School of Computing, Engineering and Technology

Geothermal Energy and Applications

Short Course - 15 credits at SCQF level 11

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a hillside landscape with air vents causing gas clouds

Short Course & Professional Development

This course offers a strong geothermal energy foundation, covering science, technology, and business aspects. It equips participants to utilize geothermal energy for decarbonization, assess market opportunities, and fulfil UN SDGs 7 & 11.

This course aims to provide participants with a solid foundation in the fundamentals of geothermal energy and a working knowledge of the scientific, technological and business aspects of the geothermal energy industry. This course will equip participants with the technical and business skills to exploit geothermal energy for decarbonising heating and cooling applications; to evaluate opportunities in the rapidly expanding geothermal energy market; and to meet UN Sustainable Development Goals 7 & 11.

Mode of Study

Online Learning

Mode of Attendance

Part Time

Start Date

27 April 2026

Course Length

10 weeks

On completion of this module, participants are expected to be able to:

Analyse the current energy transition and the role of geothermal energy technologies in producing sustainable energy, heating and cooling.
Evaluate the fundamentals, prospects, operations and advanced technologies used in the generation of electricity from geothermal energy resources.
Analyse the scientific, technological, environmental and social components of geothermal energy; drilling techniques, geothermal pumps, Enhanced and Advanced Geothermal Systems.
Economic evaluation of geothermal systems.
Critically appraise the technical and non-technical barriers to geothermal energy development.

RGU Upskilling

Undertaking a RGU online short course can help you to develop or change your career or support your business to grow.

We're proud to offer a range of online short courses tailored to meet the evolving needs of businesses and individuals both locally, nationally and in the global community. Additionally, if you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, which means you could study for free. Identified and created in collaboration with industry, these credit-bearing online courses are designed to enhance employability for individuals and organisations looking to upskill their workforce.

Find out more about the range of courses on offer and the benefits of studying online with RGU:

RGU Upskilling

Course & module information

Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information. The university is currently undertaking an update to the course information system. This may result in minor, temporary inaccuracies, to course and module information. If you have any concerns or questions about relating to your chosen programme, please contact our admissions team.

Detailed module information

Learning Methods

The course will be delivered online using the University’s virtual learning environment, Moodle.

This is a 10-week course with 7 weeks for teaching and 2 weeks for working on the assessment and submission.

Teaching will be online using a mix of recorded presentations, PowerPoint slides, recordings, lecture notes and guest lectures. Participants will be expected to engage in online forum discussions.

There will be a number of optional live drop-in sessions to allow students to interact with each other and staff and ask questions.

Independent Study

This course is completed through online independent study. It is expected that you will spend a minimum of 150 hours study over the 10 weeks of the module, including the preparation and submission of your written assessment. Your academic tutor will be there to support you through the module.

Assessment

This course is assessed through a written assignment, including essay.

Staff Delivering on This Course

This module has been developed by a team of academic and professional staff with extensive expertise in in energy transitions. The team comprise of tutors from Aberdeen Business school and the Energy Transition Institute.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

The Inclusion Centre

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, Moodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Moodle

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

Academic writing
Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
Maths and statistics
Information technology support

Study Skills Support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

University Library

RGUflex

Collect academic credit flexibly and claim an award from the University. RGUflex delivers on-demand flexible learning where you can upskill, reskill or pursue a passion. It can also be used by employers to allow them to build an education pathway for their employees to gain the skills and knowledge to meet business needs.

Find out more

There are no prerequisites for this course.

Academic Year 2025/2026

Fee-waiver places

If you are domiciled in Scotland, you may be eligible for a fee-waiver place, meaning you can study for free.

To meet the requirements to be allocated a funded place, applicants must meet the criteria to be assessed as "Home" for the purposes of fees. Find out more about the Fee Status and the Scottish Government regulations that we use to make our assessment:

Determine your fee status

Eligibility is assessed on application and further evidence may be required.

All other applicants

Applicants who are not eligible for a fee-waiver place will be required to meet the module cost to study:

Course fee - £520 for entire module

Additional Costs

Some other costs are not included in the course fees:

Accommodation and Living Costs
Printing

Other Fees and Costs

Disclaimer

For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:

Finance and Funding

*"Rest of UK (RUK) and Ireland" includes England, Wales, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man.

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Any Questions?

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Our facilities for this course

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Terms and Conditions of Admissions and Enrolment