Environmental organisations worldwide are tackling CO2 emissions from fossil fuels, global warming, and climate change. Their main concern is to minimise the effect of increasing the use of renewable energy. Progressively cleaner, sustainable, and renewable energy resources and technologies are being developed. Hence, there is an increasing need for qualified and skilled engineers in the energy industry.
What is renewable energy engineering?
Renewable energy engineering involves developing new means for extracting sustainable energy and designing energy-efficient machinery. Wind, solar, hydrogen fuel cells, and bioenergy are considered the holy grails of sustainable energy, and students will solve problems encountered in the capture, conversion, storage, and management of renewable energy.
Learn more about leading renewable energy engineering degrees in the UK below. If you want to begin your application, contact SI-UK for a free consultation today.
Five Great UK Universities for Renewable Energy Engineering
Below are five great universities in the UK that provide renewable engineering courses.
1. University of Manchester
The four-year MEng Chemical Engineering at the University of Manchester offers a comprehensive education in the subject's birthplace, Manchester. Ranked 4th in the UK and 7th in Europe for chemical engineering (QS World University Rankings), the course emphasises energy and the environment, crucial aspects for the field's future.
Students benefit from hands-on experience in one of Europe's largest purpose-built pilot-scale laboratories. The Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) accredited the programme, ensuring graduates possess an industrially approved degree. With a focus on technical aspects, including material behaviour and chemical reactions, students are prepared for challenging and rewarding careers in chemical engineering.
Suggested course: MEng Chemical Engineering with Energy and Environment
International fee: £34,500
2. Loughborough University
Loughborough University's MSc Renewable Energy Systems Technology, the UK's longest-established programme in the field, offers a thorough education for a successful global renewable energy sector career. Taught by experts from the Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST), it emphasises solar, wind, biomass, energy storage, and data analytics integration into electricity networks.
The industry-focused degree covers policy, investment, and environmental aspects, addressing the broader context. The programme's flexibility allows specialisation, and summer micro-placement projects offer hands-on experience. With net-zero targets globally, this MSc meets the increasing demand for skilled engineers in renewable energy, providing cutting-edge research and excellent facilities.
Suggested course: MSc Renewable Energy Systems Technology
International fee: £28,750
3. Durham University
Durham University's MEng Engineering (Renewable Energy) is a four-year programme that cultivates versatile engineers who can solve problems. The initial two years provide broad knowledge in general engineering, allowing flexibility for specialisation in civil, electrical, electronic, or mechanical engineering. Tailored pathways accommodate shifts in focus, empowering students to make informed career decisions.
The final year is dominated by advanced topics in renewable energies, aeronautical engineering, and a research-focused dissertation project. Durham's programme is renowned for teaching excellence, research, and employability. It equips graduates to lead engineering teams and address challenges ranging from offshore wind turbines to microchip-manufactured electromechanical devices.
Suggested course: MEng Engineering (Renewable Energy)
International fee: £31,250
4. University of Exeter
The BEng Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Exeter focuses on clean and renewable energy technologies, offering expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photovoltaic, and thermal technologies. Accredited by the Energy Institute, the programme emphasises small class sizes, group projects, and a strong sense of community, contributing to Exeter's Top 10 ranking in the UK for Engineering.
Students benefit from the state-of-the-art Renewable Engineering Energy Facility (REEF) and Cornwall's role in the UK's renewable energy revolution, providing opportunities for field trips to specialised laboratories, wind farms, solar photovoltaic systems, and offshore test sites.
Suggested course: BEng Renewable Energy Engineering
International fee: £29,700
5. University of Southampton
The 4-year integrated master's in mechanical engineering at the University of Southampton specialises in sustainable energy systems. Students focus on cutting-edge technologies like wind turbines, solar cells, and batteries to address sustainable energy supply challenges. Core mechanical engineering topics are complemented by advanced skills in designing and testing sustainable energy technologies, including fuel cells, photovoltaics, biomass systems, tidal energy, and wind turbines.
The degree course integrates economic and management skills and offers opportunities for work placements, site visits, and participation in the annual engineering design show. Accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers, it prepares students for Chartered Engineer registration.
Suggested course: Mechanical Engineering / Sustainable Energy Systems (MEng)
International fee: £27,400
Careers in Renewable Energy Engineering
Renewable energy engineers may design, install and operate renewable energy generating systems or design and construct energy-efficient buildings and work in:
- Manufacturing industries
- Energy and environmental consultancy companies
- Energy advise and research centre
- Academia
- National and international non-governmental organisations
The median salary for energy engineers was $68,445, while researchers and developers received paychecks between $68,320 and $106,370.
Renewable Energy Engineering Entry Requirements
The entry requirements for a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering in the UK vary by institution but generally include the following:
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Bachelor’s Degree: Applicants typically need a 2:1 honours degree (upper second class) or equivalent in a related field, such as engineering, physics, environmental science, or other science and technology disciplines. Some universities may accept a 2:2 degree if supported by relevant work experience.
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Relevant Background: Many programmes expect prior knowledge in subjects like thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, electrical engineering, or similar fields to ensure readiness for the technical curriculum.
While usually not required, practical experience in renewable energy, environmental engineering, or related fields can strengthen an application, especially for those with a 2:2 degree or a less directly related background. Non-native English speakers usually need an IELTS score of 6.5–7.0, with no component below 6.0.
Programmes generally expect a solid grounding in mathematics and physics. Demonstrated skills in calculus, statistics, and sometimes programming can be advantageous, especially for coursework involving modelling and simulation.
Study Renewable Energy Engineering in the UK
If you want to apply for a renewable energy engineering course in the UK, arrange your free consultation today. Don't forget the Premium Service will guarantee you at least one offer from a UK university.
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