We are passionate about sharing with our students the vital role they each have now and as future professionals in promoting a sustainable future for all. We believe that sustainability is not the domain of one discipline or profession. It is the responsibility of all disciplines, professions, organisations and individuals.
That is why on each of our courses within the Belfast School of Architecture and the Built Environment you will learn about the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the contribution you can make now, and as a graduate in the Built Environment.
Read the course details below to find out more.
Develop innovative solutions to energy challenges and gain the expertise to succeed in the thriving renewables industry.
Do you want to advance the use of Renewable energy technologies? Would you like a career as an Energy expert who will play a key role in meeting energy demand from sustainable and environmentally friendly sources?
With an estimated three million new jobs to be created in the energy and renewable energy sectors across Europe by 2020, there has never been a better time to study energy.
The BSc Hons Energy at Ulster University explores renewable energy technologies and the application of science and technology to find innovative solutions to real-world energy problems.
You will study a number of themes throughout the programme and gain an in-depth knowledge of conventional and renewable energy systems including wind, bio-energy, solar, tidal and wave, heat pumps, smart grids, fuel cells and energy storage technologies. As an expert in energy you will be able to design, specify and monitor their performance and ensure their economic and environmental benefits for different scenarios and locations around the world. You will also develop the intellectual skills required to understand new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar situations and adapt them to meet future challenges.
Many of our graduates have shaped successful careers in various roles and settings including energy supply and management, energy technology providers and consulting, among others.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
In this section
The BSc Hons Energy is designed for those who are passionate about environmental causes and wish to discover creative solutions to meet global energy challenges for a sustainable future.
Delivered by the Centre of Sustainable Technologies (CST) and boasting strong industrial links, the course offers an exciting learning experience combining both practical and theoretical elements. Informed by leading research, key themes include energy technologies, sustainability, energy economics and management. Moreover, the international links of CST provide the opportunity to study and research abroad via the Erasmus+ program and European collaboration.
During the course you will develop your knowledge in conventional and renewable energy systems and also learn how to assess relevant policy agendas (e.g. environmental, planning). You will enhance your intellectual skills to explore new theories, concepts and methods in unfamiliar situations and adapt them to meet future challenges.
A plentiful and secure supply of Energy is essential to the UK and other European economies. It is also important that we protect the natural environment by adopting sustainable measures. This has created a large demand for skilled energy professionals who can deliver low-carbon environmentally friendly solutions.
Accredited by the Energy Institute (EI), the course is fully career-focused and you will develop the leadership and management skills necessary for professional working life. You will have also the opportunity to undertake a one-year placement in the industry as part of your degree.
six years, including a year in placement, unless you are working in the energy industry, which will exempt you from placement.
Each student must complete 60 credits in each academic year on day release during semester when you will attend the Belfast campus. Modules are taught on campus and are web-supplemented.
10 credit points involve 100 hours of learning effort distributed over lectures (18 hrs), seminars and tutorials (3 hrs), laboratory classes (15 hrs) and independent study (64 hrs).
Teaching will be through lectures, case studies, seminars, practicals and site visits. The lecture sessions will be interactive and include a variety of media resources, being visual and audio. The seminars will provide space for student-led engagement with the supporting literature and other course materials. Students will have access to large-scale laboratories used for international research projects.
This course is offered at our Belfast Campus.
The content for each course is summarised on the relevant course page, along with an overview of the modules that make up the course.
Each course is approved by the University and meets the expectations of:
As part of your course induction, you will be provided with details of the organisation and management of the course, including attendance and assessment requirements - usually in the form of a timetable. For full-time courses, the precise timetable for each semester is not confirmed until close to the start date and may be subject to some change in the early weeks as all courses settle into their planned patterns. For part-time courses which require attendance on particular days and times, an expectation of the days and periods of attendance will be included in the letter of offer. A course handbook is also made available.
Courses comprise modules for which the notional effort involved is indicated by its credit rating. Each credit point represents 10 hours of student effort. Undergraduate courses typically contain 10, 20, or 40 credit modules (more usually 20) and postgraduate courses typically 15 or 30 credit modules.
The normal study load expectation for an undergraduate full-time course of study in the standard academic year is 120 credit points. This amounts to around 36-42 hours of expected teaching and learning per week, inclusive of attendance requirements for lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical work, fieldwork or other scheduled classes, private study, and assessment. Teaching and learning activities will be in-person and/or online depending on the nature of the course. Part-time study load is the same as full-time pro-rata, with each credit point representing 10 hours of student effort.
Postgraduate Master’s courses typically comprise 180 credits, taken in three semesters when studied full-time. A Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) comprises 60 credits and can usually be completed on a part-time basis in one year. A 120-credit Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) can usually be completed on a part-time basis in two years.
Class contact times vary by course and type of module. Typically, for a module predominantly delivered through lectures you can expect at least 3 contact hours per week (lectures/seminars/tutorials). Laboratory classes often require a greater intensity of attendance in blocks. Some modules may combine lecture and laboratory. The precise model will depend on the course you apply for and may be subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. Prospective students will be consulted about any significant changes.
Assessment methods vary and are defined explicitly in each module. Assessment can be a combination of examination and coursework but may also be only one of these methods. Assessment is designed to assess your achievement of the module’s stated learning outcomes. You can expect to receive timely feedback on all coursework assessments. This feedback may be issued individually and/or issued to the group and you will be encouraged to act on this feedback for your own development.
Coursework can take many forms, for example: essay, report, seminar paper, test, presentation, dissertation, design, artefacts, portfolio, journal, group work. The precise form and combination of assessment will depend on the course you apply for and the module. Details will be made available in advance through induction, the course handbook, the module specification, the assessment timetable and the assessment brief. The details are subject to change from year to year for quality or enhancement reasons. You will be consulted about any significant changes.
Normally, a module will have 4 learning outcomes, and no more than 2 items of assessment. An item of assessment can comprise more than one task. The notional workload and the equivalence across types of assessment is standardised. The module pass mark for undergraduate courses is 40%. The module pass mark for postgraduate courses is 50%.
The class of Honours awarded in Bachelor’s degrees is usually determined by calculation of an aggregate mark based on performance across the modules at Levels 5 and 6, (which correspond to the second and third year of full-time attendance).
Level 6 modules contribute 70% of the aggregate mark and Level 5 contributes 30% to the calculation of the class of the award. Classification of integrated Master’s degrees with Honours include a Level 7 component. The calculation in this case is: 50% Level 7, 30% Level 6, 20% Level 5. At least half the Level 5 modules must be studied at the University for Level 5 to be included in the calculation of the class.
All other qualifications have an overall grade determined by results in modules from the final level of study. In Master’s degrees of more than 200 credit points the final 120 points usually determine the overall grading.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The University employs over 1,000 suitably qualified and experienced academic staff - 60% have PhDs in their subject field and many have professional body recognition.
Courses are taught by staff who are Professors (19%), Readers, Senior Lecturers (22%) or Lecturers (57%).
We require most academic staff to be qualified to teach in higher education: 82% hold either Postgraduate Certificates in Higher Education Practice or higher. Most academic and learning support staff (85%) are recognised as fellows of the Higher Education Academy (HEA) by Advance HE - the university sector professional body for teaching and learning. Many academic and technical staff hold other professional body designations related to their subject or scholarly practice.
The profiles of many academic staff can be found on the University’s departmental websites and give a detailed insight into the range of staffing and expertise. The precise staffing for a course will depend on the department(s) involved and the availability and management of staff. This is subject to change annually and is confirmed in the timetable issued at the start of the course.
Occasionally, teaching may be supplemented by suitably qualified part-time staff (usually qualified researchers) and specialist guest lecturers. In these cases, all staff are inducted, mostly through our staff development programme ‘First Steps to Teaching’. In some cases, usually for provision in one of our out-centres, Recognised University Teachers are involved, supported by the University in suitable professional development for teaching.
Figures correct for academic year 2022-2023.
The Belfast campus is situated in the artistic and cultural centre of the city, the Cathedral Quarter.
High quality apartment living in Belfast city centre adjacent to the university campus.
Find out more - information about accommodation
At Student Wellbeing we provide many services to help students through their time at Ulster University.
Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year: 1
Status: C
The module provides a firm grounding in energy conversion through fundamental theory demonstrated in the analysis of conventional and alternative energy conversion systems.
Year: 1
Status: C
Engineering and energy are rapidly evolving fields requiring enhanced levels of competency in underpinning sciences. Physics, material science and chemistry play critical role in a number of engineering areas and energy applications. This module will provide a fundamental knowledge and understanding of scientific principles relevant to engineers and energy professionals.
Year: 1
Status: C
This module provides fundamental engineering background knowledge in the fields of electrics and fluid mechanics. Both are essential for the understanding of thermodynamics, energy conversion and energy transmission, all of which form the core basis for engineering analysis.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module covers those mathematics topics which graduates in the engineering discipline will require for professional practice. For certain engineering courses this module also provides a platform for the further study of mathematics.
The module starts with refresher topics, includes basic algebra, mathematical functions, polynomial equations, logarithms and exponentials, trigonometry, complex numbers, matrices and determinants, vectors, differentiation and integration, and finishes with subject of sequences and series.
Year: 2
Status: C
This module introduces the student to the requirements of mechanical HVAC and electrical
building services in the internal environment, including design of building heating and
ventilation systems and the fundamentals of electrical design and installation within
buildings.
Year: 2
Status: C
The modern day built environment professional is required to communicate effectively utilising electronic tools with the rest of the project team. This has been mandated by the UK Cabinet Office Construction Strategy, by European Commission procurement regulations and is being followed across the world. This module develops an understanding of the key drivers and barriers to fully implementing Level 2 BIM and points towards the development of level 3 BIM working in the near future. The module develops the foundational skills for internationally recognised BIM Level 2 for the contemporary and future built environment professionals.
Year: 3
Status: C
Students on this module will be equipped with the knowledge and technical skills to create safe, efficient and sustainable electrical designs for buildings, including the integration of low-carbon distributed technologies like PV, batteries and electric vehicles. Students will also learn about utility distribution networks, cyber security in critical infrastructure, and new system architectures such as Microgrids, DER Management Systems and Virtual Power Plants.
Year: 3
Status: C
This module will enable students to identify and understand the current solar thermal and solar photovoltaic technologies and understand how these resources can be managed and combined with energy storage with a view to future sustainability and demonstrate how the management of energy can benefit industry financially in the short term and influence sustainability in the longer term.
Year: 3
Status: C
The module covers topics that are suitable for a first year BSc course in Engineering. These include algebra, trigonometry, calculus, statistics and probability.
Year: 4
Status: C
A design, a workplace, a process or a product reflecting human values, self-determination and agency and technical dependability is one that can truly be hailed as being ethically aligned.
Examining safety, health and wellbeing from a global ethically aligned perspective, this module addresses international protocols, demonstrating how they impact upon local regulation and professional practice. In the process students will develop an understanding of the concept that designs must be such that they can be built, used, maintained and eventually demolished in a safe and healthy manner, while enhancing the lives of the workforce and wider society.
Through a series of problem-based learning activities students put these concepts into practice.
Year: 4
Status: C
This is a fundamental module for anyone studying energy systems or energy conversion technologies. It introduces the student to the fundamentals of thermodynamics and heat transfer. Students will undertake a series of lectures on heat transfer and thermodynamics, which will be accompanied by laboratories and tutorials. A high level of numeracy is required and the ability to set up, observe and report on experimental apparatus.
Year: 4
Status: C
This module will introduce students to the diverse sources, technologies and applications of energy from biomass for electricity generation, heat generation and as transport fuel. It will include the practical hands on testing and design of biomass systems. This will be relevant for the future building services engineer to cater for low environmental impact buildings
Year: 5
Status: C
This module examines current and future energy markets, market participation, the development of the smart grid and how building and industrial process design can be used to optimise energy efficiency, storage and generation.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module examines energy storage and demand side response as mechanism for facilitating the integration of non-dispatchable renewable energy in terms of design of systems and economic and social impacts.
Year: 5
Status: C
This module studies methodologies to facilitate and assess behavioural change and consensus building in new and renewable energy projects.
Year: 6
Status: C
This module will allow students to understand and critically appraise the factors affecting energy consumption in buildings enabling them to explore a wide range of low energy options in both domestic and non-domestic buildings. This will enable them to reduce the auxiliary energy load of any renewable energy solutions that may be considered while appreciating the main hazards to health in modern building designs.
Year: 6
Status: C
The energy industry, including the organisations and the people they employ, is always under pressure to improve its performance with respect to cost, time and quality. The module is a response to these demands, in that it examines current practice and possible areas for change in the management of process and people in design and construction. The module draws together the processes of tendering for construction and decision making within teams in construction/design operations, in the context of relevant contractual arrangements and the people/organisations concerned. The management simulation provides an opportunity for teams to choose suitable strategies for improved performance relating to procurement practice and risk. Practical applications and case studies are employed to bring reality to the classroom.
Year: 6
Status: C
The aim of this module is to appreciate, analyse and evaluate current hydro and wind turbine systems. Students will learn how these resources may be managed with a view to future sustainability.
Year: 6
Status: C
The dissertation project is an essential component of the course. It is the most student-centred element and facilitates the development of self and time management skills as well as furthering technical competence and understanding. This module establishes a suitable research dissertation project and supports the students towards developing a literature review and selecting and appropriate methodology for it. The remainder of the dissertation project is carried out during a semester 2 module.
Year: 6
Status: C
The dissertation project is an essential component of the course. It is the most student-centred element and facilitates the development of self and time management skills as well as furthering technical competence and understanding. This module relates to the primary data collection, reporting of results, analysis and conclusions of the project which takes place is semester 2.
We recognise a range of qualifications for admission to our courses. In addition to the specific entry conditions for this course you must also meet the University’s General Entrance Requirements.
In this section
Grades BBC to include one from the following:
Environmental Technologies, Environmental Science, Mathematics or Physics then this will meet the subject requirements or
Two from the following:
Design and Technology, Technology and Design, Digital Technology, Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Economics, Agriculture, Life and Health Sciences (single or double award) or Engineering.
Other STEM subjects may be accepted after interview.
For those applicants offering desirable subjects at A level (Mathematics or Physics) a one grade reduction will be applied at the time of offer. The desirable subject must be achieved at a minimum grade B.
Providing the two-subject requirement is met, applicants can satisfy the requirement for one of the A level grades (or equivalent) by substituting a combination of alternative qualifications recognised by the University.
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of DDD
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of DDD (2019 suite)
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of DMM (2016 suite)
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade C
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of DD plus A Level Grade C (2019 suite)
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of DM plus A Level Grade C (2016 suite)
QCF Pearson BTEC Level 3 Subsidiary Diploma in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be in the listed A levels above in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificte in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be in the listed A levels above (2019 suite)
RQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificte in Construction, Building Services, Engineering or Applied Science
Award profile of D plus A Level Grades BC one of which must be in the listed A levels above (2016 suite)
The subject requirement must be met.
Please note that OCR Cambridge Technical Combinations do not satisfy the subject entry requirement for this course and will be accepted as grade only when presented with A levels in the relevant subject(s).
For further information please contact the course administrator as listed in the Contact section.
Entry equivalences can also be viewed in the online prospectus at http://www.ulster.ac.uk/apply/entrance-requirements/equivalence.
112 UCAS Tariff Points to include to include a minimum of five subjects (four of which must be at higher level) to include English at H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Course Specific Subject requirements
This course also requires you ro achieve grade H3 in one of the following subjects:
Maths, Environmental Technology or Physics or
Two from Economics, Technology, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Construction and Engineering.
If Mathematics is not being offered as a subject at Higher Level, you will be required to achieve a minimum of grade H6 if studied at Higher Level or O4 if studied at Ordinary Level.
Grades BBCCC to include one from: Mathematics, Environmental Science or Physics
or Two from the following: Design and Technology, Applied Science, Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Economics, Agriculture, or Engineering.
Grades CCD to include one from Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Engineering, Design Technology.
Overall profile of 25 points (12 at higher level) to include one HL subject from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Engineering, Design and Technology or Environmental Technology. If Mathematics is not being offered at HL then it is required at Grade 4 in the overall profile. Grade 4 in English Language also required in overall profile.
Access Course (120 credit Access Course) (NI Access Course) in a Science, Mathematics, Physics or Engineering subject area with an overall mark of 63% to include 63% in each of the level 3 modules and to include 63% in NICATS level 2 Maths for Year 1 entry.
Access Course (60 credit Access Course) (GB Access Course) Overall profile of 15 credits at Distinction/ 30 credits at Merit in a Social and Biological Sciences subject area
GCSE English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4 or above (or equivalent).
English language requirements for international applicants
The minimum requirement for this course is Academic IELTS 6.0 with no band score less than 5.5. Trinity ISE: Pass at level III also meets this requirement for Tier 4 visa purposes.
Ulster recognises a number of other English language tests and comparable IELTS equivalent scores.
HNC
Pass HNC in a Construction/Civil Engineering or Building Engineering subject with overall Distinction to include 75 level 4 credits at Distinction for year one entry ) . GCSE Maths Grade C or 4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required.
HND Year 1 Only
Pass HND with successful completion in General Engineering/Science.
HND Year 2 Only
Pass HND with overall Merit in a Construction, Civil Engineering or Building Engineering subject to include a Merit in either the Level 4 or Level 5 Analytical Methods module. To include 45 level 5 credits at Distinction. GCSE Maths Grade C or 4 or an alternative Mathematics qualification acceptable to the University is also required. Applicants may be considered for year 2 entry where the curriculum sufficiently matches that of Ulster University full time year 1 course.
Foundation Degree
Successful completion of Foundation degree in a Construction, Civil Engineering or Engineering subject area for year 1 entry.
Foundation Degree Year 2
Foundation Degree in Building Services or Renewable Energies.
Pass in Foundation Degree with an overall mark of 50% and minimum 50% in all taught level 5 modules
For further information on the requirements for this course please contact
the administrator as listed in the Contact details section below.
Transfer between this course and other similar courses within faculty may be possible on the basis of academic performance and availability of places.
Exemption from parts of the course may be considered based on appropriate performance in a related, designated course.
In this section
Graduates from this course are now working for:
With this degree you could become:
There is a large demand for professionals who can help address current and future challenges of affordable, sustainable and secure energy supply across all economic sectors. Embarking upon a career in Energy can open a wide variety of choices in both public and private sectors. As an Energy professional you will be engaging in energy assessments of systems and processes, carrying out the design, sizing and evaluation of alternative/renewable energy systems, depending on their economic, environmental and social acceptability. Career progression will take you into strategic decision-making, budgetary control and wider consultancy responses. Opportunities also exist to continue your studies through MSc and PhD programmes in Renewable Energy, infrastructure and sustainability issues currently running by the Centre for Sustainable Technologies.
You will be employed in the following areas:
One year work placement is an integral component of the study. Work placement integrates education with the professional life and the wider community, providing a whole range of experiences and skills. You will have the opportunity to go on a work placement during the 3rd year of the BSc (Hons) Energy course.
You can carry out your placement locally or abroad. There is a large range of local (NI and UK) employers seeking placement students with skills in Energy. Erasmus+ grants are available for students that wish to carry out their work placement in the Republic of Ireland or other EU countries. Following the successful completion of a programme of assessments you will be eligible for the award of a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP).
Building on the international research links of the course team, you will have the opportunity to study part of your course abroad via Erasmus+ collaborations set up with European Universities, which include the University of Lleida (Spain), the University of Naples (Italy) and University of Patras (Greece).
Accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) on behalf of the Engineering Council for the purposes of fully meeting the academic requirement for registration as an Incorporated Engineer and partially meeting the academic requirement for registration as a Chartered Engineer.
The price of your overall programme will be determined by the number of credit points that you initiate in the relevant academic year.
For modules commenced in the academic year 2023/24, the following fees apply:
| Credit Points | NI/ROI Cost | GB Cost | International Cost* |
|---|---|---|---|
| 120 | £4,710 | £9,249.60 | £15,840 |
| 60 | £2,355 | £4,624.80 | £7,920 |
| 30 | £1,177.50 | £2,312.40 | £3,960 |
| 20 | £785 | £1,541.60 | £2,640 |
NB: A standard full-time undergraduate degree is equivalent to 120 credit points per year.
*Please note our on campus part-time postgraduate courses are not open to international (non-EU) students.
http://www.ulster.ac.uk/academicoffice/prizes.html
Follow the links to the Faculty of Computing, Engineering and the Built Environment.
It is important to remember that costs associated with accommodation, travel (including car parking charges) and normal living will need to be covered in addition to tuition fees.
Where a course has additional mandatory expenses (in addition to tuition fees) we make every effort to highlight them above. We aim to provide students with the learning materials needed to support their studies. Our libraries are a valuable resource with an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as first-class facilities and IT equipment. Computer suites and free Wi-Fi are also available on each of the campuses.
There are additional fees for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.
Students choosing a period of paid work placement or study abroad as a part of their course should be aware that there may be additional travel and living costs, as well as tuition fees.
See the tuition fees on our student guide for most up to date costs.
We know that choosing to study at university is a big decision, and you may not always be able to find the information you need online.
Please contact Ulster University with any queries or questions you might have about:
For any queries regarding getting help with your application, please select Admissions in the drop down below.
For queries related to course content, including modules and placements, please select Course specific information.
We look forward to hearing from you.
