Renewable & Sustainable Energy Engineering, BEng (Hons)

Program Overview

The BEng (Hons) Renewable & Sustainable Energy Engineering program at UCLan equips graduates to meet the challenges of future energy supply by specializing in renewable energy generation, storage, transmission, and use. The program fosters sustainability and ethical practices and prepares students for a range of careers in the rapidly growing green energy sector. Graduates are well-positioned to tackle pressing issues related to renewable and sustainable energy, contributing to a more secure and environmentally responsible energy future.

Program Outline

It focuses on the generation, transmission, storage, and uses of renewable energy, equipping students with the skills to thrive in the rapidly advancing green energy sector. The program emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices, reflecting UCLan's commitment to these values.

Outline:

The BEng (Hons) Renewable and Sustainable Energy Engineering program is a 3-year full-time program delivered in-person at the Preston Campus. It offers a sandwich option, allowing students to gain valuable work experience through a 48-week industry placement between Year 2 and Year 3.

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Design and Sustainability:
Develops knowledge and skills in engineering design, including design methodology, computer-aided design, technical drawing, and sustainable design.
• Engineering Analysis: Introduces essential core mathematical methods and computational analysis for engineering and technology.
• Engineering Practice: Covers computer-aided design, programming, digital electronics, and manufacturing techniques, preparing students for diverse engineering tasks.
• Engineering Science & Analysis: Introduces core principles of thermal and fluid engineering, problem-solving techniques, and essential engineering practices.
• Introduction to Renewable Energy: Explores the fundamental aspects of global energy demand and the use of resources to produce electricity, heat, and power, both historically and in the future.
It explores technology, policy, and ethics, fostering engagement in sustainable Geoenergy practices.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Power Systems and Energy Conversion:
Enhances knowledge of fundamental topics in power systems, electrical machines, and power electronics.
• GeoEnergy Engineering: Develops understanding and practical skills in GeoEnergy Engineering Operations, enabling students to design and analyze sustainable energy systems.
• Sustainable Energy in the Built Environment: Provides knowledge and practical skills for the design and analysis of low-carbon and low-energy use within buildings and the wider built environment.
• Thermo-fluids: Introduces principles of fluid mechanics and thermodynamics in the context of aerodynamics, heat engines, and motorsports engineering.
• Operations Management A: Develops skills and knowledge needed to participate in an operations management team.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Sustainable Energy and Power Generation Systems:
Applies fundamental laws of thermodynamics to modern energy systems, exploring the benefits of sustainable energy technologies, renewable options, and their economic and environmental effects.
• Renewable Energy Systems Design and Analysis: Develops knowledge and practical skills for the design, performance, and economic analysis of renewable energy systems.
• Optional Modules:
• Power Systems Operation and Control:
Builds on knowledge and skills of electrical power operation and power systems control.
• Life Cycle Thinking and Sustainable Waste Management Solutions: Develops a critical approach to theories, techniques, and methods in Life Cycle Analysis (LCA).
• Energy & Carbon Management: Provides critical insight into energy and carbon management theory, policy, and practice.
• Geotechnology for Sustainable Energy Futures: Builds and develops geoenergy skills and knowledge gained earlier in the course.

Assessment:

The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:

• Exams: Assess theoretical knowledge and understanding of concepts.
• Coursework: Includes assignments, reports, and projects, allowing students to apply their knowledge to practical scenarios.
• Presentations: Develops communication skills and the ability to present technical information effectively.
• Practical Work: Involves hands-on experience in laboratories and workshops, reinforcing theoretical knowledge and developing practical skills.

Teaching:

The program is taught by a dedicated academic team with up-to-date engineering and industry knowledge. Teaching methods include:

• Lectures: Deliver core concepts and theoretical frameworks.
• Seminars: Provide opportunities for discussion and critical analysis of topics.
• Practical Sessions: Provide hands-on experience in laboratories and workshops.
• Independent Study: Encourages self-directed learning and research.
The program also benefits from industry partnerships, with guest lectures and research projects featuring experts from organizations like BRE Group, Carbon Trust, Energy Institute, Fire and Rescue Services, Shell, GexCon, Tyco, and others.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are well-equipped for a variety of careers in the renewable and sustainable energy sector, including:

• Renewable and sustainable electricity and heat production: Designing, installing, and operating renewable energy systems.
• Technology development: Researching and developing new renewable energy technologies.
• Marine energy deployment and development: Working on projects related to wave, tidal, and offshore wind energy.
• Biomass utilization: Developing and implementing sustainable biomass energy systems.
• Deriving energy from waste: Working on projects related to waste-to-energy technologies.

Other:

• The program is based in the School of Engineering and Computing at UCLan.
• Students have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including the Engineering Innovation Centre, which provides modern computer facilities, specialist laboratories, and production, design, and research facilities.
• The program offers opportunities for students to participate in extracurricular activities, such as the Eco-Car Challenge and the Wind project, which provide hands-on experience and teamwork opportunities.
• UCLan is recognized globally and nationally by professional bodies and is ranked as a Gold Tier University in the Green Universities Report 2022.
• UCLan has been awarded Bronze Carbon Literate Organisation status by the Carbon Literacy Project, one of only 13 universities worldwide to achieve this status.

• UK:
• Full-time: £9,250 per year
• Sandwich year: £1,500 for the sandwich year
• Part-time: £1,540 per 20 credits
• International:
• Full-time: £16,500 per year