BSc Sustainable Energy Engineering

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Sustainable Energy Engineering (TU801) at Technological University Dublin is a four-year honours engineering degree focused on the science and technology of energy production, conversion, distribution and optimisation with emphasis on renewable, low-carbon and sustainable systems. It suits students who want to work in energy, sustainability, renewables, environmental engineering, energy policy and consultancy, combining core engineering principles with specialist energy technologies and systems design.

Curriculum structure

First Year:

In the first year, students build engineering foundations alongside core energy topics, studying modules such as Design with Computers 1, Energy Science 1, Technical Mathematics 1, Traditional Energy Sources, Circuits & Schematics, Energy Science 2, Renewable Energy 1, and Thermal Energy Analysis. These modules cover fundamental engineering mathematics, principles of energy conversion, traditional and renewable energy sources, basic electrical and thermal systems, and introduce the global environmental context of sustainable energy.

Second Year:

In the second year, learners advance into energy engineering systems and controls with modules including Energy Control Systems 1 & 2, Electrical Machines, Environmental Technology, Energy & Environmental Regulations, Power Generation, and Renewable Energy Systems (Wind). This year strengthens students’ understanding of how energy is generated, controlled, managed and regulated in both traditional and renewable contexts, while practical components build analytical and system design skills.

Third Year:

The third year deepens specialisation with modules such as Energy Distribution Systems 1 & 2, Energy Auditing, Transport, Demand Reduction, BEng Energy Project 1 & 2, Financial Analysis, Operations & Business Management, and Facilities Management Systems. Students explore energy distribution, energy use optimisation, energy auditing and management, and begin significant project work that integrates technical, economic and system design aspects relevant to energy engineering practice.

Fourth Year:

In the final year, students focus on advanced energy technologies, innovation and professional application through modules like Bio-energy Systems, System Simulation and Modelling, Smart Technologies, Energy Economics and Policy, Innovation and Enterprise, and a major Project 1 & 2. These subjects develop capabilities in modelling and optimising complex energy systems, understanding socio-economic and policy contexts, and completing comprehensive engineering projects that reflect industry practice and sustainability challenges.

Focus areas (in a string):
Energy conversion & science, electrical & thermal systems, renewable energy technologies, energy control & distribution, energy auditing & management, smart energy systems, simulation & modelling, energy economics & policy.

Learning outcomes (in a string):
Apply engineering principles to sustainable energy systems; analyse and design renewable and conventional energy technologies; integrate environmental and regulatory considerations; model and optimise energy systems; complete engineering projects and communicate technical solutions.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
This honours degree is accredited by Engineers Ireland at NFQ Level 8, aligning with professional engineering competency standards and enabling graduates to pursue Chartered Engineer pathways upon requisite experience.

Reputation (employability rankings):
TU Dublin is recognised nationally for applied engineering education and graduate employability; the Tallaght-based Sustainable Energy Engineering programme aligns with high demand in Ireland’s growing renewable energy, environmental services, and energy consultancy sectors, supporting strong career prospects.