MEng Engineering Renewable Energy

at Durham University

Program structure

Year 1

You will study four modules in engineering, one in mathematics and one optional module. In your engineering modules, you will receive instruction in the use of 3D Computer Aided Design (CAD) software (e.g. SolidWorks), be taught how to implement engineering algorithms into computer code (specifically in C and MATLAB) and take part in a number of practical labs. You will also take part in a group design activity where you have to design, build and test a device to solve specific engineering challenge. Recent examples include miniature hydroelectric generators and chain-climbing robots. On the course, you also attend lectures, problem classes and supervisions with academic staff.

Compulsory modules:

• Solid Mechanics and Structures 1

• Electronic and Electrical Systems 1

• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 1

• Engineering Practice 1

• Mathematics for Engineers and Scientists

And one free elective.

The optional (free elective) module may be selected from anything that will fit the timetable and for which you meet the necessary prerequisites. Popular choices in the past have included ‘Introduction to Programming’, ‘Computational Thinking’ and a range of different language modules, but some students have taken modules in History or Poetry.

Year 2

Engineering and mathematics now occupy the full six modules in the timetable.

You will undertake a major design project as part of a small team with guidance from an academic supervisor and an ‘Industrial Tutor’ (an engineer from industry). This lets you put into practice the skills and knowledge that you have developed in your lectures. The end result is a detailed design report and a series of CAD drawings good enough to manufacture a device from.

Compulsory modules:

• Engineering Mathematics 2

• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 2

• Solid Mechanics and Structures 2

• Electrical Engineering 2

• Electronics 2

• Engineering Design 2.

Year 3

At this point in the degree you will specialise into Renewable Energy.

You will take five taught modules covering important aspects of Renewable Energy. The sixth module is a major team design project, where you consider your design challenge as a product and do everything from basic market research to design for manufacture. These design projects span our different third year specialisms so you will be working with students from other engineering disciplines – much like you will do when working as a graduate engineer. Practical skills, in addition to the weekly laboratory sessions, cover topics from such as industrial problem solving with interaction with local industry.

Compulsory modules:

• Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics 3

• Electrical Engineering 3

• Engineering Design 3

• Control and Signal Processing 3.

Plus

• Materials 3

• Solid Mechanics 3

Or

• Power Semiconductor Devices 3

• Electronics and Communications 3

Year 4

The highlight of the degree for many of our students is the final year project. This activity, which is half the year in most streams, involves working closely with an academic supervisor on an area of cutting-edge research and development. The best student projects have been featured in internationally recognised engineering journals, indicating that our students are amongst the finest young engineers in the world. In addition to this, you will take modules on advanced Renewable Energy topics and be able to choose from some optional modules.

Compulsory modules:

• MEng Research and Development Project (or MEng Technical Project and Engineering into Schools)

• Renewable Energy Technologies 4

• Future Vehicles 4

• Electrical Energy Conversion 4

• Smart Energy Networks 4

• Decarbonisation of Heating and Cooling 4.

A level offer – A*AA including Mathematics and one subject that carries a practical endorsement (Biology, Chemistry, Geology or Physics).

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – D*DD and Mathematics at grade A at A level (or equivalent) are required.

IB Diploma score – 38 with 666 in higher level subjects including Mathematics and one STEM subject (Biology, Chemistry or Physics).

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

The tuition fees shown for students are for one complete academic year of full time study and are set according to the academic year of entry. Fees for subsequent years of your course may rise in line with an inflationary uplift as determined by the government.

Career Opportunities

Engineering

Of those students who graduated in 2019:

• 82% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 92% are in high skilled employment

• With an average salary of £31,000.