| UCAS code | H803 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 3 years |
| Entry year | 2025 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Discipline | Renewable Energy |
| Contact | Web: Enquire online |
| Typical offer | A-Level: AAB - ABB |
|---|---|
|
A-Level: BBB-BBC |
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
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
10th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
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
Top 10 in the UK for General Engineering
10th in the Complete University Guide 2025 and 8th in The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025
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
Accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) on behalf of the Engineering Council to fully meet the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer, and partly meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
Accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, for the purposes of 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:
|
| Contextual Offer | A-Level: BBB-BBC |
Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers. |
| 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.
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.
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENE1DCX12 | Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing | 30 |
| ENE1DCX13 | Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project | 30 |
| ENE1DCX14 | Entrepreneurship 1 | 15 |
| ENE1DCX15 | Fundamentals of Mechanics | 15 |
| ENE1DCX16 | Fundamentals of Materials | 15 |
| ENE1DCX17 | Fundamentals of Electronics | 15 |
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.
120 credits of compulsory modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENE2DCX23 | Energy Management and Building Systems | 15 |
| ENE2DCX24 | Renewable Energy Systems | 15 |
| ENE2DCX22 | Energy Policy, Markets and Law | 15 |
| ENE2DCX18 | Renewable Energy Engineering Challenge Project | 15 |
| ENE2003 | Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport | 15 |
| ENE2007 | Fluids Mechanics | 15 |
| ENE2006 | Applied Thermodynamics | 15 |
| ECM2906 | Data, Signals and Systems | 15 |
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.
60 credits of compulsory modules, 60 credits of optional modules.
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENE3DCX31 | Renewable Energy Field Course | 15 |
| ENE3002 | Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management | 15 |
| ENE3DCX71 | Undergraduate Dissertation Project | 30 |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ENE3DCX27 | Systems Modelling and Control | 15 |
| ENE3DCX28 | Risk, Reliability Systems and Safety Management | 15 |
| ENE3DCX32 | Industry Summer Placement | 15 |
| ENE3003 | Marine Renewable Energy | 15 |
| ENE3005 | Wind Energy | 15 |
| ENE3007 | Energy Storage Technology | 15 |
| ENE3009 | Solar Power | 15 |
| ENE3010 | Sustainable Architecture | 15 |
Fees
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 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.
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
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law (Penryn Campus only)
- Leadership
- Management
- Social Data Science
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
