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Southampton Solent University logo

BEng (Hons)Renewable Energy Engineering

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Starting in: 2025
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UCAS code: H800
Institution code: S30
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps

Why study renewable energy engineering with a foundation year

Be at the forefront of energy technology and shape the future of the next generation. Apply your engineering skills to develop efficient uses of valuable global resources.

  • 0th
    university in the UK for low carbon emissions (THE 2023)
  • Top0%
    for teaching quality, out of 131 institutions (Times Good University Guide, 2025)
  • 0th
    UK uni for sustained employment (Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022)
  • If you haven't got the UCAS points required to start an undergraduate engineering degree, or you're returning to education or changing your career, studying a foundation year is the ideal way to prepare for degree study, with successful completion granting direct access to the BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering degree.
  • The first year is shared with all our engineering degrees, giving you the opportunity to develop sound underpinning science and engineering skills and work collaboratively with students from other courses.
  • Access to a range of high-end facilities including 3D printers and laser-cutters, PSpice/NI MultiSim software and microcomputer development systems, digital multi-meter signal generators, FLIR cameras and digital signal processing boards.
  • Strong focus on hands-on exploration. This degree incorporates practical challenges, workshops and exercises, so you can put theory into practice straight away.
  • Solent is a pioneer in environment and engineering research – you will learn direct from leading experts in their field.
  • Solent University is part of a research and innovation collaboration that has been awarded almost €16 million to look at the options for green technology in the maritime industry.
  • You’ll be assigned a personal tutor who can assist you with pastoral support to help you make the most of your learning.
Video transcript, with a description of visuals available.

Course overview

By the time you start the full BA (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering degree you will have acquired an essential portfolio of academic and subject specific skills in the Science and Engineering Foundation Year, giving you the very best chance of achieving a high-level degree.

The energy sector is a fast-growing industry with enormous potential in the short and long term. From renewable energy generation to the efficient use of energy in engineering systems such as cars, the engineering industry will require engineers with expertise in the environmentally friendly generation, distribution and efficient use of energy. Solent’s renewable energy engineering course will equip you with key engineering skills and knowledge to start your career in this area.

Energy is now a very valuable resource. Shifts in world attitudes to the use of fossil fuels driven by global warming and climate change has meant a change in emphasis to renewable sources of energy. In conjunction, there is a far greater effort to measure the energy efficiency of systems, products and buildings to ensure that operational costs are minimised and both environmental and financial savings are maximised.

Clean power generation is only part of the challenge - the engineering industry is facing an additional challenge to maximise the efficient use of energy whilst reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Government strategy and climate change action have meant that energy is more valued than ever.

This course aims to provide well-trained graduates with the skills and knowledge to work towards addressing these issues. Using a mix of classroom and specialist laboratory facilities, this course will give you a strong grounding in science and engineering theory, with an emphasis on renewable power generation methods, environmental impact, and the efficient use of energy in engineering and technology.

The first year of this course is shared with our other engineering degrees - you'll have opportunity to develop sound underpinning science and engineering skills in mathematics, mechanics, electrics, manufacturing, CAD and design processes, and professional skills. The second and third years of the course enable you to explore concepts in renewable energy, distribution of energy, and the efficient use of energy in engineering systems. This is complemented by additional work on the lightweight structures used in renewable energy technology and vehicle technology.

This course is part of the South Coast Institute of Technology (IoT), a partnership of colleges, universities and industry-leading employers to create new career opportunities in the technology sector. IoT courses like this one are precisely tailored to the needs of employers in the maritime, engineering and digital industries – industries which are hungry for talented new engineers, technologists, technicians and creatives like you.

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Course features

  • Foundation year available

    If you're not quite ready for a full undergraduate degree, there's alternative entry through one of our foundation years

  • Specialist facilities

    This course has access to specialist facilities

  • Part-time option

    You can study this course part-time

  • Top-up option

    If you have an appropriate Level 5 qualification, you can top it up to a degree in just a year

  • Study abroad

    You have the opportunity to study abroad in one of our partner universities for a semester on this course

Who is this course for?

The foundation year is intended for students without the UCAS points for direct entry and offers the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge you need to begin the BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering course.

This degree programme will suit those with a strong interest in engineering and environmental science, who wish to pursue a career in the fast-growing renewable energy sector.

What does this course lead to?

Graduates will be well prepared for both STEM, general engineering and renewable engineering industries, and any branch of engineering which includes the efficient use of energy.

Meet the team

The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.

Facilities

To aid study, students have access to our specialist facilities, including a 60m towing tank for wave generation and tidal turbine use; composite materials laboratory for construction of lightweight structures; and our materials testing laboratory.

Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.

    International opportunities

    Broaden your horizons by adding an international dimension to your CV – essential to achieving success in today’s fast-changing, global environment.

    Studying, working or volunteering in another country could be the experience of a lifetime. Enhance your degree by developing important global skills such as knowledge of other countries, language skills, intercultural awareness, adaptability and confidence.

    For more information, please email international.mobility@solent.ac.uk.

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