MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
Please note: This page is for 2027 entry. Click here for 2026 entry.
| UCAS code | 1234 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1 year full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A good degree (normally a 2:2) |
|---|---|
| UCAS code | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 years full time |
| Entry year | 2026 |
| Campus | Penryn Campus |
| Typical offer | A good degree (normally a 2:2) |
|---|---|
Why study a Masters in Renewable Energy at Exeter?
- Opportunity to tailor your renewable energy masters degree to your career ambitions by choosing one of our specialist pathways, including Energy Storage Systems, Low Carbon Transport, Offshore Energy, Solar Energy and Wind Energy.
- Dedicated workshop – the Renewable Energy Engineering Facility (REEF) - purpose-built to support opportunities in student skills development and hands-on project work.
- Designed to build on the skills of engineers, scientists or others to learn about how renewable energy technologies function and can be optimally deployed.
- Become an in-demand engineer in the renewable energy sector, with the right multidisciplinary skill-set to pioneer the design, build and management of its infrastructure.
- Taught at our Penryn campus, you’ll have access to some of the exceptional on and off-shore renewable energy facilities that Cornwall has to offer.
- Our wide-ranging expertise means you’ll have the opportunity to follow your interests by studying modules relating to different themes and technologies.
Top 2 in the UK for Electrical & Electronic Engineering
2nd in The Guardian University Guide 2026
Expertise in energy policy, marine renewables, biofuels, electrical power and networks, wind, photo-voltaic and thermal technologies
Opportunity to specialise with a choice of pathways
Top 30 in the world for Environmental Science and Engineering
28th in the Global Ranking of Academic Subjects (GRAS) or Shanghai Rankings 2025
Accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), on behalf of the Engineering Council, as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for registration as a Chartered Engineer. Candidates must hold a CEng accredited BEng/BSc (Hons) undergraduate first degree to fully meet the CEng registration educational requirements.
"I liked that the professors teaching us are currently contributing to novel research, so what we're being taught is very relevant and interesting. With the energy sector being such an evolving economy, it's been an incredible opportunity to hear from people who are contributing towards the future."
"The way the course was structured worked really well. The first semester laid down a foundation in renewables, which was great as everyone on the course had done a different undergraduate degree…As part of the advanced marine course, we had lots of contact with people from industry which was another great opportunity.
Throughout both semesters there was loads to get involved with including industry talks on Wednesday evenings, where you were treated to a free pint and a pasty (in true Cornish fashion). We were also invited to a postgraduate symposium, where PhD students and professors from the renewable energy group presented their research and current work. This was a real source of inspiration for my dissertation early on.
…There's so much more to the energy sector than first meets the eye. This Masters really opened up doors I didn't know existed and gave me new interests in subject areas I wasn't necessarily as well versed in beforehand.
The combination of lab work, workshops, and field trips was great. Within our first month we did a trip to Pinkery Outdoor Centre in Exmoor where we developed a techno-economic feasibility analysis for the site by proposing methods to make it completely off-grid. I loved having a real-world scenario built in…There's so much packed into this degree, and I've loved every bit of it."
Charlotte
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering
Entry requirements
All applicants are considered individually on merit although we usually require a 2:2 honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant science, engineering or numerate discipline. We do consider all applications where there is evidence of exceptional performance in modules relevant to the programme of study, significant relevant work experience or professional qualifications.
Please also see our guidance on essential documentation required for an initial decision on taught programme applications.
Entry requirements for international students
English language requirements
International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course.
The required IELTS test scores for this course fall under Profile B1.
Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.
Course content
This programme is modular and flexible, carrying 180 credits in total and offering flexibility in choice of modules studied.
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering consists of three core modules totalling 105 credits, which includes the 60-credit research project, and five 15-credit optional modules.
The programme begins in October each year and the taught elements are concluded by May. The research project, under the personal supervision of an expert in the chosen area, continues until September.
We have internationally-renowned research expertise across a wide range of technologies from solar and marine energy through to life cycle analysis and energy storage. This means students are taught by leading researchers working on cutting-edge innovations, and have the opportunity to work with the research teams and contribute to these developments through dissertation projects.
The modules below provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
105 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
You must choose 4 modules from Optional Group 1
You must choose 1 module from Optional Group 2
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Professional Ethics, Competence and Commercial Awareness | 15 | |
| Research Project | 60 | |
| Renewable Energy Systems | 30 | |
ENEM006: Professional Ethics, Competence and Commercial Awareness
The PECCA module builds on skills and knowledge acquired during the initial 3 years of the Renewable Energy Degree at the University of Exeter (MEng students) or via an initial undergraduate degree +/- workplace experience (MSc students). It reflects upon the attributes of professionalism, ethical practice, and responsibilities to society, and develops an understanding of business from several key perspectives.
Today’s energy professionals demonstrate a personal and professional commitment to society, to their profession, and to the environment. These principles are embedded in professional codes of conduct and mechanisms for self-regulation. Professional competence integrates your knowledge, understanding, skills, and values, and is accrued through professional development. This module encourages you to engage with these ideas and their need, alongside an examination of the purpose and benefit of professional bodies.
You will be given a basic grasp of accounting, particularly with respect to using accounts as a tool for measuring and improving the financial health of a business. The investor’s perspective is also addressed through a study of key investment ratios and discussion on the nature and workings of the stock market.
ENEM018: Research Project
This dissertation will give you the chance to demonstrate the renewable energy engineering knowledge, to exercise your initiative and personal responsibility, and to use the research techniques and skills you have developed throughout your degree.
You will be required to solve an academic or industry-related practical problem based on the topics learned within, but not exclusive to, the Renewable Energy Engineering MSc programme. The project work will lead to a major piece of work (dissertation) of approximately 15,000 words that involves project planning, analytical, experimental or empirical results and their interpretation, showing how the goals of the project have been met. You will receive a list of potential projects or, alternatively, you can discuss your own dissertation ideas with the module leader/potential supervisor (academic staff) with a view to exploring if they offer the required technical rigour and research challenge.
Project management is a key skill for the successful completion of any project. To help develop your project management skills, before commencing your research project, you will complete a summative assessment to produce a short, formal research proposal that must be signed off by your supervisor before project commencement
ENEM101: Renewable Energy Systems
Starting from the background of the current energy mix, this module will introduce you to the challenges of cutting carbon emissions and the barriers to new energy technologies. You will learn about a number of renewable energy technologies from their fundamental operational principles to the latest developments, including resource assessment, design considerations for project development, environmental impacts, and operations and maintenance. You will explore wind, solar, marine and energy storage in detail, with introductions to low carbon heat technologies and the wider policy landscape. You will be introduced to industry-standard software packages for the planning and design of projects, and have the opportunity to research specific technologies.
A background in the fundamental principles of general engineering, maths or physical sciences will be required.
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Transforming Energy Systems | 15 | |
| Energy Storage Technology | 15 | |
| Sustainable Architecture | 15 | |
| Advanced Marine Renewable Energy | 15 | |
| Advanced Wind Energy | 15 | |
| Solar Energy Research and Innovation | 15 | |
| Energy Storage Materials and Systems | 15 | |
| Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Social and Technological Innovation | 15 | |
| Themes in Climate Change | 15 | |
| Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management | 15 | |
CGEM247: Transforming Energy Systems
This module provides a critical introduction to the key challenges and solutions relating to the process of energy system change.
Energy systems are integral to modern society. They are also undergoing profound transformation, not only in terms of technological change, but also to the roles and responsibilities of actors within the system.
In this module you will:
- Learn about the role of energy systems in progressing towards net zero as well as contributing to wider environmental, societal and economic outcomes.
- Examine the specific challenges and opportunities related to electricity, heat and transport systems.
- Explore the shifting geography of energy technologies and infrastructures.
- Understand the role of innovation in affecting the speed and direction of transition.
- Learn about the role of individuals households, communities, governments and businesses in enabling (and resisting) system transformation.
This module adopts an interdisciplinary approach to understand the process of change from multiple perspectives. We will focus on real-world examples and discuss issues as they unfold in real time. The module requires no specific prior skills or experience and there are no prerequisites.
ENE3007: Energy Storage Technology
Renewable energy is expected to provide a central solution to our need for a sustainable fuel. However, major challenges presented by renewable energies, such as fluctuations in output, unavailability, and unpredictability, limit their popularity. As a solution to these problems, energy storage technology (EST) is growing in significance. EST is to convert/store energy and to release energy in a controlled fashion when required, which improves energy efficiency and stabilizes operation of electricity grid.
In this module students will obtain general understanding of a number of energy storage systems. Technologies such as mechanical energy storage system (e.g. pumped hydro, compressed air), hydrocarbon storage, lithium ion battery, redox flow battery, lead acid battery, hydrogen and fuel cells, and thermal energy storage will be studied in terms of principles of operation, characteristics, development progress and challenges.
The aim of this module is to introduce and evaluate major energy storage systems. Some key concepts, techniques and strategic choices will be explored including principles and fundamentals of EST, operation parameters, design consideration and system optimisation. In addition, cost effectiveness, environmental compatibility and energy/materials sustainability will be taken into consideration.
ENE3010: Sustainable Architecture
A module to explore sustainability in the built environment. How can land, building materials, resources and energy be employed to a community’s advantage but with low levels of long term, irreversible and environmental impact? The module looks for design ingenuity, sustainable building practices, lowering of energy and resource demand, but without necessarily any fall in building quality or enjoyment! Building regulations and safety must still be met ….. and how can we measure the sustainability and performance of a building?
Many of the subjects modules in years 1, 2 and 3 of the Renewable Energy undergraduate degree course are considered Co-requisite and usefully beneficial to this module (see towards the end of this document). Similarly the Renewable Energy module within the MSc postgraduate course is considered co-requisite.
Co-requisite module note: Many of the Renewable Energy year-1 to 3 undergrad, and term-1 MSc postgrad, modules are valuable co-requisite modules, but none are absolutely essential to allow a good student to successfully study this module.
This module aims to develop architectural design capability in candidates, building on acquired knowledge of Energy Management principles and practice covered in Year 2 (undergraduate programmes) and Term-1 for MSc postgraduate.
ENEM009: Advanced Marine Renewable Energy
In ENEM009 Advanced Marine Renewable Energy, you will develop an advanced understanding of design and installation requirements for Renewable Energy projects offshore. The module covers two principal technical areas: i) Metocean (waves, currents and wind) for offshore engineering; and ii) Hydrodynamics and estimating structural response. These are supported by content and exposure to industry professionals to better understand marine renewable energy projects, current trends in industry and how engineering impacts cost and progress in the sector.
The aim of the module is to provide you with an advanced understanding of design and installation requirements within the sector of Marine Renewable Energy. In achieving this level of capability, you will develop competence applying hydrodynamic load calculations to fixed and floating structures, offshore anchoring and modelling methodologies to fixed and floating structures, the implementation of recognised design codes, required procedures related to the resource characterisation and the sources of data available to achieve these processes. The module will also relate the content to current design codes and consenting procedures. You will develop some competence to computational design tools that are routinely adopted in industry, for analysis and design tasks.
ENEM011: Advanced Wind Energy
This module is taught throughout terms 1 and 2 of the 4th year M Eng programme and gives you a more detailed understanding of all aspects of the wind energy industry but particularly wind farm and wind turbine design, as development of their previous wind energy studies.
You will need a good grounding in all aspects of wind energy and the wind energy industry and it is unlikely to be suited to non-specialists in renewable energy.
This module may be of value to engineering students interested in energy generation and sustainability issues.
In this module, you develop detailed knowledge and understanding of design principles and practical wind farm and ¯wind turbine design, to the extent that you could design new wind farm projects and design wind turbines or individual components that meet recognised design codes. You will also develop a practical knowledge of wind farm construction, operations and maintenance and health and safety issues etc.
ENEM012: Solar Energy Research and Innovation
An advanced course covering the state-of-the-art of advanced solar technologies, including advanced solar measurements, solar thermal and applied photovoltaic technologies.
In this module, students obtain a specific understanding of solar resource, physics and engineering of solar energy system. Students develop an advanced understanding of design, limitation and implementation of Solar Energy Devices focusing on: (i) advanced knowledge and modelling of solar energy resource analysis, (ii) Applied area of solar PV in Building, Water and Agricultural Land, (iii) temperature reduction of PV using various novel methods, (iv) large scale design of solar PV and application to electric and hydrogen vehicles, (iv) risk and mitigation management of PV and (v) characterisation techniques of PV devices. In achieving this level of capability, students will develop competence for independent solar energy research, design of new solar PV/Thermal farms, and dealing with operational challenges for solar power plants around the globe. In addition, students will learn to use a state-of-the-art computational design/modelling tool routinely used in the industry.
ENEM014: Energy Storage Materials and Systems
Renewable energy sources and energy storage technologies are critical components of the transition to a more sustainable and low-carbon energy system. The development and implementation of new energy storage systems requires sufficient knowledge in material sciences, which is an interdisciplinary field that studies the structure, properties, behaviour, and characterization at atomic/molecular and micro/macro level.
This module is suitable for specialist students and recommended for interdisciplinary pathways.
This module can equip students with the knowledge and skills in material/physics/chemistry science, emphasizing advanced materials for research and practical applications in energy storage systems. Students can gain a deep understanding of the performance and limitations of different materials and energy storage systems. In this module, you will learn about energy storage materials and understand how to explore new materials and optimize their properties to enhance the performance, safety, and reliability of different technologies such as electrochemical (hydrogen fuel cells, batteries, supercapacitors), thermal and mechanical energy storage systems.
ENEM105: Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport
Clean and sustainable transport and mobility solutions are required to address fundamental issues related to the energy trilemma. Low carbon vehicles and transport systems have the potential to develop significant positive impacts to deliver more sustainable mobility solutions.
You will get a broad understanding of the low carbon and sustainable transport sector. You will develop a solid understating of key technologies challenges and commercial aspects of low carbon transport and insights into the latest developments and cutting edge technologies.
This module aims to deliver:
- a broad appreciation of technical issues related to low carbon vehicles and transport
- detailed understanding of some relevant technical aspects of this field
- a broad appreciation of infrastructure and policy issues related with developing low carbon transport solutions
BEP3010: Social and Technological Innovation
'Innovation' is one of the buzz words of current management thinking, but what does it mean? We are living in an age where everyone is looking for the 'next big thing', that's what innovation is, it is about having an idea, making it work and doing things differently. This module will examine different ways in which social and technological innovations have revolutionised how we do business and in turn how society operates. We will look at the theory behind innovation and apply it to current business case studies enabling you to analyse how certain businesses and organisations have used innovative practices to do things differently, for the benefit of society, the environment and in the process - their own competitive advantage.
CGEM363B: Themes in Climate Change
This module provides an in-depth assessment of important issues in climate change. It places contemporary climate change into its historic context, examines the latest thinking in detection and attribution of recent warming and describes the nature of climate modelling and model uncertainty. It ends with a series of lectures on climate impacts and the relationship between climate change and conflict. By the end of the module you will have the detailed knowledge of climate change to enable you to develop your learning throughout the rest of the MSc and beyond. No prior knowledge or skills is required or pre-requisite or co-requisite modules. While the module does require you to work with a considerable amount of scientific material and concepts, it has been designed to be suitable for both specialist and non-specialist students and may also be suitable for interdisciplinary pathways.
This module introduces key themes in climate change science by describing the nature of and approaches to climate change science. The history of climatic reconstructions is briefly described, as are the international political and scientific attempts at understanding climate reconstructions and climate change science. The evidence for contemporary climate change is discussed and this is placed into the context of climate change throughout the Holocene and Pleistocene. Throughout the module the arguments from sceptics are discussed in detail.
ENE3002: Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management
This module has been designed to develop your knowledge of power electronics and power systems, data acquisition and automation. The future grid will see more integration of renewable energy sources (RES) and, thus, it is vital to understand power electronics, which is the enabling technology for integrating RES to the Grid. You will also learn the basic skills for modelling and analyzing the power network. Additionally, this module will allow you to gain hands-on experience in the practical aspects of data acquisition and control and associated software in the context of power electronic converters. You will have ‘hands-on’ interaction with sensors, data acquisition systems and control equipment. You will then be working in small groups on a chosen project to select sensor components data loggers, and actuators to assemble a data logging and control system for your project that could then be deployed ‘externally’. This is theoretical and practical course using lectures and laboratory-based exercises, and resulting in individual design and group design exercises.
Prerequisite module: ENE2003 or equivalent
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
During your MSc you can, if you wish, choose to specialise in one of five specialist pathways:
- Energy Storage Systems
- Low Carbon Transport
- Offshore Energy
- Solar Energy
- Wind Energy
You will receive advice about the specialisms once you join us so you don’t need to make any decisions in advance.
Specialist modules
To be awarded a bracketed specialism on the MSc, you should select the appropriate module from the specialist module below.
Your research project (module ENEM104) must also be relevant to the specialist field.
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Energy Storage Systems) |
ENEMXXX Energy Storage Materials and Systems |
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Low Carbon Transport) |
ENEM105 Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport |
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Offshore Energy) |
ENEM009 Advanced Marine Renewable Energy |
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Solar Energy) |
ENEM012 Solar Energy Research and Innovation |
MSc Renewable Energy Engineering (Wind Energy) |
ENEM011 Advanced Wind Energy |
Please note that the module information displayed here is subject to change.
45 credits of compulsory modules, 75 credits of optional modules
You must choose 4 modules from Optional Group 1
You must choose 1 module from Optional Group 2
Compulsory modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Compulsory 1 | ||
| Professional Ethics, Competence and Commercial Awareness | 15 | |
| Renewable Energy Systems | 30 | |
Optional modules
| Code | Module | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Optional 1 | ||
| Transforming Energy Systems | 15 | |
| Energy Storage Technology | 15 | |
| Sustainable Architecture | 15 | |
| Advanced Marine Renewable Energy | 15 | |
| Advanced Wind Energy | 15 | |
| Solar Energy Research and Innovation | 15 | |
| Energy Storage Materials and Systems | 15 | |
| Low Carbon Vehicles and Transport | 15 | |
| Optional 2 | ||
| Social and Technological Innovation | 15 | |
| Themes in Climate Change | 15 | |
| Network Engineering, Monitoring and Management | 15 | |
Course variants
Renewable Energy Engineering with Industrial Placement
- Combine your masters in Renewable Energy Engineering with work experience in the UK, putting your learning into practice while studying
- Studied over two years, you’ll have the opportunity to gain valuable professional experience by completing a 9-12month work placement in a role relevant to your degree
- Become a sought-after engineering professional with strong technical expertise, as well as excellent management abilities, allowing you to move into high-level management roles
Teaching and research
Teaching and assessment
The programme is delivered through a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, industrial presentations, case studies, industry visits, computer simulations, project work and a dissertation.
You will develop transferable skills such as management and communication skills, computational techniques, data handling and analysis, problem solving, decision making and research methodology. Many of these will be addressed within an industrial and commercial context.
Personal Tutor
You will be allocated a Personal Tutor who is available for advice and support throughout your studies, along with support and mentoring from graduates who are now in industry. There is also a Postgraduate Tutor available to help with further guidance and advice.
A research and practice-led culture
We believe every student benefits from being taught by experts active in research and practice. You will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field. Plus, you’ll become actively involved in a research project yourself.
All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.
Fees
2026/27 entry
UK fees per year:
£13,700 full-time
With Industrial placement (second year) £2,740 full-time
International fees per year:
£29,400 full-time
With Industrial placement (second year) £5,880 full-time
Fee information
Fees can normally be paid by two termly instalments and may be paid online. You will also be required to pay a tuition fee deposit to secure your offer of a place, unless you qualify for exemption. For further information about paying fees see our Student Fees pages.
UK government postgraduate loan scheme
Postgraduate loans are now available for Masters degrees. Find out more about eligibility and how to apply.
Scholarships
The University of Exeter offers a wide range of scholarships to support your education, with £7 million available for international students applying to study with us in the 2026/27 academic year, including our prestigious Exeter Excellence Scholarships. We also provide awards for sport, music and other achievements, as well as regional and partner scholarships with organisations such as Chevening, The Beacon Trust and the British Council. For more information on scholarships and other financial support, please visit our scholarships and bursaries page.
University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship
We are pleased to offer the University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship, a scholarship for University of Exeter alumni beginning a standalone postgraduate programme in 2026/27 with us a scholarship worth 20% of the cost of your first year tuition fees.
Terms and conditions, including deadlines, apply.
Careers
Employer-valued skills
The MSc in Renewable Energy Engineering has been designed to include the knowledge and skills that potential employers in the energy sector have told us they require.
The UK’s commitment to expansion of renewable energy is likely to mean a high level of investment in the sector in the next decade. The adoption of the UK’s microgeneration tariff in 2009, the Green Deal in 2013, the phased adoption of the Renewable Heat Incentive from 2011-2014 and introduction of Contracts for Difference in 2014, suggests continued strong support for rapid expansion of renewable energy in the UK.
National and international job opportunities
We maintain strong links with Exeter Renewable Energy alumni who are currently in different positions in the industry. We are looking to develop more events with alumni attendance and have an active Renewable Energy Alumni group where news of jobs and other opportunities are posted.
Internationally, many other countries are making similar investments with major industrial nations including the US, India and China investing heavily in renewable generation. This investment will create broad opportunities for those seeking to work in the sector, both nationally and internationally.
Graduates
Graduates have moved into a broad range of careers from developing and operating the latest renewable energy technologies, to development of sites to deploy energy systems, and optimising operational performance. In addition to engineering-focused roles our graduates have also moved into non-technical roles, such as advising investors on suitable projects through and developing policy and planning frameworks. A number of our students also move on to PhDs in the energy sector.
Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability
You will become part of Exeter's Graduate School of Environment & Sustainability - a vibrant and supportive postgraduate community based here on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall. The Graduate School brings together experts from across the spectrum of earth and life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business. You will interact with students from other MScs and have the opportunity to explore issues from a range of perspectives, benefiting from a truly interdisciplinary experience. All our programmes are designed with a focus on developing solutions to global challenges and creating a better future for our planet and its people.
