Overview
- Acquire core engineering knowledge while addressing pressing environmental challenges like contaminated land and water management.
- Study at our Penryn Campus in the heart of Cornwall's rich industrial heritage. Benefit from real-world case studies and field trips to explore the challenges posed by historical mining and mineral extraction.
- Enhance your professional engineering skills and gain invaluable workplace experience through an optional work placement, giving you a competitive edge in your career.
- Develop highly sought-after skills in entrepreneurship, teamwork, problem-solving and communication, preparing you for leadership roles across various sectors.
Top 10 in the UK for Engineering
10th for General Engineering in The Complete University Guide 2025
Hands-on course with an emphasis on practical project work
92% of our Engineering research is internationally excellent
Based on research rated 4* + 3* in REF 2021
Home of the Camborne School of Mines
A world-class combined geoscience and mining department
Course content
In your first year, you'll gain a comprehensive foundation in core engineering disciplines, including mechanical, electronic and materials engineering. As you progress through your degree, your modules will become more specialised, with a focus on environmental engineering.
Throughout the course, you'll have numerous opportunities for hands-on project work, allowing you to apply theoretical knowledge and develop practical skills. This practical experience is designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world applications, preparing you for a successful career in the field.
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.
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.
Learning and teaching
You’ll typically have between 15 and 32 hours of direct contact time per week with academics and you will be expected to supplement your lectures with independent study. You should expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.
In addition to lectures, you’ll also have access to our workshops and laboratories where you’ll be trained to use specialist equipment, supporting and developing what you’ve learnt in the classroom and putting it into practice.
A research and practice led culture
All our academic staff are internationally recognised scientists working across a wide range of topics. Your course will draw on the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in the field. You’ll be able to participate directly with current research at various stages throughout your degree.
Assessment
Modules are assessed by a combination of continuous assessment through small practical exercises, project work, essay writing, presentations and exams. You must pass your first year assessment in order to progress to the second year, but the results do not count towards your degree classification.
Project work is a core element of this degree, providing invaluable experience of problem-solving, engineering design and team working.
Optional modules outside of this course
Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.
Proficiency in a second subject
If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.
- A Foreign Language
- Data Science
- Entrepreneurship
- Innovation
- Law
- Leadership
- Social Data Science
Your future
The protection and enhancement of our natural environment sits at the heart of the sustainability agenda, with environmental engineers playing a crucial role in this effort. Upon graduation, you will have a deep understanding of the environmental, economic, social and sustainability issues that are an integral part of the professional engineer's role in society.
You will be well-equipped to apply your engineering skills and knowledge to tackle environmental challenges, preparing you for diverse careers such as key roles in multidisciplinary industrial teams, research and development groups, as well as legislative and financial organisations. The strong analytical thinking, project management and innovative problem-solving skills you develop will make you a sought-after professional, valued for your discipline-specific expertise and capability in leadership positions.
Career support
As a University of Exeter student, you will also have access to the Career Zone, providing invaluable support and tailored guidance to help you prepare for your career after university.
