Rows of solar panels, with wind turbines in the background

Renewable Energy Engineering BEng (Hons) / MEng

Build your expertise in subjects such as energy conversion, storage technology and low carbon heating systems. Help to create a better tomorrow working with renewable energy.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

H892, H893

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 points (BEng) / 120-128 points (MEng), from 2 or 3 A levels or equivalent, to include a relevant subject

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

The UK Government has committed £12 billion of funding for a Green Industrial Revolution. Join the fight against climate change, find solutions to society's reliance on fossil fuels and be part of the next great energy transformation.

On this Renewable Energy Engineering degree, you'll study a branch of engineering that focuses on powering the world sustainably. From energy conversion and storage technology, to low carbon heating systems, electrical circuit analysis and large network grids, you'll develop the engineering skills and technical knowledge you need to design, assess and improve electrical, renewable and alternative energy systems that benefit the climate and society.

Follow in the footsteps of engineers who worked on radical advancements such as solar-powered drones and the hydrogen fuel used to heat and power green homes.

BEng or MEng?

You can study this course as a 3-year Bachelor's degree (BEng) or a 4-year integrated Master's degree (MEng). The MEng allows you to achieve a Master’s level degree with just one extra year of undergraduate study, further enhancing your career prospects.

Study Renewable Energy Engineering to be part of a future facing up to climate change

Studying for a degree in renewable energy means finding solutions to the biggest threat to our planet. Watch to learn more about the subjects you'll study, the facilities you'll use, and the growing industry you'll be equipped to join when you graduate.

Climate change is the biggest threat to our planet. With a degree in Renewable Energy Engineering from the University of Portsmouth, you'll enter into a vital industry focused on solutions that are needed to reverse the effects.

The transition to clean energy is expected to generate 10.3 million net new jobs globally by 2030. This huge growth will mean that the opportunities your degree will unlock are endless. 

Our bachelor's and integrated master's courses have been created by experts in the industry. We use these partners and our professional networks to develop the course content, making use of real life challenges that are happening in the sector. We have access to a database of energy generation, solar PV farms and fuel cells to help analyse real life scenarios.

Key modules include: solar and wind energy, energy conversion, sustainable transport, energy efficient buildings, smart grid management, and many others. With the option to specialise in your area of interest, these modules will equip you with the right blend of knowledge and skills to integrate renewable energy projects.

On campus you can learn from initiatives like our use of solar panels to heat water for our university cafes, the commitment to our electricity being 100% renewable and our aim to be climate positive by 2030.

At Portsmouth, we also have a number of specialist labs containing state of the art hydrogen and fuel cell testing equipment, battery testing equipment in our Port Eco House, solar PV and solar thermal equipment, wind tunnels for testing wind turbine blades, and electrolysers.

We need your innovative ideas to sustain our world. Clean energy is part of a future that you can help secure.

Choose a university that will prepare you to tackle these challenges with expert knowledge and cutting edge facilities. Choose Portsmouth.

Course highlights

  • Design renewable energy systems for electricity, transport or heating applications, for residential and commercial markets
  • Use cost analysis to compare renewable energy technologies with traditional fuel systems from the points of view of business, industry and maintenance
  • Get a better understanding of solar PV, wind turbines, batteries, hydrogen energy, energy-efficient buildings and sustainable transport.
  • Learn about many aspects of smart grid management, energy storage, charging of electric vehicles and system automation
  • Work in industry on optional modules or your optional placement year, networking with and working alongside established experts and prospective employers

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET). The MEng meets in full the academic requirement for registration as CEng (Chartered Engineer), while the BEng partially meets these requirements.

The Institution of Engineering and Technology - Accredited Programme

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

Renewable energy is the future. This industry-based course provides the knowledge and tools to produce real solutions, including learning the potential for various everchanging technologies.

Jacqueline Boyd, BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

How to apply for accommodation

We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.

Find out more

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.

Entry requirements

BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering entry requirements

Typical offers

  • UCAS points - 112-120 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • A levels - BBB-BBC, to include a relevant subject.
    Relevant subjects: Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics ; Physics; Electronics.
  • T-levels - Merit
    Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

If you don't meet the entry requirements, you may be able to join this course after you successfully complete a foundation year.

MEng Renewable Energy Engineering entry requirements

Typical offers

  • UCAS points - 120-128 points from 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, to include a relevant subject. (calculate your UCAS points)
  • A levels - ABB-BBB, to include a relevant subject.
    Relevant subjects: Further Mathematics; Mathematics; Statistics ; Physics; Electronics.
  • T-levels - Merit
    Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Construction: Design, Surveying and Planning, T Level in Building Services Engineering, T Level in Engineering and Manufacturing Design and Development, T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM  
  • International Baccalaureate - 29-30

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

We look at more than just your grades

While we consider your grades when making an offer, we also carefully look at your circumstances and other factors to assess your potential. These include whether you live and work in the region and your personal and family circumstances which we assess using established data.

Explore more about how we make your offer

Facilities and specialist equipment

Fuel cell laboratory

Fuel Cell Laboratory

Our new solid oxide fuel cell will produce electricity and heat, powered by natural gas or bio-methane at a greater efficiency than conventional gas boilers. You'll have access to the lab to study all type of fuel cells, electrolysers for hydrogen production and batteries. You'll also develop your own prototypes or control systems for rapid battery charging for electric vehicles, the smart grid or for hydrogen production.

 Close up of a building, with solar photovoltaic panels covering it

Solar Living Lab

Solar photovoltaic panels have been installed next to the Port-Eco House, used for research into the energy efficiency and building performance of houses, and smart Tesla Powerwall batteries have been installed inside the Port-Eco House and the Future Technology Centre, which has rooftop solar panels and photovoltaic windows.

Learn more

Hydrogen and electrolysis for renewable energy

Renewable Energy Lab

Students and researchers address sustainable power and decarbonisation issues with modelling software and physical equipment in our Renewable Energy Laboratory.

Learn more

Software, hardware and equipment

You'll get to grips with the specialist software packages and equipment that you'll use in your career, in our computer, electronic systems, energy and electrical systems labs.

  • Mat lab/Simulink
  • Eagle
  • Lucas-Nuelle networked analysis and control software
  • Allen-Bradley software
  • IDE

  • Servo set
  • Servomechanism
  • Super-heterodyne radio receivers
  • 3D scanning microscopy facilities
  • Computer-aided design (CAD) suite
  • Oscilloscopes with 80MHz/2Gbps digital capability
  • Programmable function generators
  • Spectrum analysers
  • Process control systems
  • Programmable logic controllers
  • Synchronous/asynchronous electric machines
  • Power electronics and drive circuitry elements and blocks
  • PLC training kit

Careers and opportunities

When you graduate, you'll be ready for a career working at the forefront of the technology responsible for renewable energy. Not only is the work rewarding, but you'll be working in a highly skilled area, which is always in-demand, and get to be part of the solution to one of the most pressing issues facing society.

In 2030 across England there could be as many as 694,000 direct jobs employed in the low-carbon and renewable energy economy, rising to over 1.18 million by 2050.

Local Government Association

Local Green Jobs Report (2020)

You'll graduate with the skills and understanding to work in many related areas, including:

  • Energy generation – such as in solar or wind power
  • Energy conversion and storage – in areas such as batteries and hydrogen fuel cell technologies.
  • Sustainable transport systems – in fields such as electric vehicles, charging infrastructure, as well as hydrogen and biomethane vehicles
  • Low carbon heating systems – such as in solar, thermal, hydrogen energy, as well as biomethane and heat pumps
  • Energy efficient buildings – in areas such as energy conservation, new materials, smart energy management and energy audits
  • Security – working to improve national security by working on new technologies and infrastructure

What jobs can you do with a renewable energy engineering degree?

You'll be able to take roles such as:

  • solar PV system engineer
  • wind energy engineer
  • energy storage engineer (battery specialist)
  • hydrogen energy system engineer
  • fuel cell system engineer
  • zero carbon heating engineer
  • electric vehicle charging specialist
  • smart grid engineer
  • energy management specialist
  • energy audit specialist 
  • business development manager
Female student at computer

Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate

Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.

Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.

When you graduate you'll also be able to pursue further studies at postgraduate level, or set up your own businesses with help and support from the University.

Placement year (optional)

After your second year, you can do an optional paid work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. You might work in the UK, or take on a role with a company abroad.

Possible placement destinations

  • solar energy project developers
  • fuel cell and battery manufacturers
  • smart grid service providers
  • energy storage and energy management businesses
  • local councils
  • sustainable transportation businesses
  • energy research and development companies

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your aspirations. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.

Work experience and career planning

The Group Design Project module you take in year 2, the Individual Project module you take in year 3, and the Multidisciplinary Group Project you take in year 4 (MEng only), give you the opportunity to get work experience as part of your study.

Career development activity

You'll set up and run a new engineering business as part of your second year study on this course. Do well on this module, and you'll be eligible to apply for a grant from the SENE start-up fund, a pot set up by our School of Energy and Electronic Engineering, and run a business that provides both income and credits toward your degree. 

You'll also have access to extracurricular activities, run by the school and by your fellow students, in which you might work on a nationwide drone competition, the Engineers Without Borders Design Challenge, or the Formula Student racing car competition. Our Badges framework gives you a way to demonstrate professional recognition of what you've achieved in and outside your study. 

Student mid conversation at Engineering Project Day

Your final project

Your project work will be on an industry-related or industry-sponsored subject related to renewable energy, or its application. You'll plan your project with consultation from your tutors and, where necessary, external industrial supervisors. Your project will contain elements that boost your future employability, such as a financial analysis of different energy options for a particular business.

We'll also help you to identify additional internships, voluntary roles and opportunities that will further complement your studies, throughout the course.

BEng (Hons) Renewable Energy Engineering

Modules

Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.

In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.

What you'll study

Core modules

You'll evaluate batteries, water-electrolysis and solar cells in this module, looking at their potential to contribute effectively to a stable smart grid. Looking at costs and benefits, as well as the technology, means you'll complete the module with skills to apply conversion and storage innovations for a diversified socio-economic context.

In this module, you'll progress logically through building blocks of coding, from variables and data structures up to problem-solving algorithms and procedural software design. You'll develop career-friendly skills in identifying challenges, and creating solutions using your own code and existing software libraries.

In this module, you'll dive into the fundamental physics behind electrical components, before progressing to analyse and design simple analogue systems. Through project-based learning, you'll gain practical skills in circuit analysis, component selection, and system testing. By the end of the module, you'll be able to understand analogue circuits and communicate your observations - talents that are highly valued across technology and engineering.

In this module, you'll begin with the concept of energy in different contexts, and consider the social and environmental impacts of energy system designs. You'll learn to analyse important 3-phase AC systems and their components, and begin designing simple energy systems for various usage models.

Build your mathematical foundations for ongoing engineering studies in this module. You'll learn to use functions, equations and matrices in engineering problems, and recognise when to use particular mathematical techniques in your projects.

You'll start by grasping the essential theory behind combinational and sequential logic, Boolean algebra, and other core concepts. Then you'll directly apply this knowledge as you analyse, design and implement digital circuits and systems using microcontrollers. Through hands-on practical sessions and projects, you'll reinforce your learning, while developing crucial real-world engineering skills. By the end, you'll be able to confidently identify key digital components, understand microcontroller architecture, and describe assembly language commands - ready for advanced study and career opportunities across electronics and computer engineering.

Core modules

In this team-based module, you'll work through the full product design process, considering economic, social and sustainability aspects at each stage. You'll learn how to adopt an inclusive approach, make group decisions, and report on your processes. You'll also identify and take up professional development opportunities to get yourself career-ready.

Applying core physics concepts, you'll evaluate solar potential, analyse efficiency and determine the requirements of target applications. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate theoretical and practical competence for economic and reliable solar energy systems.

You'll formulate a smart business plan in this career-driven module, covering viability, licensing, funding, launch, and growth. Working in groups, you'll use risk management principles to protect your plans, identify ethical issues and relevant regulations, and develop your ability to sell your vision to investors.

You'll marry thermodynamics principles with efficiency measurements in this module, evaluating the potential of low carbon heating technologies. You'll develop skills in selecting optimal configurations and sizes of energy systems to meet given heat demands, and in appraising the performance of your system designs. When you complete the module, you'll have enhanced abilities for studying and working with decarbonised energy.

Optional modules

Through this module, you'll learn to apply Laplace, Fourier and Z-transforms to solve complex differential and difference equations in engineering contexts. You'll pair this with matrix algebra and statistical analysis, laying the ground for confident evaluation of engineering designs and solutions throughout your studies and future career.

You'll analyse and develop complex, sequential systems to meet specified requirements, using microcontrollers, interfacing systems and programming skills. Through a module-long project, you'll explore the uses and limitations of sequential systems, apply your understanding in a design-led solution, and prepare for careers across digital electronics and computer engineering

In this module, you'll use models and computer aided engineering techniques to investigate problems in control engineering. You'll work with stability and performance analysis, Laplace transformations and time and frequency assessments. By designing control systems, you'll demonstrate the importance of feedback control systems for next-generation intelligent systems and processes.

You'll develop a well-rounded perspective on instrumentation fundamentals in this module, covering measurements of force, torque, pressure, temperature and magnetic flux. By considering the limitations of instruments, and their behaviour in complex systems, you'll learn to select optimal components for measurement systems.

Core modules

In this self-guided module, you'll apply what you've learned on your degree to a significant piece of research or design work. You'll consider economical and ethical factors alongside technical criteria, and develop your project management skills for future self-managed tasks. Finally, you'll evaluate your results, present your analysis, and prove your skills are ready for Master's study.

In this module, you'll bring mathematical principles and literature reviews together in order to design energy efficient buildings. You'll work within regulatory standards for zero carbon buildings, and apply knowledge of technical resources - renewable energy, dynamic pricing, smart technology - as you create your designs. By balancing technical skill and economic awareness, you'll advance your abilities to realise sustainable buildings.

In this future-focused module, you'll explore the economic and environmental impact of wind energy, and the technology involved in harnessing it. You'll analyse current wind systems, model live scenarios, and work with industry data to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of wind energy. Upon completion, you'll understand innovative wind power solutions for the smart, green grids of tomorrow.

Through case studies, lectures and design projects, you will evaluate technologies like anaerobic digestion, gasification and pyrolysis for producing heat, power, fuels and chemicals from biological feedstocks. You'll also learn to calculate the economic and scientific impact of carbon capture systems that derive value from CO2 through agricultural use, mineralization and chemical conversion.

You'll analyse the decarbonisation potential in the transport sector in this module, considering factors from bioenergy charging to vehicle-grid integration. As you develop your skills in data analysis, literature review and business management, you'll design, develop and evaluate transport scenarios for a sustainable future.

Core modules

With guidance from an expert supervisor, you'll identify a challenge that excites you and develop an approach to investigating it. As you apply your analytical and creative skills to the project, you'll build self-confidence and resourcefulness alongside your new engineering capabilities. You'll also learn to showcase your work professionally through reports and presentations that demonstrate your readiness for an engineering career after university.

In this module, you'll bring mathematical principles and literature reviews together in order to design energy efficient buildings. You'll work within regulatory standards for zero carbon buildings, and apply knowledge of technical resources - renewable energy, dynamic pricing, smart technology - as you create your designs. By balancing technical skill and economic awareness, you'll advance your abilities to realise sustainable buildings.

In this future-focused module, you'll explore the economic and environmental impact of wind energy, and the technology involved in harnessing it. You'll analyse current wind systems, model live scenarios, and work with industry data to evaluate the possibilities and limitations of wind energy. Upon completion, you'll understand innovative wind power solutions for the smart, green grids of tomorrow.

Through case studies, lectures and design projects, you will evaluate technologies like anaerobic digestion, gasification and pyrolysis for producing heat, power, fuels and chemicals from biological feedstocks. You'll also learn to calculate the economic and scientific impact of carbon capture systems that derive value from CO2 through agricultural use, mineralization and chemical conversion.

You'll analyse the decarbonisation potential in the transport sector in this module, considering factors from bioenergy charging to vehicle-grid integration. As you develop your skills in data analysis, literature review and business management, you'll design, develop and evaluate transport scenarios for a sustainable future.

Core modules

You'll evaluate the principles and possibilities of batteries and fuel cells in this module, covering technologies including alkaline, solid and proton exchange membrane fuel cells. After analysing the costs and configurations of connected systems, you'll design an optimal arrangement to store energy from solar photo-voltaic panels. When you complete the module, you'll be able to demonstrate your ability to appraise and design sustainable energy storage systems that can enable longer driving ranges, shorter charging times, and greater power output.

In this module, you'll demonstrate a rounded understanding of the topics that go into successful management of engineering work. You'll look at creating an ethical work environment, preparing for risk and uncertainty, and modelling financial decisions for investment in engineering projects. When you complete the module, you'll have gained vital commercial awareness for turning engineering potential into economic and social impact.

In this module, you'll look at the efficiency, sustainability and economic viability of exciting new fuel technologies. You'll analyse energy scenarios, undertake a feasibility study, and design a practical renewable energy solution for a given need. You'll complete the module ready to implement alternative energy technologies in a rapidly changing sector.

In this module, you'll learn about systems, sub-systems and components in the electric power sector. You'll model network operation, evaluating stability and efficiency, and explore fault conditions. Using analytical and simulation approaches, you'll develop the knowledge and skills for assessing the reliability and resiliency of 21st century infrastructure.

In this module, you'll work under professional conditions as you collaborate on a challenging systems design brief. You'll design an engineering response that meets a given business goal; as you do so, you'll polish and demonstrate skills such as communication, risk mitigation, project planning and control, and critical thinking. You'll emerge from this module with experience of the soft skills that companies will expect from you.

In this module, you'll learn key aspects of intelligent power infrastructure, from social benefits and economic drivers to technical breakthroughs and design methods. You'll examine developing technologies such as communication networks, distributed sensors and automated demand response. As you analyse limitations and challenges of technologies involved in the Smart Grid vision, and current approaches to overcoming them, you'll prepare yourself for work the technologies advancing reliable green power for all.

On this course, you can do an optional study abroad or work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years, or after your third year, to get valuable experience working in industry.

We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.

Changes to course content

We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.

Therefore, course content is revised and regularly reviewed.  This may result in changes being made in order to reflect developments in research, learning from practice and changes in policy at both national and local levels.

Teaching

Teaching on this course includes:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Laboratory work
  • Computer-aided engineering system activity

There's an emphasis on problem solving and project work to reflect the challenges experience in your career. Tasks will often begin with you researching a problem or project brief, before moving on to lab sessions to identify, then implement, practical solutions.

Teaching staff are all members of the IET (Institute of Engineering and Technology), and many are Chartered Engineers. The teaching staff on this course also have a range of professional experience, including working as a team leaders, and in higher management, in industry.

You can access all teaching resources on Moodle, our virtual learning environment, from anywhere with a web connection.

How you're assessed

You'll be assessed through:

  • Written examinations
  • Coursework
  • Practical tests
  • Project work
  • Presentations

You'll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark. For example, you can take online quizzes on theory-related skills, such as electrical circuit network parameters, to get automatic feedback. You also get feedback on lab-related skills through the submission of the logbook you've recorded the details of practical sessions in.

You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments, so you can improve in the future.

Every Tuesday in term time you'll also attend a 1-hour feedback and support session.

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for your degree. You’ll be in timetabled teaching activities such as lectures, practical classes and workshops for about 20 hours a week. As you progress through the course, there's a shift in emphasis from lectures and theory to lab work and implementations. The rest of the time you’ll do independent study such as research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group with others from your course. You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3 (and 4 if you do the MEng), but this depends on which modules you choose.

Most timetabled teaching takes place during the day, Monday to Friday. Optional field trips may involve evening and weekend teaching or events. There’s usually no teaching on Wednesday afternoons.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.

As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.

You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.

They can help with:

  • improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
  • understanding and using assignment feedback
  • managing your time and workload
  • revision and exam techniques

During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.

Support is available for skills including:

  • University study
  • Getting into the right study mindset
  • Note-taking and note-making skills
  • Referencing
  • Presentation skills
  • Time management, planning, and goal setting
  • Critical thinking
  • Avoiding plagiarism

If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.

All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University’s library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.

The Maths Café offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop or use our online resources.

Costs and funding

Tuition fees

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,250 a year (including Transition Scholarship)
  • International (non-EU) students – £19,200 per year (subject to annual increase)

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Tuition fees terms and conditions

Additional course costs

These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.

Additional costs

Our accommodation section show your accommodation options and highlight how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

 

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

Ready to apply?

To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • The UCAS course code – H892 (BEng) or H893 (MEng)
  • Our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS (BEng)

Apply now through UCAS (MEng)

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence

Speak with lecturers and chat with our students

Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Admissions terms and conditions

When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.

MEng Renewable Energy Engineering