Energy & Environmental Engineering BEng/BEng (Hons)



Overview

Gain the skills required to solve the environmental challenges in society and the wider industry.

You’ll graduate equipped for a career as a professional engineer in the renewable, built environment and traditional energy industries.

As an energy engineer, you’ll be exploring cleaner, more efficient ways of using fossil fuels, while investigating and specifying the design of renewable energy developing systems using renewable and sustainable resources, such as solar and wind energy. You will also look at how local climate impacts on the design and selection of these systems, and consider their life cycle and carbon footprint. 

Photo of small electric car in front of hydrogen fuelled van

Mode of Study:

Full-time

Duration:

4 years

Start date:

Sep

UCAS code:

HJ69

Placement:

Yes

Course details

The course focuses on learning engineering principles and practices, as well as computing skills and principles of design, relating to a wide range of energy systems.

You'll also learn methods of applying energy-efficiency in design, engineering practices and create more environmentally-friendly forms of industrial design and manufacture.

In year 1 you will learn fundamental principles underpinning both mechanical and electrical engineering sciences, and hands on practical skills.

You will then progress on to year 2, further developing these fundamental skills while beginning to specialise in thermodynamics and mechanical engineering, while considering control and automation systems, key elements of design and engineering management skills.

In year 3, you continue to specialise in your chosen field, gaining insight in to the design and application of renewable energy systems, detailed design and innovation practices and engineering applications.

In your final year you will work on your honours project as well as gaining enhanced skills in analysis of energy efficient design in relation to building energy systems design, and power systems analysis.

  • calendar

    How you’ll be taught

     You will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials and seminars, and through practical hands on experience using up to date laboratory equipment.
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    Assessments

     Assessments will primarily be in the form of written coursework submissions and examinations.

Popular modules

Year 1

  • Foundation mathematics
  • Engineering skills
  • Electrical & electronic principles
  • Mechanical principles
  • Mathematical methods I
  • Engineering practice

Year 2

  • Mathematical methods II
  • Mechanics
  • Engineering Design 1
  • Materials and manufacture 1
  • Control measurement and instrumentation
  • Thermofluids

Year 3

  • Materials and manufacture 2
  • Energy systems Design
  • Management for Engineers
  • Renewable Energy and Sustainability
  • Professional Engineering
  • Engineering Design 2 / Individual Project

Year 4

  • Advanced Energy Systems
  • Building Services Engineering A
  • Honours project
  • Building Services Engineering B
  • Advanced thermodynamic systems

ACCREDITED BY

Accredited for Partial Chartered Engineer.

Disclaimer

Study modules mentioned above are indicative only. Some changes may occur between now and the time that you study.

Full information is available in our disclaimer.

Entry requirements

What are the entry requirements for Energy and Environmental Engineering?

Our entry requirements indicate both Standard and Minimum qualifications with which we normally accept students. Competition for places varies from year to year and you aren't guaranteed a place if you meet the minimum qualifications. 

Advanced entry into Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 is possible for students with suitable qualifications.

Can you go straight into second year of university?

Advanced entry into Year 2, Year 3 or Year 4 of this course is possible for students with suitable qualifications. See the individual year tabs for more information.

Can I make an appointment with an advisor to discuss further about the admission process?

If you want to get more information on the admission process, please get in touch with the undergraduate admissions team by submitting an enquiry form above.

Minimum Year 1

SQA Higher

  • Standard Entry Requirement: BBBB including Maths (Higher Applications of Maths not accepted) and a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject*

  • Minimum Entry Requirement: BCCC including Maths (Higher Applications of Maths not accepted) and a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject*

You may be given an adjusted offer of entry if you meet our specified minimum entry requirements within our widening participation criteria, and outlined in our Contextual Admissions Policy. Click here for further information about our entry requirements and admissions policies.

A level

  • BCC including Maths and a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject*

Irish Leaving Certificate

 

  • H2, H3, H3, H3 at Higher Level including Maths and a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject*

BTEC National Extended Diploma (Level 3)

  • MMM (Merit, Merit, Merit) in a related subject
    BTEC must include Maths or A level Maths must have also been achieved at grade C.

BTEC National Diploma (Level 3) plus A Level

  • MM (Merit, Merit) in a related subject plus A Level grade C.
    BTEC must include Maths or A level Maths must have also been achieved at grade C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

  • Award of Diploma with 28 points overall with three Higher Level subjects at grades 6, 5, 4 including a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject* at minimum grade 5.
    Standard Level Maths at grade 5 is also required.

T level

  • Pass
    T Level must be completed in an Engineering subject or include Science (excluding Biology) and Maths components. Alternatively, A Level Maths and a Science (excluding Biology) would be required. Please contact ugadmissions@napier.ac.uk to check if you meet the subject specific requirements.

 

Science/Technical subjects accepted:

*Physics, Engineering Science, Design & Manufacture, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Graphic Communication, Computing Science, Design & Technology.

Minimum Year 2

SQA Advanced Higher

  • BBC including Maths and a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject*

A level

  • BBB including Maths and a Science (excluding Biology) or Technical Subject*

HNC

  • Pass HNC in Engineering Systems with Renewable Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Systems or HND General Engineering with grade B in the Graded Unit.
    Must include passes in the modules Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3.

Science/Technical subjects accepted:

*Physics, Engineering Science, Design & Manufacture, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Graphic Communication, Computing Science, Design & Technology.

Minimum Year 3

HND

  • Pass HND in Engineering Systems or Mechanical Engineering with grade B in all SCQF Level 8 Graded Units.
    Must include passes in the modules Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3 and 4 and Thermofluids (or equivalent).

 

 

If your first language isn't English, you'll normally need to undertake an approved English language test and our minimum English language requirements will apply.

This may not apply if you have completed all your school qualifications in English. Check our country pages to find out if this applies to you.

We welcome applications from students studying a wide range of international qualifications.
Entry requirements by country

Please note that international students are unable to enrol onto the following courses:
  • BM Midwifery/MM Midwifery
  • All Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

See who can apply for more information on Graduate Apprenticeship courses.

We’re committed to admitting students who have the potential to succeed and benefit from our programmes of study. 

Our admissions policies will help you understand our admissions procedures, and how we use the information you provide us in your application to inform the decisions we make.

Undergraduate admissions policies
Postgraduate admissions policies

Fees & funding

The course fees you'll pay and the funding available to you will depend on a number of factors including your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. We also have a number of bursaries and scholarships available to our students.

Tuition fees
Students from 2024/25 2025/26
Scotland £1,820 £1,820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland £9,250 £9,250
Overseas and EU £19,340 £20,310
Students from England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Republic of Ireland will be invoiced the tuition fees for 3 years of their 4 years of study.
Please note tuition fees are subject to an annual review and may increase from one year to the next. For more information on this and other Tuition Fee matters please see Frequently Asked Questions about Fees Click this link for Information of Bursaries and Scholarships
If additional compulsory costs other than the tuition fees are applicable, these will be detailed in the course details.
Please note that the tuition fees liable to be paid by EU nationals commencing their studies from 1 August 2021 will be the Overseas fee rate. The University offers a range of attractive Tuition Fee bursaries to students resident in specific countries. More information on these can be found here.


Careers

Photo of wind turbines surrounded by green grass and blue skies

What can I do with a degree in Energy & Environmental Engineering?

Studying BEng/BEng (Hons) Energy & Environmental Engineering, you’ll learn about different technologies used to harness renewable energy sources. You will be designing environmentally friendly and sustainable engineering systems for reducing energy consumption and learning how to assess and evaluate the environmental impacts of engineering projects. By complying with environmental regulations and policies, you will plan, organize, and manage engineering projects, while also developing strong communication skills necessary for effectively conveying technical information. This Energy & Environmental Engineering degree lays the foundation for careers in pivotal fields like sustainable energy, impact assessment, waste management, and influential roles in environmental consulting. Upon this foundation, an array of exciting and impactful careers beckon, including roles such as:

  • Sustainable Energy Engineer: Innovate and contribute to the design and implementation of renewable energy solutions that power a greener tomorrow.

  • Environmental Impact Analyst: Scrutinize the potential ecological repercussions of various projects, ensuring a harmonious coexistence between development and nature.

  • Waste Management Specialist: Lead the charge in responsible waste disposal practices, striving to minimize environmental harm while efficiently managing resources.

  • Environmental Consultant: Offer expert guidance to industries, governments, and organizations, steering them towards eco-friendly practices that align with sustainability goals.

What does an Environmental Engineer do?

As an environmental engineer, you will play a crucial role in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. You will be tasked with evaluating the environmental impact of projects, carefully assessing their potential effects on the surrounding ecosystem. You will also play a crucial role in designing sustainable infrastructure, incorporating eco-friendly practices and technologies. Additionally, you will be responsible for implementing strategies to handle and dispose of waste materials in an environmentally responsible manner. By engaging in environmental education and outreach programs, you will raise awareness about environmental issues. Looking to the future, you will also contribute to research and development activities, exploring innovative solutions and technologies to address environmental challenges. Energy engineers are also in demand in the building services design sector, development of renewable energy installations, helping clients to create more energy efficient homes, offices and factories. You might work in various sectors, including consulting, government, industry, research, and non-profit organizations. By applying engineering principles, sustainable development and planning initiatives, you will actively participate in creating a more sustainable future.

Smiling student in front of engineering equipment