BSc Sustainable Energy Futures - 2025 entry

Entry requirements (typical offer)

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

BTEC Extended Diploma (2010)

Applicants studying one of the following BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without the GCE A-Level science subjects: Applied Science, Building Services Engineering, Construction and the Built Environment, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Environmental Sustainability, Manufacturing Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Operations Maintenance Engineering, Pharmaceutical Science, Sport, Sport and Exercise Science.

BTEC Extended Diploma (2016)

Applicants studying one of the following new BTEC Extended Diplomas will be considered without the GCE A-Level science subjects: Engineering, Electrical/Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering.

For any questions relating to entry requirements please contact the team via our online form or 01392 724061

Course content

Throughout your programme, you will gain an understanding of the renewable energy sector and develop consultancy and project management skills. Renewable energy is a key part of our sustainable future and the combination of energy sector knowledge with legal, political and business learning will enable you to engage with and contribute to, solutions for some of the most pressing challenges facing our planet.

Your first year gives a strong foundation in topics such as renewable energy systems, energy policy, data science and environment, society and business. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme enables you to explore a range of subjects and discover what interests you most. The variety of optional modules in your second and final year give you the opportunity to shape your degree according to your career ambitions.

The modules we outline here 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.

Course variants

Fees

Tuition fees for 2024 entry

UK students: £9,250 per year
International students: £29,700 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as our Global Excellence Scholarships*. Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

^{* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.}

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Facilities

The campus is equipped with the latest facilities for teaching and research. Our teaching laboratory contains technology for the study of biomass heating; water flows; hydroelectric turbines; photovoltaics; solar thermal; fuel cells; hydraulic systems; wind power; and electronics and electrical power systems.

The lab is also equipped with industry standard software for the analysis of flows of liquids, gases (Solidworks) and electricity; computer aided design (AutoCAD); wind energy resource assessment (Windfarmer, Wind Farm); and wind turbine design (Bladed). As an undergraduate student, you’ll be able to use all of these programs and facilities in the lab which can be viewed via the virtual tours on our website.

A variety of devices producing renewable energy exist around the campus including two solar powered buildings on campus: Daphne du Maurier and the Performance Centre, plus a 3 x 1MW fully condensing gas boiler and a ground source heat pump system. As part of the continuing expansion of the campus, the University has developed the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI). The ESI opened in late 2012 and employs both solar and wind energy technology as well as benefitting from state-of-the-art energy efficiency. The campus is 500m from the Roskrow Barton commercial wind development that comprises 2 x 850kW, V52-850 Vestas wind turbines.

Learning and teaching

Formal teaching and learning methods vary between modules but typically include lectures, laboratory classes, practical work, seminars, tutorials, computer-based learning packages, and residential or one-day field-based activities. You will typically have 16-20 hours of formal contact time per week. You’ll be expected to spend roughly the same amount of time in independent learning and some work will be expected during the vacations.

There is an increasing use of interactive computer-based approaches to learning through our virtual learning environment where the details of all modules are stored in an easily navigable website. Students can access detailed information about modules and learning outcomes and interact through activities such as the discussion forums.

Research-inspired teaching

We believe that every student benefits from being part of a culture that is inspired by research and taught by experts. Our department includes leading research groups in areas including marine energy, solar technologies, power electronics and smart grids, energy storage, renewable heat and energy policy. Students will therefore be taught by lecturers at the forefront of clean energy technology and policy development, and have the opportunity to pursue projects in these areas directly linked to ongoing research. We also work closely with industry partners to ensure the ‘real-world’ relevance of the knowledge and skills that students develop through their taught modules and project work.

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Your future

This degree programme has been designed to include the knowledge and skills required for the wide range of non-technical careers in the clean energy sector. You will gain an awareness of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the energy professional’s role in society.

Employer-valued skills this course develops

• Leadership and project management
• Analytical, independent, and innovative thinking
• Team working
• Self-awareness and motivation for personal development
• Decision making and problem-solving
• Discussion and group work
• Written and verbal communication
• Organising, planning and time management

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