Renewables

Why study Renewables at Dundee?

Renewable Energy is the study of the energy sources of the future. It involves every aspect of the study of matter and energy, and forms the basis of the science, engineering and technology of tomorrow. A career in renewable energy is both rewarding and a positive contribution to the fight against global environmental damage.

At Dundee our Renewable Energy degrees emphasise real-life engineering practice and research methodology through extensive practical projects chosen to match your career objectives. They reflect both experimental and theoretical aspects of the subject.

You will have the opportunity to get involved with our research projects as part of the Undergraduate Research Club from Level 1 onwards.

Which degree should I take?

We offer two degree programmes with a renewables emphasis which cover virtually every aspect of the wide range of technologies that you will encounter in a professional career in this field.

BEng Mechanical Engineering with Renewables

For students who wish to follow an engineering focused career, we offer a BEng in Mechanical Engineering with Renewables which mixes the traditional core engineering disciplines with emerging technologies in the alternative energy field. Engineering employers in the new renewable industries look for well qualified Mechanical Engineers with the added expertise in the renewables area.

BSc/MSci Physics and Renewable Energy Science

For those whose interests are more science focused, we offer the BSc/MSci Physics and Renewable Energy Science. This degree programme is designed to allow students to develop a thorough understanding of contemporary physics as applied to modern renewable energy science. The goal is to allow students to complete a physics degree with the skills and employment opportunities that entails but with an emphasis on the physics underpinning renewable energy.

The MSci takes one year longer than the BSc because it provides more experience of the world of industry and research, and thus provides a preferred route to professional registration and higher academic studies. The BSc is the preferred route for those seeking immediate graduate employment. We also offer fast-track programmes with direct entry to second year, restricted to those with entry qualifications at a sufficiently high level to meet the challenge. This reduces the BSc to three years and the MSci to a four.

Who should study Renewables?

Although an aptitude for mathematics helps, you do not have to be another Einstein to consider renewable energy as a subject choice! An enquiring and creative mind is more important than outstanding theoretical ability.

Some students will specialise in theory, others in experimental investigations, and some in increasingly important computational methods. As long as you can cope with the basic ideas of algebra and calculus, and enjoy solving the world's most fundamental problems, then you can be an energy scientist or engineer or adviser.

What's so good about Renewables at Dundee?

Our staff are professional engineers and scientists, and are actively engaged in research work as well as teaching. They have a strong research presence in key technology fields such as renewable energy, nanotechnology and advanced materials, and they have contributed much to the advancement of science and engineering on the international stage.

Visit the Dundee University Centre for Renewable Energy (DUCRE) website, where many of our students carry out research projects.

Teaching & Assessment

The Renewable Energy degrees are taught by the Division of Electronic Engineering, Physics and Renewable Energy.

While you are at Dundee you will get to know all of our staff as individuals and we, in turn, will be taking a genuine interest in your progress and successes, guiding your studies and encouraging your enthusiasms.

Careers

The renewable energy industry is simply exploding in size throughout the world and offers a wide variety of employment opportunities. It is a major high technology industry in the UK with a significant demand for graduates with specialist skills.

Our graduates can work confidently in any career in which a sound ability in mathematics, computing, or administrative organisation is required, on top of their skills in the science and technology of energy. So apart from the mainstream commercial activities such as wind turbines and solar cells, biomass and energy conservation, we also see our graduates taking up careers in financial management, broadcasting, with the civil service, and with the police and armed services.

MSci graduates draw on an extended project, which gives a strong foundation for those who want to continue into PhD or industrial research.

Entry Requirements

The following are the typical requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.

Courses starting September 2013

Level 1 entry

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Other Qualifications

Courses starting September 2014

Level 1 entry

Advanced Entry (to Level 2)

Other Qualifications

Fees and Funding

There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.

The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.

The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.

Living Costs

• Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
• Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
• As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.

Your Application

All applications must be made through UCAS

UCAS Codes

Institution Code: D65

UCAS Application Process

International Applicants

We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:

• Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
• Fees and Funding
• English Language Requirements
• International Student Support

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact: