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Undergraduate Study

BEng Renewable Energy Engineering - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code H803
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Renewable Energy
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 724061

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB - ABB
IB: 34/665 - 32/655
BTEC: DDD - DDM

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBB-BBC
IB: 30/555-28/554
BTEC: DDM-DMM

Overview

  • This course specialises in energy engineering with a focus on clean and renewable energy technologies
  • Learn from experts in energy policy, marine renewables, bio-fuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic and thermal technologies
  • Our new state-of-the-art Renewable Engineering Energy Facility (REEF) provides dedicated workshop and laboratory space for individual and small group projects
  • Cornwall is where the UK’s renewable energy revolution began and is the perfect location for local field trips to specialist renewable energy laboratories, wind farms, solar photovoltaic systems and offshore test sites
  • Group projects, small class sizes and a dedicated student society contribute to create a strong sense of community

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Top 10 in the UK for Engineering

7th for General Engineering in The Complete University Guide 2024

New state-of-the-art Renewable Engineering Energy Facility (REEF) provides dedicated workshop and laboratory space

Expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic and thermal technologies

Accreditations

BEng Renewable Energy Engineering

This degree has been accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

Accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.

Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level AAB – ABB B in Mathematics, Pure Mathematics or Further Mathematics and B in another Science* subject

*Accepted science subjects include: Biology/Human Biology**; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths**; Life and Health Sciences; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.
**If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-levels towards our general requirements.
IB 34/665 - 32/655 HL5 in Mathematics (Analysis and approaches or Applications and interpretations) and HL5 in another Science subject
BTEC DDD - DDM Applicants studying one of the following new BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without an A-Level science subject. A-Level Maths is still required. Civil Engineering, Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering.
GCSE C or 4 English Language
Access to HE 30 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 15 L3 credits at Merit Grade - 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in Mathematics and 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in an acceptable Science subject area.
T-Level Distinction The following T-Levels only:
  • Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
  • Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
  • Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBB-BBC
IB: 30/555-28/554
BTEC: DDM-DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B1. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

For any questions relating to entry requirements please contact the team via our online form or 01392 724061

I love my course as it’s so practical, I really feel like I’m applying the knowledge I’m gaining into practice. We do lots of hands-on work learning how to put up wind turbines or how to build solar panels and motors.

I’ve learned loads of new skills like soldering and riveting, which is all important for my future career.

The support from lecturers has been great. As it’s a developing field there is always a lot to discuss, we’re encouraged to ask questions and they always turn into open discussions with the whole cohort.

Read more from Sarah

Sarah

Studying Renewable Energy Engineering BEng

Course content

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

Initial focus is on engineering fundamentals including Mathematics, Mechanical and Electrical engineering modules as well as Physics and Thermodynamics. Specific computer skills are covered as well as a broad introduction to Clean Energy Systems and environmental management in preparation for more advanced modules later in the programme.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENE1001Renewable Energy Systems 115
ENE1003Science for Energy Engineering15
ENE1004Applied Computing for Energy Studies15
ENE1005Energy Policy, Markets and Law 15
ENE1006Mathematics for Energy Systems15
ENE1007Engineering Mechanics15
ENE1008Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics15
ENE1009Electrical and Electronic Principles15

Core engineering modules continue the development of the key disciplines with further development of essential computational skills and additional modules on Clean Energy Systems. A field trip and related group project look at renewable energy resource assessment as well as developing report writing and team working skills.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENE2001Energy Management15
ENE2003Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport15
ENE2007Fluids Mechanics15
ENE2004Renewable Energy Systems 215
ENE2008Project Management and Accounting15
ENE2005Mechanics of Materials15
ENE2006Applied Thermodynamics15
ECM2906Data, Signals and Systems15

An undergraduate dissertation forms an important element of the work in this year, allowing students to explore areas of particular interest and develop research, analytical and writing skills. Optional modules include specific clean or renewable energy technologies such as Solar Energy, Wind Energy, Marine Renewables, Renewable Heat Technologies and Energy storage. Modules can also be selected from a range of environmental impact, energy policy, ethics and life cycle analysis subjects.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
ENE3001Third Year Field Course (Group Project)15
ENE3002Network Engineering, Modelling and Management15
ENE3011Renewable Energy Dissertation 30

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
Select 60 credits:
ENE3003Marine Renewable Energy 15
ENE3004Life Cycle Analysis15
ENE3005Wind Energy15
ENE3007Energy Storage Technology15
ENE3008Work Placement Report15
ENE3009Solar Power15
ENE3010Sustainable Architecture15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Learning and teaching

Our new state of the art Renewable Engineering Energy Facility (REEF) is equipped for the study of a number of renewable energy technologies, both practically and with industry-standard software. A variety of devices producing renewable energy exist around the campus, the latest being a 50kW solar PV installation on top of our engineering building, to go with a solar powered Performance Centre. The development of our Environment and Sustainability Institute at the Penryn Campus has seen a significant further expansion of installed renewable energy capacity on campus, representing the continuing commitment of the University to sustainability in our operations, teaching and research.

Fieldwork

Throughout your degree you will interact with a range of renewable energy technologies. This will include trips to renewable energy facilities such as Goonhilly Wind Farm, local solar PV farms, micro and large hydro, landfill gas production, large-scale gas generation and other relevant installations. You may also attend events like public planning meetings or energy use assessments of public or private buildings, as opportunities become available. Our aim is to get you out to see real-world technology or events whenever we can.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary between modules, but usually combine exams and coursework. This might include practical laboratory work, professional posters, group exercises, reports, essays or verbal presentations.

Module choice

Option modules can extend beyond your main subject area if you are studying a Single Honours degree: dependent on timetable constraints, pre-requisites and programme structure, it may be possible to study option modules outside your subject area.

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Law
  • Social Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Leadership

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

This degree programme has been designed to include the knowledge and skills that potential employers in the energy sector have told us they require. A very high proportion of our graduates find employment in the renewable energy sector or study for a higher degree in the field.

The UK’s commitment to expansion of renewable energy is likely to mean a high level of investment in the sector in the next decade. The adoption of the UK’s microgeneration tariff in 2010, the phased adoption of the Renewable Heat Incentive from 2011-2014 and introduction of Contracts for Difference from 2014, suggests continued strong support for rapid expansion of renewable energy in the UK. All EU countries are making similar investments and the US, India, China and many other nations are also investing heavily in the renewable generation. This will create broad opportunities for those seeking to work in the sector, both nationally and internationally. The global renewables sector has seen investment in excess of $289bn in 2017 and that investment has been over $200bn every year since 2010. A total of 10.3 million people now work in renewables around the world.

Our Renewable Energy programmes will shape you into a multi-talented individual, who is able to succeed in a wide variety of professional roles.

Career paths

The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Renewable Energy but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:

  • Climate Change Consultant
  • Design Engineer
  • Electrical Engineer
  • Energy Analyst
  • Energy and Sustainability Engineer
  • Environmental Planner
  • Environmental Scientist
  • Marine Design Engineer
  • Offshore Wind Research Engineer
  • Renewable Technology Designer