative curricula with IIT Madras' award-winning pedagogy and research methodology, as well as excellence in technical education, basic and applied research, innovation, entrepreneurship and industrial consultancy. 

In November 2022, Professor Adam Tickell and Professor V Kamakoti, Director of IIT Madras, agreed to set up the first Joint Master' programme in Chennai. The agreement builds on a Memorandum of Understanding signed in February 2022, aiming to further develop their partnership. The University of Birmingham has significant partnerships in India, underpinned by its India Institute, aiming to increase Birmingham's engagement in the country.