Undergraduate Degrees

Course Structure

Year 1 is aimed at introducing the fundamental principles of all engineering disciplines using energy engineering as a focus. Energy Engineering Revolution is aimed entirely at providing an up to date assessment of the energy industry, using many visiting speakers and mini-projects and case studies based on topical issues such as Renewable Heat Incentives, Feed-in tariffs, European interconnectors and grids, maintenance in the offshore environment etc. Engineering Principles deals with underpinning knowledge in fluid flow, electricity, structural design and materials. Engineering practice is the start of the design theme and uses this as a vehicle to introduce professional practice and ethical codes of conduct. Sketching and drawing skills as well as a range of communication techniques and team working are all introduced in an energy context. The two mathematics modules consolidate pre-university knowledge and push it a bit further. The engineering mathematics component complements the theoretical work with estimation challenges and energy data analysis using a range of software.

Year 2 builds on the foundations and goes into more depth about design codes of practice and uses renewable energy examples to illustrate advanced principles. For example a basic understanding of wind turbine towers includes considerations of drag-induced overturning forces and foundation stability as well as the aerodynamics of flow past the turbines. Pumps and turbines linked to pipe flow and networks develops a thorough understanding of micro-hydro schemes and various methods of grid storage push the electricity theme further. The important mathematical theme continues to more advanced material including learning programming skills.

Year 3 includes the important element of your individual project. Your supervisor may make suggestions for suitable topics but essentially this is your chance to become an expert in the area of energy engineering that fascinates you and in which you are likely to work. Industry is keen to see this in-depth study as many energy engineering degrees can be a bit superficial in their coverage. At UEA we aim for both breadth and depth.

Themes

Engineering Design

Engineers design things. This is a highly creative process that builds upon a thorough understanding of fundamental principles of fluid flow, material properties, structural behaviour, dynamics of systems and mathematics. But rather than save up all the fun bits till the underpinning theory is complete, you will tackle engineering design challenges from the start of your degree and gradually build up your confidence until by third and fourth year you are capable of completing a detailed design to industry standards.

Health and Safety Risk Management

Engineering is becoming ever safer. Many companies now operate a zero tolerance approach to health and safety using sophisticated risk assessment and management techniques. Identifying risks can also lead to financial opportunities. The culture of safe working begins in first year with laboratory exercises and site visits, and then permeates all the design work. The chemical engineering hazard study approach to design is adopted throughout.

Professional Ethics and Commercial Awareness

It is obviously important to understand the technical aspects of your discipline, but this is only half the story. Professional life raises all sorts of ethical dilemmas whether it is the care that must be taken in checking calculations to the consideration of risks to the public and when or whether to alert them. Often the dilemmas are compounded by the underlying need to make a business profitable. There is a growing interest amongst practising engineers in these important aspects. You will discuss these issues with practising engineers who meet them during their working lives. By the time you graduate you should have confidence that you have a foundation understanding of how industry works which will allow you to get the most out of your initial training.

Energy Technologies

It is quite likely that you were attracted to energy engineering by the technology involved, whether it was the majestic sweep of a wind turbine, or the sheer size of the support vehicles and boats installing them. Or perhaps you are wedded to the decentralisation of energy supply and the idea of making maximum use of all waste to recover its energy potential appeals to you. Whatever your technical interests there will be something in our degrees for you. Renewable energy technologies from marine to solar are complemented by a thorough understanding of modern conventional technologies such as combined cycle gas turbines or carbon capture to prolong the life of coal. Nuclear power is used as a vehicle to introduce the very important subject of risk assessment as well as for its important contribution to the energy mix.

Environmental Awareness

Environmental Impact Statements are a key feature of all major energy engineering schemes. Industry is concerned that engineers attempt to bolt such important concepts on to the end of a design rather than embedding them from the start at every key decision stage. At UEA we are uniquely placed to offer this theme as an integral part of our degrees because of our long-established expertise in environmental sciences. Climate change, greenhouse gas emissions and other crucial concepts become second nature to our students. It is possible to continue this theme through all years of your degree or to develop your mathematical ability still further in third and fourth year.

Image above is of Sunset over a substation at a major power station. The modules on Electricity Generation and Distribution deal with the important issues of connection of a variety of supply sources to the grid system.

Visit the UEA engineering website

Course Organiser:Dr. Lawrence Coates

A Unique Partnership with Industry

Our degree programmes have been set up in close collaboration with the East of England Energy Group (EEEGR) to answer the regional and national demand for a skilled energy engineering workforce.

The Skills for Energy sub-group of EEGR provides energy engineering students with industry-driven case studies, site visits, on-site lectures, breakfast meetings and sponsored equipment.

Our students have the opportunity for affiliate membership of the Energy Institute, providing free student membership and e-magazine. UEA has been working closely with the Energy Institute to ensure that all energy engineering degrees will satisfy their requirements for professional accreditation.

Experienced, Expert Staff

Our energy engineering students are taught by experienced staff who are experts in their field, including

• Dr Lawrence Coates – Programme Director
• Prof Alexander Korobkin – Wave Energy
• Prof Paul Rijks – Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor
• Dr Congxiao Shang – Hydrogen and Energy
• Dr Ben Milner – Electrical Power Transmission
• Prof Stephen Cox – Electricity
• Prof David Stephens - Mathematics
• Dr Jane Powell - Sustainable Management of Waste and Energy Resources
• Dr Margaret Wexler – Biofuels

Sponsorships and Scholarships

In collaboration with EEEGR we have set up the SELECT sponsorship scheme for undergraduates. During your first year potential sponsors visit the University and conduct interviews with interested students. If successful, you will then work for your selected company over your first summer vacation. This may then lead to sponsorship for the remainder of your degree of £1,800 per year. Find out more about our SELECT Sponsorship Scheme.

Find Out More

Click on the Apply tab to find out how to contact us if you have any specific admissions questions or queries or want to find out how to apply.

Come along to one of our Open Days, where you will be able to talk directly to academics, admissions staff and students.

We also run a two-day Energy Engineering Summer School in July each year aimed at helping potential applicants to gain experience of what it is like to study at university on an engineering course.

Entry Requirements

A Level:

AAB including Mathematics and one other science

International Baccalaureate:

33 points overall including 3 Higher Level subjects at grade 6 including Maths and one other science

Scottish Highers:

AAABB including Advanced Level Mathematics and one other science

Scottish Advanced Highers:

AAB including Mathematics and one other science

Irish Leaving Certificate:

AAAABB including Mathematics and one other science

Access Course:

See below

European Baccalaureate:

80% overall including 80% in Mathematics and one other science

Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

A level in Mathematics (or equivalent) and one other Science subject from the following: Applied Science, Biology, Business Studies, Chemistry, Computing, Design and Technology: Product Design (3D Design), Design Technology: Systems and Control Technology, Economics, Electronics, Engineering, Environmental Management, Environmental Studies, Further Mathematics, Geography, ICT, Marine Science, Mechanics, Physics, Statistics.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Maths credits and 12 level 3 credits in one other science.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have GCSE Mathematics at grade B and GCSE English Language at grade C.

Fees and Funding

Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds.  Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.  Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400.  The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships.  To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support      

International Students 

The Energy Engineering courses have 3 £2,000 year one scholarship available for 2013 entry.  The Scholarship deadline is 15th January 2013.  Please contact the Admissions office at eng.ug.admiss@uea.ac.uk for more information.

The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study.    Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international

Applications need to be made via the Universities Colleges and Admissions Services (UCAS), using the UCAS Apply option.

UCAS Apply is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time Undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom. It is made up of different sections that you need to complete. Your application does not have to be completed all at once. The system allows you to leave a section partially completed so you can return to it later and add to or edit any information you have entered. Once your application is complete, it must be sent to UCAS so that they can process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.

The UCAS code name and number for the University of East Anglia is EANGL E14.

Further Information

If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances with the Admissions Office prior to applying please do contact us:

Undergraduate Admissions Office (Mathematics)
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk

Please click here to register your details online via our Online Enquiry Form.

International candidates are also actively encouraged to access the University's International section of our website.