BEng Renewable Energy Engineering

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter is designed for students who want to contribute to the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions. This programme combines core engineering principles with specialist knowledge of renewable technologies such as wind, solar, marine energy, energy storage, and power systems, helping students develop the skills needed to solve real-world energy challenges. An optional minimum six-week industrial placement opportunity is available between the second and third years. A Study Abroad Year is not listed as an available option for this programme.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the fundamental concepts of engineering, mathematics, computing, mechanics, materials, and electronics. Modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, and Fundamentals of Electronics help students build essential technical knowledge while developing teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills through practical engineering projects.

Year 2
The second year focuses on energy systems and the engineering principles behind renewable technologies. Modules such as Data, Signals and Systems, Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport, Applied Thermodynamics, Renewable Energy Systems 1, Energy Policy, Markets and Law, and Energy Management and Building Systems allow students to explore energy generation, electrical systems, sustainable technologies, and the wider economic and policy factors influencing the energy sector.

Final Year
The final year develops advanced knowledge of renewable energy applications, research, and professional engineering practice. Modules such as Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management, Renewable Energy Field Course, and Dissertation Project allow students to investigate specialist topics, while optional modules including Marine Renewable Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Power, Energy Storage Technology, and Life Cycle Analysis enable students to specialise in areas connected to their career interests.

Focus Areas

Renewable Energy Engineering, Clean Energy Systems, Wind Energy, Solar Power, Marine Renewable Energy, Energy Storage, Electrical Power Systems, Sustainable Engineering, Energy Management, Energy Conversion, Thermodynamics, Energy Policy, Renewable Technology Development, Life Cycle Analysis

Learning Outcomes

Develop knowledge of renewable energy technologies, understand energy generation and distribution systems, apply engineering principles to sustainable energy challenges, analyse energy systems using scientific and computational methods, design renewable energy solutions, evaluate environmental and economic impacts of energy technologies, develop project management and teamwork skills, conduct independent research, use engineering tools and technologies, communicate technical concepts effectively, understand energy markets and policies, prepare for careers in the renewable energy sector

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BEng Renewable Energy Engineering provides students with the technical knowledge and practical skills needed for careers in the growing clean energy industry. Through engineering projects, laboratory activities, field-based learning, and industrial placement opportunities, students gain experience in developing and evaluating renewable energy solutions while building professional skills valued by employers.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme is delivered at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus in Cornwall, offering students an environment strongly connected with sustainability, renewable energy research, and environmental innovation.
Students gain practical experience through the Renewable Engineering Energy Facility (REEF), which provides specialist workshop and laboratory spaces for renewable energy experiments, technical activities, and project-based learning.
Students have opportunities to visit renewable energy installations, including wind farms, solar farms, hydro facilities, and other energy-related sites, helping them understand how renewable technologies operate in real-world settings.
The optional industrial placement opportunity allows students to gain professional experience, apply their engineering knowledge, and develop industry connections before graduation.
Graduates develop skills suitable for careers in renewable energy companies, engineering consultancies, energy management organisations, sustainability sectors, research institutions, and power industries.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The BEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter provides students with practical experience through renewable energy projects, laboratory activities, field visits, and industry-focused learning. Students develop the ability to design, test, and evaluate sustainable energy solutions while gaining a deeper understanding of how renewable technologies are applied in real-world settings. Supported by specialist facilities, research centres, and renewable energy resources, the programme allows students to combine engineering theory with hands-on experience and prepare for careers in the clean energy sector.

Students gain practical skills through specialist facilities, industry engagement, fieldwork, and project-based learning opportunities:

Gain hands-on experience in the Renewable Engineering Energy Facility (REEF), a dedicated space where students can work on renewable energy technologies, practical experiments, and engineering projects.
Participate in individual and group engineering projects, developing teamwork, communication, design thinking, and problem-solving skills while working on renewable energy challenges.
Use specialist engineering laboratories for practical learning, testing, and experiments related to renewable energy systems, electrical engineering, and sustainable technologies.
Access facilities such as the Electrical Power Systems Laboratory, where students can explore electrical networks, energy systems, and power technology applications.
Develop technical skills using engineering software and digital tools for modelling, analysing, and designing renewable energy systems and engineering solutions.
Take part in field trips and site visits to renewable energy installations, including wind farms, solar energy projects, hydro facilities, and other energy-related sites to understand how technologies operate in practice.
Visit an off-grid field centre in Exmoor during the first year, where students explore renewable energy solutions for remote communities and understand practical energy challenges.
Gain insight into renewable energy applications through visits to locations such as the Eden Project and other sustainability-focused facilities.
Benefit from research-led learning connected to the Environment and Sustainability Institute, where students engage with work focused on solving environmental and sustainability challenges.
Explore research areas including offshore renewable energy, marine energy, energy storage, power systems, and sustainable engineering technologies.
Learn from renewable energy systems installed at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, including sustainable energy technologies used for teaching and research purposes.
Develop workplace skills through an optional industrial placement opportunity, allowing students to gain professional experience and apply their knowledge within the renewable energy industry.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The BEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for careers in the growing clean energy sector by developing technical expertise, engineering skills, and the ability to design sustainable energy solutions. Graduates can pursue roles such as renewable energy engineer, energy analyst, electrical engineer, engineering consultant, and sustainability specialist across renewable energy companies, engineering organisations, research institutions, and environmental sectors.

The programme’s practical focus, industry connections, and professional recognition help students develop the knowledge and experience needed for successful careers in the renewable energy industry:

The University of Exeter Careers Service supports students through career planning, employability advice, application guidance, skills development sessions, and access to employer opportunities. Students can also use Career Zone resources to explore career pathways, industry information, and graduate opportunities.
Students gain industry experience through renewable energy projects, practical engineering activities, and opportunities such as the optional industrial placement, allowing them to apply their knowledge in professional environments.
Engineering graduates from the University of Exeter achieve strong employment outcomes, with 96% of Engineering graduates in or due to start employment or further study 15 months after graduation according to HESA Graduate Outcomes survey data.
Graduates develop skills suitable for careers such as Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Consultant, Energy Analyst, Renewable Energy Project Manager, Electrical Engineer, Solar Design Engineer, Research and Development Engineer, and Sustainability Specialist.
The programme is professionally recognised through accreditation from the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, supporting progression towards professional engineering registration.
Students gain expertise in areas valued by employers, including renewable technology design, energy systems analysis, sustainable engineering, project management, and technical problem-solving.
The programme benefits from Exeter’s research strengths in areas such as marine renewable energy, wind energy, photovoltaic technologies, electrical power systems, energy storage, and sustainable energy solutions.
Graduates can pursue opportunities across sectors including renewable energy, engineering and manufacturing, energy consultancy, environmental organisations, research and development, and sustainability-focused industries.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the BEng Renewable Energy Engineering, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes to develop advanced expertise in renewable energy, sustainable engineering, energy systems, and environmental technologies. Further study options may include master’s programmes in areas such as sustainable energy, renewable energy technology, engineering systems, or related sustainability disciplines, while students interested in research can progress towards doctoral study in renewable energy and engineering fields.