BEng (Hons) Renewable & Sustainable Engineering (with Foundation Year)

What you will study

Our course has a broad base in order to allow you to develop skills and the ability to contribute to the design of renewable energy systems and progress to meet future requirements both within the UK and worldwide markets.

YEAR 1 (FOUNDATION YEAR)

The foundation year will provide a grounding for students in all aspects of engineering and design in order to prepare them for further years of study.

MODULES

• Analytical Methods for Engineering - Provides grounding in mathematics for students entering a degree in engineering and gives the skills and confidence in the use of algebra, trigonometry, graphs and has a strong understanding of the different mathematical operations and concepts in order to model systems that are used within engineering.
• Design and Technology - Gives students the opportunity to work on practical activities such as CAD design, mechanical/electrical designs.
• Mechanical Science - Core element of the foundation year, it provides coverage of the basic knowledge and key skills in mechanical engineering science in order to apply the principles to solve problems in practical situations. 
• Electrical and Electronic Science - Provides foundation-level support for HE study of electrical engineering, and includes consideration of fundamental areas including analogue and digital electronics, number systems, electrical/magnetic principles and CAD design.
• The Skills You Need - This module ensures that you develop key academic, personal and professional skills required for successful study at higher education level. The module focusses on developing the necessary practical, intellectual and communication skills which ensure a successful transition to Level 4 and progression through honours degree programmes, and prepares you for subsequent employment and/or further study.
• Contextual Studies - The module aims to introduce the students to a broad variety of contemporary issues to stimulate discussion, debate, and engagement. It will enable the students to engage with a variety of topic areas with follow-on research activity and reflective practice amongst subject groups.

YEAR 2 (LEVEL 4)

In year 2, students will develop an understanding of the fundamental concepts, principles and theories in engineering. You will acquire basic mathematic skills related to engineering and design problems and use CAD for engineering design. You will also develop competence of working safely in engineering laboratories and workshops, and be able to conduct laboratory procedures, measurement and workshop practices under the guidance of a tutor.

MODULES

• CAD and production Science: Basic of Computer aided design (CAD) skills. Experience in the use of up-to-date commercial computer software for 3D design, assembly and presentation. 
• Introduction to Electrical and Mechanical Engineering Science: Apply engineering mechanics principals; solve mechanical problems, to apply analysis techniques to design problems. Understand and predict electrical circuits. 
• Engineering Mathematics: Gain a foundation of mathematical knowledge covering a wide range of basic topics and calculus. 
• Engineering professional development: Evaluate business practices within a company and the roles of engineers as team members contributing to the success and further development of that company. 
• Future Energy Systems and Sustainability: Gain fundamental knowledge of modern energy systems and technologies, considering the merits of energy sustainability, renewable technologies, economic and environmental impacts. A comparison of fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
• Materials and the Environment: Different types of materials, their properties and failure types. Materials selection by underpinning the key properties of a range of materials. Manufacturing and fabrication methods for different materials. Environmental and sustainability concerns.

YEAR 3 (LEVEL 5)

Level 5 will build on the knowledge, concepts and skills acquired at Level 4, in addition to more specialist knowledge, skills in engineering design and analysis. More in-depth in theories in electrical power engineering, renewable energies, structures and finite element analysis, etc will be explored. You will also develop an understanding of business and research methods.

MODULES

• Further Engineering Maths: Further develop knowledge of functions suitable for solving a range of mathematical and engineering problems. 
• Structures Analysis: To develop an understanding and an overall appreciation of design considerations including the assessment of bucking of struts in structures with various end conditions; of beams deriving equations relating to the Engineer’s Theory of Bending and also bending in symmetric and asymmetric structures; leading on to the consideration of shear stress distributions in beams and introducing the concept of shear flows. 
• Engineering Futures: Foster reflection on the wider context of contemporary engineering and personal development. Build awareness of how ethics and sustainability drives engineering and its approach to tackling global problems. 
• Wind and Hydro Engineering: Provide an up-to-date overview of wind and hydro (wave, Tidal and river) renewable sources and the engineering skills associated with selecting, designing and installing the apparatus to capture its energy and convert it into useful forms. The aim is to provide an overview of the methods used to predict energy production and the basic economic value of that energy. Develop techniques to allow a student to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. 
• Electrical Power Engineering: The module aims to provide students with an understanding of the operation of electrical power systems and devices and with the appropriate engineering techniques to undertake the analysis, design, implementation and optimisation of power systems.  
• Solar, Biomass and Storage Engineering: Provide an up-to-date overview of Solar and biomass energy production and the engineering skills associated with selecting, designing and installing the apparatus to capture its energy and convert it into useful forms.  The aim is to provide an overview of the methods used to predict energy production and the basic economic value of that energy. Develop techniques to allow a student to apply this knowledge in real-world situations. Develop an understanding of energy storage and how it can be used in combination with variable renewable energy. 

YEAR 4 (LEVEL 6)

At Level 6, students will acquire a critical understanding and application of the higher level concepts, principles and theories in engineering, as well as a critical understanding and explanation of advanced topics in composite materials, design, modelling/simulation, and advanced renewable technologies. You will use the knowledge and skills you have acquired to do an individual project.

MODULES

• Option 1 Mechanical Engineering Modelling and simulation / Option 2 Electrical and electronic engineering modelling and simulation: To develop an understanding of the analytical skills and knowledge required in the engineering design process and how it can be improved through the use of engineering modelling and simulations. This module develops industry-standard software techniques to model and solve specific engineering problems. Typical software examples might be CATIA V5 and ANSYS for Mechanically related programmes, and MATLAB, SIMULINK and VEE for Electrically related programmes. 
• Smart Grids, storage and energy mix: To develop a comprehensive depth of knowledge and clear understanding of major theories and principles of domestic, industrial, and business energy demand and low carbon supply. To model, analyse and assess smart grids, energy storage with several low carbon energy supply mixes to satisfy a range of criterion.  
• Option A Energy saving, Low carbon and recycling systems: To develop the skills and knowledge to engage critically with climate change problems and challenges for a transition toward a resilient, low-carbon future with a focus on energy saving and recycling. To develop a comprehensive depth of knowledge and clear understanding of major and complex theories, principles of energy saving and recycling systems. 
• Option B Power Electronics and Electrical Machines: To provide students with an understanding of the operation of power electronic systems/devices and electrical machinery including the appropriate analytical techniques to undertake the design and evaluation of power electronics and electrical machines applications. 
• Professional Engineering: To provide an environment in which students can develop and understand professional attitudes and attributes and react confidently to changing situations. To prepare students for professional roles in professional environment, and to provide an understanding of professional codes of conduct and appropriate roles in meetings. To acquire knowledge of the design process, the legal constraints and design parameters relating to major forms of development, market trends, methods of procurement and procedures available for dispute resolution.  To develop an understanding of the importance of engineering standard and Health and Safety aspects of the Engineering profession. 
• Project: To provide students with the opportunity to practice the task management and problem- solving activities of a professional engineer and to explore original ideas. To exercise the student in applying and extending the methods, skills, information, knowledge and understanding obtained during the various parts of the programme to developing and evaluating an original design of an engineering product or system. 

The information listed in this section is an overview of the academic content of the programme that will take the form of either core or option modules. Modules are designated as core or option in accordance with professional body requirements and internal academic framework review, so may be subject to change.

Entry requirements & applying

The academic requirements for the course are 48-72 UCAS tariff points at GCE A-level or equivalent. In addition, passes at GCSE in Maths and English/Welsh (First Language) at grade C/4 or above are normally expected.

Teaching & Assessment

A broad range of assessment methods are used; these include task-based exercises, oral and poster presentations, essays and laboratory reports, and written exams. Each module is assessed by a variety of methods, enabling students to display their full potential. A project dissertation will form one of the final parts of your assessment.

Teaching and Learning

Wrexham University is committed to supporting our students to maximise their academic potential.

We offer workshops and support sessions in areas such as academic writing, effective note-making and preparing for assignments. Students can book appointments with academic skills tutors dedicated to helping deal with the practicalities of university work. Our student support section has more information on the help available.

In terms of particular needs, the University’s Inclusion Services can provide appropriate guidance and support should any students require reasonable adjustments to be made because of a recognised prevailing disability, medical condition, or specific learning difference.

Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory sessions, student-led seminars, field trips and guided research.

Independent learning is an important aspect of all modules, as it enables students to develop both their subject specific and key skills. Independent learning is promoted through guided study or feedbacks given to students.

Career prospects

The career prospects of low carbon and renewable energy students are one of the brightest in this expanding, under skilled area.  Upon completion, you can go on to do an MSc in renewable engineering and related PhD. 

Previous students are working in sustainability related jobs in government and industry (Renewables and low carbon business). There is also considerable scope for entrepreneurial students to start their own business in this expanding sector. 

Our Careers & Employability service is there to help you make decisions and plan the next steps towards a bright future. From finding work or further study to working out your interests, skills and aspirations, they can provide you with the expert information, advice and guidance you need.

The course equips you with a thorough knowledge and skills in engineering at the forefront of new and emerging technologies. Graduates will be well placed to become subject specialists within the industry or to pursue research careers within academia.

This programme prepares students for a career in Renewable Energy and Sustainability related work. Please see indeed.co.uk/Renewable-Energy-jobs to get an idea of the current opportunities available.

Fees & funding

You do not have to pay your tuition fees upfront.

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on a number of different factors. Full information can be found on our fees & finance pages. You will also find information about what your fees include in the fee FAQs.

All fees are subject to any changes in government policy, view our undergraduate fees.

Programme specification

You can see the full programme specification here.

Accommodation

If you’re looking for a place to stay while you study then take a look at our accommodation pages to get more information on your options, including our on-campus halls of residence Wrexham Village.

Subject to re-accreditation

External accreditation/recognition by Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Bodies (PSRBs) has to be renewed periodically for existing courses. The details on the website are based on the accreditation of the previous or current version of the course, and the anticipated updates are made as soon as they are known. The majority of courses that are still ‘subject to re-accreditation’ are approved as expected however, this is not guaranteed and should the accreditation not be approved as planned, or be significantly amended or delayed, you will be informed by the University. 

International

If you are applying as an European / International Student, and live outside of the UK, you should make your application through our online application system, Centurus.

For information about the university’s entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit our international section.