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Year 1

Stage 1 is common across all engineering degrees and provides a strong foundation in core engineering principles. You will develop essential skills in mathematics, physics, programming, and electrical and mechanical systems. Through hands-on labs and team-based projects, you will begin to apply theory to practice while building confidence in problem-solving, communication, and design, laying the groundwork for more specialised study in renewable energy engineering in later stages.

Year 2

In Stage 2 you will build on core knowledge through a mix of general engineering modules and renewables-specific topics such as site selection, and hydropower. You will also choose from a range of electives, allowing you to tailor your learning. Successful completion of Stage 2 opens up opportunities for optional industry placements or study abroad, helping you gain valuable real-world experience and broaden your academic and professional horizons.

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In Stage 3 you will deepen your expertise through advanced renewables modules, with a strong focus on wind and solar energy, and integrating renewables. Alongside these specialist subjects, you will continue to study general engineering topics and have the flexibility to choose electives. This stage sharpens your technical skills and prepares you for the demands of renewable energy engineering, while continuing to build your professional and academic skills.

Year 4

Stage 4 further develops your professional engineering skills and specialised subject knowledge. In Semester 1 you will further develop your expertise in using industry standard engineering analysis software as well as learning about engineering failures and offshore renewables. In Semester 2, you will undertake a substantial individual capstone project, applying your knowledge to solve a real-world engineering challenge-demonstrating your innovation, technical ability, and readiness for professional or academic advancement..

Learning Methods

Teaching and assessment methods on the Renewable Energy Engineering course are built around active, project-based learning, designed to reflect real-world engineering practice. You’ll engage in hands-on labs, team-based design challenges, and industry-informed projects that develop both technical and professional skills.

Emphasis is placed on creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving, helping you build a strong portfolio of experience. Collaborative learning, peer feedback, and interdisciplinary projects ensure you're prepared not just to understand renewable energy engineering - but to innovate within it. Learning is supported by expert staff and specialist facilities

Your course resources will be available on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, where you can find lecture notes, tutorials, coursework assignments, laboratories worksheets, additional reading, and much more.

Activity Summary

Year 4

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 8Ìýhours per week
• Tutorial - 20 students per group, 4ÌýhoursÌýper week
• Project Supervision - one-to-one,Ìý1 hourÌýper week
• External Visits - 20Ìýstudents per group, 4ÌýhoursÌýper week

How long is a BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering course?

A Renewable Energy Engineering degree can be successfully completed in 4 years, in which the opportunity to receive the necessary skills are obtained.

Independent Study

Independent study forms a major part of each module, allowing you to deepen understanding through guided reading, problem-solving, and project work. You will consolidate material from lectures and labs, prepare for assessments, and explore specialist topics, developing the self-directed learning and critical thinking skills essential for professional engineering practice.

Staff Delivering on This Course

The academics teaching the course have a wealth of renewable energy, mechanical and electrical engineering experience, gained through teaching, industry projects, research, and previous work in the industry. There are also opportunities for industry experts to deliver guest lectures.

Many of our academic staff are Associate Fellow, Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy, which is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 3 portfolios
• 2 project portfolio-based assessments

Year 2

• 1-2 written assignment, including essay
• 3-4 portfolios
• 1 project portfolio-based assessment
• 1 logbook
• 1 case study

Year 3

• 1-2 reports
• 1-2 portfolios
• 1 project portfolio-based assessment
• 4 case study

Year 4

• 2-3 reports
• 1 capstone project, consisting of a written report and a degree show
• 1 case study

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.

Placements

Optional, paid, 3-month (summer) or 12-month placements can be undertaken in this course. You will be supported by a dedicated Placements Coordinator within the school who oversees the placement module. You will also be assigned a Placement Supervisor who will carry out regular visits to your placement provider and meet with you and your employer. The confidence and experience you could acquire during a placement will make you more employable and put you one step ahead of the competition when you graduate.Ìý
Please note, placements are not guaranteed.

Study Abroad

Students may elect to undertake a Study Abroad placement between stages with one of the School’s partner institutions. This is typically a year-long option with the modules completed by students on a study abroad placement complementing their course of study at 91̽»¨

Study Abroad

Job Prospects

Clean energy and renewables industry is a fast-growing sector with a shortage of talents nationally and globally.

Is Renewable Energy EngineeringÌýa good career choice?

Graduates from this course have excellent opportunities to establish a successful career and thrive in the rapidly growing renewable energy industry. Career prospects include roles such as

• Renewable Energy Engineer
• Energy Engineer
• Solar Energy Engineer
• Wind Energy Engineer
• Battery Systems Engineer
• Renewable Energy Storage Engineer
• Biomass Energy Engineer

What is needed for a BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering course?

Standard Entry Requirements

Year 1 entry

• SQA Higher:ÌýBBCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level: CCC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Chemistry, Design Technology, Electronics, or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5/C or above is required if not held at A Level.
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H3H3 to include Maths and either Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at grade O3 or above is required if not held at Higher.
• IB Diploma: 26 to include Higher Level Maths and Physics or Chemistry at grade 5. English is required at a minimum of Standard Level grade 4.

Year 2 entry

• SQA Advanced Higher:ÌýCC at Advanced Higher plus CC at Higher (4 subjects), to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics or Technological Studies. English at National 5 grade C or above is required if not held at Higher.
• GCE A Level:ÌýBBC to include Mathematics and one from Physics, Design Technology, Electronics, or Engineering. GCSE English at grade 5 or above is required if not held at A Level.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Year 1 entry

• SQA Higher: CCCC to include Maths and either Engineering Science, Physics, Chemistry or Technological Studies. English at National 5 C is required if not held at Higher.

Applicants from Partner Colleges

For direct entry into stage 2 you should have an appropriate HNC (or equivalent).

For direct entry into stage 3 you should have an appropriate HND (or equivalent).

International Students

International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our at Robert Gordon University.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. ContactÌýadmissions@rgu.ac.ukÌýfor further information.