Renewable Energy

The MEng degree programme is designed to deliver all of the required learning outcomes as set out in UK-SPEC for an integrated MEng degree and hence contributes towards graduates becoming professionally qualified engineers in the UK, with international recognition.  This programme is accredited as fully satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Graduates may apply for CEng registration through membership of an appropriate Professional Engineering Institution following an assessment of their subsequent professional development and experience

The UK SPEC output standards statement also serves as Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering (QAA Subject Benchmark Statement for Engineering, 2006).

The programme aims to produce graduates who can practice professionally in energy engineering and energy management, with a renewable energy focus. This is dependent upon an appropriate training in: applied and environmental sciences, the engineering paradigm, project management and energy policy; and exposure to the renewable energy industry. The programme aims to provide core knowledge and understanding across all these areas, but also, through their selections in options, aims to allow candidates the opportunity to acquire in-depth knowledge and understanding in specific areas of the discipline. Whilst many students enrolling upon the programme regard it as a vocational degree, the scientific, engineering and socio-economic training received facilitate careers in many fields outside the energy sector. In addition, the programme aims to develop the transferable skills frequently sought by potential employers, such as those associated with verbal and written communication and teamwork.

In its students and in its graduates, the programme aims to develop

• a pragmatic and rational outlook to design and problem solving,

• one that encourages and capitalises on the use of creativity and innovation, properly founded on engineering & scientific principles,

• an ability to formulate the practical steps required for a concept to become a reality,

• levels of numeracy and computer literacy commensurate with full command of state-of-the-art design & analysis tools,

• cost, value and quality consciousness and understanding of business,

• full commitment to social, cultural environmental issues and a responsibility to deal with these both ethically and professionally.

Through this programme, the College will provide students with: learning opportunities to match their abilities and aspirations, personal academic support and pastoral support through their university career, appropriate methods of teaching and assessment and a programme of study that they find demanding, interesting and intellectually stimulating, while allowing them to enjoy other aspects of university life. The College will also seek to promote the role of industry and engineering institutions and the benefits that they can provide to undergraduates by promoting student membership of and active participation within said engineering institutions, and particularly the Energy Institute.

Through this, the programme aims to enable students to become:

a) flexible and autonomous renewable energy specialist graduates equipped to adopt key roles within multi-disciplinary industrial teams, research and development groups, legislating and financing organisations.

b) sought after for their leadership contributions, their capacity for analytical and original thought and discipline specific expertise; their holistic understanding of the context within which they work, their ability and innate desire to support the work of others and take full responsibility and demonstrate self-motivation for their own personal and professional development.

c) reflective, socially and personally responsible and accurate decision makers and problem solvers, whether working individually or as part of a group.

d) academically qualified to become chartered engineers within the appropriate engineering industry at the earliest opportunity.

e) aware of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer’s role in society.

Graduates will have also benefited from employability skills acquired through participation in industrial visits, field trips and the work placements between Stage 2 and Stage 3, as well as Stage 3 to 4.

A Bachelor’s degree with the same programme title is offered by the College. In comparison with the Bachelor’s programme (Level 6), there is increased breadth and depth of study and an increased emphasis on industrial relevance. Project work within the M.Eng programme is much more extensive and includes both an individual research/design project with strong industrial involvement and a more wide-ranging group project. At M.Eng. level, these projects will be more concerned with the development and application of new technologies, concepts, techniques, and services, rather than concerned with the application and management of current technology. The increased breadth is provided by study of additional technical subjects within key thematic areas and by study of, for example, business, management and industrial topics. Increased depth can be provided by both specific study at master's level and integrative study of work already undertaken at Level 6. These components are distributed mostly in the last stages of the integrated programme. The mode of study is also quite distinct from that engaged upon at Level 6. There is additional emphasis on team/group working, an increase in the use of industrially-relevant applications of engineering analysis, and enhanced capacity for independent learning and work.

This programme comprises four stages of 120 credits per stage. Each stage normally occupies an academic year so that it requires four years to accumulate the 480 credits required for the award of MEng. Part-time study over a longer period is possible by negotiation with the College. Each stage is made up of modules, and each module passed contributes 10, 15, 20, 30 or 40 credits towards the degree. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the workload and one credit is normally equivalent to 10 hours of work. The level of a module (designated by the first number in the module code) indicates its position in the progressive development of academic abilities and/or practical skills. The degree programme contains compulsory and optional modules.

Modules and other study components can be taken only with the approval of the College (normally given by the programme director). Modules are not all available every year; options are offered each year at the discretion of the College. A module may be taken only if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, if the timetable allows, and if the module or an equivalent module has not been taken previously. The first and second stages of this programme are modular and are taught over two semesters with examinations at the end of each semester.
In stage 3, all bar two of the taught modules are delivered and assessed back-to-back over a 2 week period. For each of these modules, the first week comprises a lecturer led programme of lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratories, etc. The second week comprise a consolidation programme with integrated assessment using coursework devices. Students will be issued the module materials in advance of delivery of the module such that any examination-like assessment method, such as an end of module test, will be based on these materials. The two other modules are taught over the whole term with any exam component in the end of semester 1 exam period.

In stage 4, modules are either taught in a single semester or taught over both semesters.  Any examinations are at the beginning of the Summer term in the second semester exam period.

Field trips are associated with all stages of the programme - with a compulsory assessed field trip in Stage 3. These have been designed as an essential component of the programme to provide exposure to practical case studies. The compulsory Stage 3 field trip typically runs in May but may be run over the Easter vacation.

During the Summer vacation between Stage 2 and 3 candidates may undertake a work placement.  To comply with the assessment requirements of the 10 credit work placement module the placement should be of a duration no less than 6 weeks. Candidates are primarily responsible for securing and organising the placement, with assistance from the College. Wherever possible, candidates should take advantage of the additional support and kudos offered by operating the placements as part of the STEP programme, Unlocking Cornish Potential or the Graduate Placement scheme. A report of the work placement is prepared, submitted and assessed as part of the Stage 3 curriculum.

MEng students, during the summer vacation between Stage 3 and 4, must undertake project activity with an industry project placement provider of duration no less than 6 weeks (however working throughout the vacation period is strongly recommended). Candidates are primarily responsible for securing and organising the placement, with assistance from the College. There will be greater intervention from the College in organisation of these placements to ensure that the employment activity is suited to the needs of the Industry Placement Project module. Wherever possible, candidates should take advantage of the additional support and kudos offered by operating the placements as part of the STEP programme, Unlocking Cornish Potential or the Graduate Placement scheme. Candidate activity with the provider on this industry project extends through Semester 1 of Stage 4 with a deadline for submission of assessment components around mid-February each academic year (2 to 3 weeks into Semester 2).

Assessment at Stage 1 is formative and does not contribute towards the overall mark for the degree programme, although an overall pass is necessary for progression to Stage 2.

For the MEng the overall mark for the degree is calculated from the credit weighted average marks for Stages 2, 3 and 4, in turn weighted in the ratio of 2:3:4 (~22%, ~33%, ~44%) respectively.

All the modules listed in this section are designated non-condonable modules. All modules must be passed in order to progress through the stages and failure in these cannot be condoned under the Undergraduate Assessment Procedures that came into force in 2005/06. http://www.admin.ex.ac.uk/academic/tls/tqa/ugexams2.htm .

The following tables describe the programme as planned for delivery at the time of this specification. Constituent modules may be updated, deleted or replaced in future years as a consequence of normal programme development. Details at any time may be obtained from the Department web site (see http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/renewable-energy/). Options at any stage may be taken only if the necessary prerequisites have been satisfied, if the timetable allows and if the module or an equivalent module has not been previously taken. Descriptions of the individual modules are given in full on the Departmental web site (see http://emps.exeter.ac.uk/renewable-energy/undergraduate/degrees/renewable-energy/structure/).

Credit

The programme consists of 480 credits with 120 credits taken at each stage. Normally not more than 75 credits would be allowed in any one term. In total, participants normally take no more than 150 credits at level 4, and must take at least 210 credits at level 6 or higher of which at least 120 must be at level 7.

The pass mark for award of credit in an individual module is 40% for modules taken at NQF Levels 4, 5 and 6 and 50% for modules taken at Level 7.

Progression

There are no condonable modules. All modules must achieve the pass mark to contribute credits. However, you can progress to the next stage (in stages 1, 2 and 3) once at least 90 credits have been passed in that stage, and 120 credits from all previous stages, and provided that an average of at least 40% has been achieved over the 120 credits of assessment for that stage. Any credits trailed into a subsequent stage will be on top of the 120 credits planned for that stage.


Assessment and Awards

Assessment at stage one does not contribute to the summative classification of the award. The award will normally be based on the degree mark formed from the credit-weighted average marks for stages 2 and 3 and 4  combined in the ratio 2:3:4 respectively.

 
Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following percentage marks:

Undergraduate Degrees                                        

Class I    70% +                                                       

Class II   Division I 60-69%                                      

Class II   Division II 50-59%                                    

Class III  40-49%
 

Full details of assessment regulations for UG programmes can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

Academic and personal tutors. It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with academic advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Computing and library facilities. Students have access to good computing and library facilities on the Penryn campus. Computer-based exercises and web-based learning materials are a feature of the programme, which can be accessed via the internet. IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis) within the Centre. Wireless network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site. On the Penryn campus in Cornwall, the Learning Resource Centre contains a library of 70,000 volumes and some specialist collections. In addition, students have full access to the central University of Exeter library, including the electronic library resources.

Online study resources available through the University’s virtual learning environment, ELE, provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through ELE (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk)

Engineering Teaching Laboratory (ETL). The ETL supports teaching in Renewable Energy is located on the top floor of the Du Maurier building at the Penryn campus. This has been designed to provide experimental rigs and demonstration space dedicated to support modules for the Engineering programmes at the Penryn campus including the Renewable Energy programmes. Undergraduate experiments on working fluids, power hydraulics, digital electronics, instrumentation, control, and electrical machines will be supported from this laboratory. Access to these facilities will be available to Renewable Energy undergraduates, particularly for projects.

Renewable Energy Field Station. The department is working towards the provision of a subject speific field station for the RE programmes.  It is intended that larger scale pilot or prototype equipment that cannot be accommodated within the ETL are located at the field station.

Personal Development Planning The tutor assists their tutees by making use of the University’s computerised system of Personal Development Planning (e-PDP). PDP is a facility aiming to support students through their studies, to record their personal development with the aim of acting both as a record and as a tool to emphasise personal achievements. It is intended to provide added value to students alongside the tutorial system. All candidates are encouraged to participate in specially provided personal skills training provision (e.g. the group and team skills training offered during induction week to registering students).

Student/Staff Liaison Committee enables students & staff to jointly participate in the management and review of the teaching and learning provision.

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter and the entrance requirements for this programme. These are published in full in the University of Exeter Undergraduate Prospectus (see  http://www.exeter.ac.uk/undergraduate/ ). In addition to candidates offering GCE AS and A2, those offering International Baccalaureate, and appropriate VCE A-levels will also be considered.

M.Eng Programme Requirements: (i) One GCE A2 Science subject and GCE A2 Mathematics or AS Mathematics (B) recommended. Typical offer: AAB-ABB (340-320); IB: 34-32.

Eligible GCE AL/AS Science subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geology, Physics or Science. All applicants must have a Grade C pass in GCSE English.


The UCAS tariff accommodates many qualifications that are not ALs, please contact the Penryn campus admissions team for advice as to the eligibility of SQA, BTEC N&H, GNVQ Adv., Int. Bacc. and Irish Leaving qualifications.


Applicants from a wide variety of backgrounds (including those from mature candidates with evidence of appropriate alternative qualifications or employment experience) are welcomed and admission onto the programme is as flexible as the maintenance of high academic standards permits. Further information about widening participation and mature entry can be found at http://as.exeter.ac.uk/divisions/se/registry/srwp/ .


Non-standard applicants are dealt with on an individual basis, and are almost invariably interviewed. Mature applicants (over the age of 21) will normally be expected to have undertaken some recognised systematic course of study within the last three years (e.g. validated Access course, Open University, BTEC).


Direct entry to Stage 2 of the programmes will also be considered for candidates who have successfully completed study equivalent to the core material in the first stage of the programmes. This includes favourable arrangements for candidates opting for the recognised articulation route from the FdSc Renewable Energy Technology foundation degree run at Cornwall College.

Overseas students without English as a first language must show proficiency in English and have an appropriate qualification (e.g. IELTS, TOEFL, or equivalent).




 

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.

Certain programmes are subject to accreditation and/ or review by professional and statutory regulatory bodies (PSRBs).

The MEng Renewable Energy is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) as fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). See www.energyinst.org for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Engineering Council list of accredited degrees: www.engc.org.uk .