MSc Renewable Energy Engineering

1 Years On Campus Masters Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The MSc Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter is designed to provide students with advanced engineering knowledge and practical skills required to develop, design, and manage renewable energy technologies. The programme is ideal for engineering and science graduates who want to specialise in areas such as wind energy, marine renewables, solar energy, energy storage, and low-carbon technologies while contributing to the transition towards a sustainable energy future.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1

Students develop a strong understanding of renewable energy technologies through core modules such as Renewable Energy Systems, Professional Ethics, Competence and Commercial Awareness, and the Research Project. These modules help students explore renewable energy concepts, professional engineering practices, research methods, and the technical challenges involved in creating sustainable energy solutions.

Students can tailor their studies by choosing specialist modules aligned with their career interests, including Advanced Marine Renewable Energy, Advanced Wind Energy, Solar Energy Research and Innovation, Energy Storage Technology, and Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport. These modules allow students to gain deeper knowledge of emerging renewable technologies and understand their practical applications in the energy industry.

The programme concludes with an independent Research Project, where students work under expert supervision to investigate current challenges in renewable energy. This project enables students to apply engineering principles, develop research skills, and explore solutions in areas such as renewable power generation, energy storage, and sustainable energy systems.

Focus Areas

Renewable Energy Systems, Wind Energy, Marine Renewable Energy, Solar Energy, Energy Storage Technologies, Low Carbon Transport, Sustainable Engineering, Energy Networks, Renewable Energy Innovation, Energy Research, Climate Change Solutions, Low-Carbon Technologies.

Learning Outcomes

Develop advanced knowledge of renewable energy technologies, understand the design and operation of sustainable energy systems, evaluate renewable energy solutions, apply engineering and research methods, analyse complex energy challenges, develop technical and analytical skills, manage renewable energy projects, and create innovative solutions for future energy needs.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The MSc 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 supports the academic requirements needed for graduates working towards Chartered Engineer status and enhances the programme’s professional value within the engineering industry.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The University of Exeter has a strong reputation for renewable energy and sustainability research, with expertise in areas including marine renewable energy, wind energy, photovoltaic technologies, electrical power systems, energy policy, and sustainable engineering.
Students benefit from Exeter’s research-led learning environment, where they engage with academics involved in developing innovative renewable energy technologies and solutions.
The University of Exeter is recognised for its strength in engineering, sustainability, and environmental research, supporting graduates with knowledge and skills valued by renewable energy employers.
The programme’s location at the Penryn Campus provides students with opportunities to engage with Cornwall’s growing renewable energy sector and access specialist learning facilities.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

The MSc Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter offers a practical and research-driven learning experience through access to specialist renewable energy facilities, advanced engineering tools, and industry-focused projects. Based at the Penryn Campus, students gain hands-on experience in designing, analysing, and evaluating renewable energy systems while working on real challenges related to offshore energy, wind power, solar technologies, and energy storage. The programme combines technical learning with research activities, allowing students to develop the practical skills needed for careers in the rapidly growing renewable energy sector.

Students develop practical skills through dedicated facilities, advanced tools, research activities, and industry-focused learning opportunities:

Gain practical experience through the Renewable Energy Engineering Facility (REEF), a dedicated space where students can design, develop, and test renewable energy projects using real renewable technologies.
Work with specialist renewable energy equipment and research facilities focused on areas such as offshore energy, marine renewables, power systems, reliability studies, and energy technology development.
Apply engineering knowledge through project work, simulations, case studies, research activities, and technical investigations related to renewable energy systems.
Use advanced modelling and simulation tools to analyse renewable energy systems, improve designs, and evaluate engineering solutions.
Complete an individual Research Project, supervised by renewable energy experts, allowing students to investigate current challenges in areas such as solar energy, marine renewables, energy storage, and sustainable power systems.
Access specialist engineering laboratories, including facilities supporting electrical power systems research, renewable energy testing, system modelling, and technology development.
Work with renewable energy testing resources, including solar monitoring equipment, photovoltaic testing systems, weather monitoring tools, and experimental renewable energy setups.
Benefit from the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI), which supports research into environmental challenges and the development of sustainable solutions with industry and communities.
Gain exposure to offshore renewable energy innovation through facilities and research activities connected to offshore energy technology testing and development.
Participate in seminars, technical presentations, and industry-related activities that help students understand current renewable energy trends and employer expectations.
Collaborate with researchers and students from different disciplines, gaining a broader understanding of sustainability, energy transition, and global environmental challenges.

Progression & Future Opportunities

The MSc Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter prepares graduates with advanced technical knowledge, practical engineering skills, and research experience needed to succeed in the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. Students develop expertise in renewable energy systems, offshore energy, wind power, solar technologies, energy storage, and low-carbon solutions, creating opportunities for careers such as Renewable Energy Engineer, Energy Analyst, Engineering Consultant, and Research and Development Engineer. The programme helps graduates build the skills required to contribute to the development, implementation, and management of sustainable energy solutions worldwide.

Students benefit from a range of career support services and professional opportunities:

Access the University of Exeter’s Career Zone, which provides personalised career guidance, employability workshops, CV and application support, interview preparation, employer events, and resources to help students achieve their career goals.
Develop industry-relevant skills in renewable energy technologies, engineering design, data analysis, computational methods, project management, problem-solving, and research techniques, which are highly valued by employers in the energy sector.
Benefit from Exeter’s strong reputation and connections within renewable energy research, with opportunities to engage with academics, researchers, and professionals working in areas such as offshore energy, wind power, solar technologies, and energy storage.
Gain professional experience through the Renewable Energy Engineering with Industrial Placement pathway, which provides the opportunity to undertake a 9–12 month work placement and apply technical knowledge in a real industry environment.
Build valuable industry connections through research projects, technical discussions, industry presentations, and practical activities linked to current renewable energy challenges.
Explore career opportunities across renewable energy companies, engineering consultancies, energy organisations, research institutions, and sustainability-focused industries. Potential roles include Renewable Energy Engineer, Solar Design Engineer, Energy Consultant, Electrical Engineer, Renewable Energy Project Manager, and Sustainability Engineer.
Benefit from the professional value of a programme accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) on behalf of the Engineering Council, supporting the academic requirements for progression towards Chartered Engineer status.
Study within a university recognised for its research strengths in renewable energy, sustainability, and environmental innovation, with expertise covering marine renewables, wind energy, photovoltaic technologies, electrical power systems, and low-carbon solutions.
Use the knowledge and research skills developed through the MSc project to progress into advanced technical roles, research positions, or further academic study in energy-related fields.

Further Academic Progression:

After completing the MSc Renewable Energy Engineering, students can continue their studies through a PhD in Renewable Energy, Sustainable Energy Systems, Energy Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related research areas. The research experience gained through the dissertation project provides a strong foundation for doctoral study, specialist research careers, and advanced roles focused on developing innovative solutions for the future of energy.