MEng Renewable Energy Engineering

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares students to develop innovative engineering solutions for the transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy systems. The programme combines engineering fundamentals with renewable technologies such as wind, solar, marine energy, energy storage, and power systems, making it an excellent choice for students who want to help shape the future of global energy.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the essential principles of engineering, mathematics, computing, and design. Students study modules such as Engineering Mathematics and Scientific Computing, Multi-Disciplinary Group Challenge Project, Fundamentals of Mechanics, Fundamentals of Materials, Fundamentals of Electronics, and Fundamentals of Engineering, developing technical knowledge while building teamwork and problem-solving skills through collaborative engineering projects.

Year 2
The second year begins to focus more specifically on renewable energy systems and how energy is generated, converted, managed, and distributed. Through modules including Data, Signals and Systems, Electrical Energy Conversion and Transport, Applied Thermodynamics, Renewable Energy Systems 1, Energy Policy, Markets and Law, Energy Management and Building Systems, Fluid Mechanics, and the Discipline Group Challenge Project, students explore both the technical and wider environmental and policy aspects of sustainable energy.

Year 3
The third year develops advanced knowledge of renewable energy technologies through specialist modules and practical learning opportunities. Students study topics such as Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management, Renewable Energy Field Course, and the Dissertation Project, while optional modules including Marine Renewable Energy, Wind Energy, Solar Power, Energy Storage Technology, and Life Cycle Analysis allow them to specialise in areas of interest.

Final Year
The final year focuses on advanced renewable energy engineering concepts, professional development, and industry application. Students complete modules such as Professional Ethics, Competence and Commercial Awareness, Industry Placement Project, and Group Design Project, while exploring advanced topics including Advanced Marine Renewable Energy, Advanced Wind Energy, Solar Energy Research and Innovation, Energy Storage Materials and Systems, and Control Engineering for Renewable Energy.

Focus Areas

Renewable Energy Technologies, Wind Energy, Solar Power, Marine Renewable Energy, Energy Storage Systems, Electrical Power Systems, Energy Management, Sustainable Engineering, Energy Policy and Markets, Low Carbon Technologies, Renewable Energy System Design, Climate Solutions

Learning Outcomes

Apply engineering principles to renewable energy challenges, design sustainable energy systems, understand renewable technologies including wind, solar and marine energy, analyse energy conversion and power systems, evaluate energy policies and markets, develop engineering solutions through projects, apply research and analytical methods, work effectively in multidisciplinary teams, assess environmental impacts of energy technologies, develop professional engineering skills, create innovative solutions for future energy challenges

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MEng Renewable Energy Engineering is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council. This accreditation confirms that the programme meets recognised professional engineering standards and provides students with the academic foundation required for progression towards Chartered Engineer status.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme is taught by experts in renewable energy areas including energy policy, marine renewable technologies, biofuels, electrical power systems, wind energy, photovoltaic technologies, and thermal energy systems.
Students benefit from access to the Renewable Energy Engineering Facility (REEF), which provides dedicated workshop and laboratory spaces for renewable energy projects, practical experiments, and technical development.
Based at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, students benefit from a location closely connected with renewable energy innovation, including opportunities to engage with renewable energy facilities, wind farms, solar photovoltaic systems, and offshore energy projects.
The programme’s combination of practical projects, field courses, industry experience, and research-led learning helps graduates develop skills valued by employers in the renewable energy and engineering sectors.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter offers students a practical and industry-focused learning experience by combining engineering theory with hands-on projects, laboratory activities, field visits, and real-world applications. Students work with renewable energy technologies such as wind power, solar energy, marine energy systems, and energy storage solutions, developing the skills needed to design, analyse, and improve sustainable energy technologies. Through specialist facilities, collaborative projects, and research-led learning, students gain the practical experience required for careers in the renewable energy sector.

Students develop practical skills through dedicated facilities, industry engagement, and applied learning opportunities:

Access the Renewable Energy Engineering Facility (REEF), a dedicated workshop and laboratory space where students can design, build, and test renewable energy projects using real renewable energy technologies.
Use the Engineering Laboratory facilities to carry out practical experiments, explore engineering concepts, and work with specialist equipment supporting renewable energy teaching and research.
Develop technical skills using industry-relevant software and digital tools for renewable energy modelling, energy system analysis, mapping, and engineering design activities.
Participate in group projects and engineering challenges, where students collaborate to develop practical renewable energy solutions while improving teamwork, communication, and project management skills.
Take part in field trips and industry visits to renewable energy facilities, including wind farms, solar photovoltaic systems, offshore renewable energy sites, hydro facilities, and other energy projects across Cornwall and the South West.
Visit renewable energy installations such as Goonhilly Wind Farm, solar PV farms, micro and large hydro facilities, and renewable energy production sites to understand how sustainable technologies operate in real-world environments.
Gain professional experience through an industrial placement opportunity, allowing students to apply their engineering knowledge in workplace settings, develop industry connections, and gain valuable career experience.
Work with renewable energy research facilities focusing on areas such as offshore and marine energy, electrical power systems, energy storage, and renewable energy system performance.
Access the Electrical Power Systems Laboratory, where students can explore power systems, electrical machines, simulation techniques, and energy technology testing.
Benefit from research and innovation activities supported by the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), which focuses on developing solutions to environmental and sustainability challenges.
Study at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall, a location closely connected with renewable energy development and provides opportunities to engage with emerging clean energy technologies and projects.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares graduates for exciting careers in the growing renewable energy sector by developing strong engineering knowledge, practical skills, and expertise in sustainable technologies. Graduates can pursue roles such as Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Analyst, Design Engineer, Electrical Engineer, Climate Change Consultant, and Environmental Scientist, with opportunities across renewable energy companies, engineering consultancies, research organisations, and sustainability-focused industries.

The programme supports students’ career development through industry experience, professional recognition, and specialist employability support:

The University of Exeter Careers Service helps students explore career opportunities, improve employability skills, access career guidance, attend employer events, and prepare for graduate employment. Students can also receive support in identifying career pathways related to renewable energy and engineering.
Students can gain professional experience through an Industrial Experience option, where they can undertake a placement with an energy-related business or organisation, applying their engineering knowledge in a workplace environment and developing valuable industry connections.
The programme maintains strong connections with the renewable energy sector through its focus on areas such as marine renewable energy, wind energy, photovoltaic technologies, electrical power systems, thermal technologies, and biofuels, ensuring students develop skills relevant to industry needs.
The degree is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, providing graduates with a strong foundation towards achieving Chartered Engineer (CEng) status.
Graduates are prepared for careers across sectors including renewable energy, engineering and manufacturing, energy consultancy, environmental services, sustainability, and research and development.
The programme develops highly valued professional skills such as engineering design, analytical thinking, project management, teamwork, communication, and problem-solving, helping graduates succeed in a variety of technical and leadership roles.
Students benefit from the University of Exeter’s expertise in renewable energy research and its links with organisations working on clean energy technologies and sustainable solutions.
The growing global demand for renewable energy professionals creates opportunities for graduates to contribute to areas such as renewable technology development, energy system design, low-carbon projects, and sustainable energy planning.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MEng Renewable Energy Engineering, students can continue their studies through postgraduate programmes in areas such as Renewable Energy Engineering, Sustainable Energy Systems, Energy Management, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Power Systems, or related research fields. Further study allows graduates to specialise in advanced renewable technologies, develop expertise in research and innovation, or progress towards senior engineering, consultancy, and management roles within the clean energy sector.