MEng Energy Engineering

Key details

MENG ENERGY ENGINEERING

Start Year

2023

Attendance

Full Time

Award

Degree of Master of Engineering

UCAS course code

H801

Entry Requirements

AAB (specific subject requirements apply).

Duration (years)

Broaden and deepen your knowledge and understanding of engineering with our four-year MEng degree.

This four-year course will help you develop your capacity to solve society’s biggest challenges. Through integrated learning opportunities, you’ll develop a holistic knowledge and skill set that will serve you throughout your studies and beyond.

Engineering is the pursuit of solutions. Engineers are arguably the most significant shapers of society and will define the next industrial revolution. Your curiosity will be encouraged and enriched from the day you start the course, and you’ll leave here as a graduate with rich practical experience and the intellectual flexibility to succeed as an engineer.

Our department’s mission is to equip you with all the knowledge you will need to thrive as an engineer, while also ensuring you are confident in dealing with clients and operating in teams. As well as knowledge and practical techniques, you will develop all the soft skills needed to succeed throughout your course and future career.

About

As investment in new energy sources like wind, solar, nuclear and biofuels increases, so does the need for highly qualified energy engineers. This integrated master’s programme opens up a significant range of career pathways, focusing on the sustainable future of energy production, usage, and supply.

East Anglia is a major hub for the UK energy sector, giving you a unique opportunity to explore a wide range of potential career paths during your studies. For example, in previous years, students have enjoyed site visits to wind-farm installations and operation sites as well as the Sizewell nuclear plant. All engineering courses at UEA benefit from this close connection to local industry and this course has been designed and delivered in line with industry needs. Our close partnerships with major engineering companies enable us to support and encourage skills that are critical to the sector, like innovation and networking skills. Graduates of this course are the engineers the energy industry needs, right now and in the long term.

Each of our engineering courses follows an integrated programme structure for the first year. This is designed to provide you with a broad insight into the incredible potential of engineering as a discipline. From your second year onwards, you will focus more closely on energy. You will be able to enrich your experience and tailor your degree to your own interests by choosing modules from other UEA Schools like Environmental Sciences, Computing Sciences and Mathematics, so that your learning is limitless.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.

Assessment for Year 1

Our assessment strategies are as varied as our teaching. We're aware that you might prefer to demonstrate your learning in different ways, so our methods of assessment are designed to give you opportunities to shine through a variety of methods. These methods include continuous assessment in the form of frequent coursework across each term, as well as written work, poster presentations, illustrative sketches, and traditional examinations. Our innovative forms of assessment delivery have recently been recognised by professional engineering bodies.

In Year 1, your assessed performance does not count towards your final degree. We therefore use this first year to expose you to the range of assessment-types that you may meet as you progress through your degree. You will also receive instruction in areas like report-writing and presentations to secure your knowledge and capacity to perform. You’ll use these skills in the group work assessments and competition opportunity presented to you in this initial year of study.

Structure

Your Energy Engineering course will combine lectures, workshops and tutorials. You’ll be asked to apply the knowledge you've gained to a research problem, a series of questions, or a design challenge. By applying your knowledge, you will gain a deeper understanding of the material, helping you to retain what you’ve learnt.

You’ll develop your communication skills through written reports, oral presentations and workshop discussions. Workshops will also enable you to develop digital skill sets in computer analysis and design.

On entry into the School of Engineering, you’ll explore the concerns of today’s engineers and the pivotal role engineers have in adapting society to climate change. You’ll participate in a national competition in partnership with Engineers Without Borders, and understand how engineers serve society, contributing to national economies while working to protect the environment. You’ll consider the potential of hydrology and solar power and develop skills to help you deal with uncertain data sets.

Teaching and Learning

What’s more, we’ll provide you with multiple opportunities to connect with industry, helping you develop your networking abilities and make lasting professional contacts.

By combining excellence in teaching with unique industry connections, we aim to secure your success as you progress through your programme and beyond.

Independent study

Independent study will be guided by the requirements of your research projects, design work and problem-solving exercises. You can expect to explore your module content widely, through which you will develop the independent learning skills that are so highly valued by employers.

This will culminate in the development and presentation of your final year industrial project.

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Assessment for Year 1

Compulsory Modules

MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS A

Code ENV-4015Y

Credits 20

You will cover differentiation, integration, vectors, partial differentiation, ordinary differential equations, further integrals, power series expansions, complex numbers and statistical methods as part of this module. In addition to the theoretical background there is an emphasis on applied examples. Previous knowledge of calculus is assumed. This module is the first in a series of three maths modules for those across the Faculty of Science that provide a solid undergraduate mathematical training. The follow-on modules are Mathematics for Scientists B and C. Recommended if you have grade A*-C at A-level Mathematics, or equivalent.

ENGINEERING DESIGN AND PRACTICE

Code ENG-4007Y

Credits 40

Through this module you will explore the wider context of engineering activity and be introduced to engineering design. You will understand the varied roles and considerations of professional engineers through the pursuit of themes linked to sustainability, professional conduct and innovation. Furthermore, you will be exposed to the technological and digital innovations in engineering practice, considering visual and graphic communication, mathematical processing and data analysis. You will develop communication, research and estimation skills in support of real-world design challenges. Through building, iterative testing, laboratory activity and learning from failure, you will learn how to become a critical thinker and reflective engineering practitioner.

ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES AND ANALYSIS

Code ENG-4008Y

Credits 60

This module will allow you to explore the fundamental theories that underpin engineering, spanning the disciplines of fluids, thermodynamics, hydraulics, materials, structures, mechanics, circuitry and electronics. You will learn how to apply this knowledge to identify engineering opportunities, to analyse the performance of engineering components and to support the engineering design process.

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Important Information

Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.

Assessment for Year 2

In Year 2, you will be allocated to a small design consultancy team that will work together to present assessed design reports and also to a small team in order to design and evaluate renewable energy technological solutions to meet specific performance and economic criteria. Within these team exercises you will also be able to demonstrate your individual achievement through your design solution and performance evaluation applied to a complex design challenge. Other module assessments will involve traditional examinations, small regular tests and tailored coursework problems.

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING DESIGN PROJECT

Code ENG-5003Y

Credits 20

This module purposely fuses the boundaries conventionally constraining engineering designers, to enable you to fully explore the breadth of design principles and processes presented within a contemporary design challenge. Supported by a framework of integrated learning, you will continue to develop your ability to straddle the boundaries of creative design practice in the determination of holistic design solutions. Societal design challenges will add real-world context to problems posed as you explore the issues facilitating the realisation of revolutionary ideas in contemporary design practice.

RENEWABLE ENERGY

Code ENG-5002B

Credits 20

This module builds on understanding in wind, tidal and hydroelectric power and introduces theories and principles relating to a variety of renewable energy technologies including solar energy, heat pumps and geothermal sources, fuel cells and the hydrogen economy, biomass energy and anaerobic digestion. You will consider how these various technologies can realistically contribute to the energy mix. You will study the various targets and legislative instruments that are used to control and encourage developments. Students will also apply their knowledge to propose, design and evaluate renewable technology solutions in order to meet performance, cost and emissions reduction targets within the coursework exercise, also involving application of project management and financial project appraisal techniques in a renewable energy context

ANALOGUE AND DIGITAL ELECTRONICS

Code CMP-5027A

Credits 20

A practical introduction to electronics, this module is structured to consider analogue electronics and digital electronics in turn. Topics you’ll cover include passive and active components, including op-amps, transistors, logic gates, flip-flops and registers. Circuits you’ll study include amplifiers, oscillators, modulators, combinational and sequential logic and state machines. You’ll spend much of your time doing practical work – underpinned by lectures – where you will build prototypes circuits, as well as designing and building Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs).

MATHEMATICS FOR SCIENTISTS B

Code MTHB5010A

Credits 20

Matrix algebra: Introduction to matrices. Systems of linear equations. Solving systems of linear equations using elementary operations. Matrices and systems of linear equations. Gaussian elimination, row echelon form and back-substitution. Reduced row echelon form; use of rank to distinguish cases of no solution, unique solution, infinitely many solutions. Matrix inversion. Determinants. Linear independence, calculation of eigenvalues and eigenvectors. Numerical methods: Numerical methods for solving matrix systems. Iterative methods including Jacobi iteration and Gauss-Seidel iteration. Convergence criteria. Interpolation. Numerical differentiation and integration. Numerical integration of ODEs. Elements of programming in Python (or Matlab): Defining and manipulating variables. Arrays. Data input and graphics output. Functions. If/Then statements and For loops. Programs implementing numerical methods for systems of linear equations, nonlinear equations and integration of ODEs. Fourier series and Fourier transforms: Introduction to time series. Frequency domain. Definition and properties. Examples of transforms. Techniques for inverse transforms. Application to integral equations. Application to linear ODEs and PDEs Second-order partial differential equations: Basic concepts and definitions, wave equation, heat conduction equation, Laplace's equation. The method of separation of variables. Application of this method for solving initial/boundary value problems associated with the aforementioned P.D.E.'s. D'Alembert's solution for the wave equation. Application for solving initial value problems for the wave equation on infinite and semi-infinite domains.

MECHANICAL CONCEPTS AND APPLICATIONS

Code ENG-5006Y

Credits 20

This module will build on the fundamental theories covered in the first year in the mechanical engineering disciplines of materials, mechanics, structures, fluids and thermodynamics, explaining how basic principles are exploited and developed into working devices and processes which underpin engineering solutions.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

PROGRAMMING FOR NON-SPECIALISTS

Code CMP-5020B

Credits 20

You will be introduced to a number of programming concepts at the start of your programming career, using a modern programming language common to many digital industries, with specific focus on applications within STEM fields. We structure learning through lectures, delivering core materials, and tutor supported exercises to reinforce learning, and to prepare you for programming in your following studies.

DYNAMICS AND VIBRATION

Code ENG-5004B

Credits 20

You will build on the introductory material you gained in first year engineering mechanics. An appreciation of why dynamics and vibration are important for engineering designers leads to consideration of Single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems, Equation of motion, free vibration analysis, energy methods, natural frequency, undamped and damped systems and loading. Fourier series expansion and modal analysis are applied to vibration concepts: eigenfrequency, resonance, beats, critical, under-critical and overcritical damping, and transfer function. Introduction to multi-degree of freedom (MDOF) systems. Applications to beams and cantilevers. MathCAD will be used to support learning.

ELECTRICAL POWER ENGINEERING

Code ENG-5005Y

Credits 20

The module aims to cover a range of different principles and topics related to electrical power engineering including: • Three phase systems • Generation systems: Introduction, basic principles, magnetic fields, windings, torque production, equivalent circuit, synchronism, active and reactive power control, generator construction, generator operating chart • Transmission systems Introduction and principles, per unit systems, reactive power management • Power Electronics systems; Introduction and principles of electric power conversion including AC/DC and DC/AC power converters.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 3

Year 3 assessment is dominated by your double credit project model. This large piece of assessed work will enable you to apply the skills set that you have acquired to pursue and be assessed in projects that use your computational skills, your software manipulation skills, your data manipulation skills and your practical laboratory skills, as determined to a greater or lesser extent by you. Beyond this, your independent module option selection will determine your remaining assessment types. If you have a preferred method of being assessed, it may be that you select your optional modules to support your success in this academic year.

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING MAJOR PROJECT

Code ENG-6008Y

Credits 40

This module allows you independently to select and explore a topic of project study of particular interest to you and linked to your programme pathway. Projects can involve design, research, experimentation, computation and other activities. Where possible, projects will be linked to an industrial partner. The technical content will build on the study of previous years, while the module will embed new project management, risk assessment and communication skills.

ELECTRICAL DRIVES AND ENERGY STORAGE

Code ENG-6009B

Credits 20

This module will provide the students with a wide range of knowledge, learning and skills in electrical machines and drives including Induction machines and Permanent Magnet machines for various current and emerging applications in our industry for example electric cars renewable power generation and variable speed drives. The delivery of the learning objectives will be through a combination of theoretical, analytical, computer simulation and experimental lab activities.

Optional A Modules

(20 credits)

SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING

Code ENG-6010A

Credits 20

This module addresses the engineering and technical aspects of solar energy, covering solar energy resource availability, solar energy conversion systems, photovoltaic (PV) and solar thermal collector systems, and other solar energy applications in the industrial, domestic, transport and agricultural sectors. You will obtain advanced knowledge on the estimation of solar radiation through models and solar radiation databases for any site and surface geometry, shading analysis, the optimum and cost-effective design, performance analysis and sizing of PV systems and solar thermal collector systems, and their integration in buildings. In parallel, you will develop software skills in the above topics and practical skills in PV cell/module characterisation, performance and degradation analysis in the laboratory.

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Code ENG-6011B

Credits 20

This module is designed to provide students with an in-depth understanding of this key energy sector. It addresses the technical and financial aspects of nuclear power, offering a comprehensive grounding in the underpinning science, engineering and safety features, along with relevant nuclear regulators and policy. Students will develop knowledge and insights as well as analytical and modelling skills, in addition to skills that are transferable into future or current work settings, such as management of time and information, report writing and the deployment of critical reasoning and independent thinking.

Optional B Modules

(40 credits)

STRESS ANALYSIS AND DESIGN

Code ENG-6006Y

Credits 20

Beginning with a revision of first and second year concepts of elasticity this module will consolidate an understanding of the relationship between stress and strain in a variety of contexts such as torsion, shear and bending of open and closed sections with applications in aerospace, wind engineering, bridge design and others. Analytical techniques such as Mohr’s circle will be covered and you will explore the way that design codes place practical limits on stress and strain such as in bolted and welded connections.

CONTROL SYSTEMS

Code ENG-6007A

Credits 20

Automatic control is essential in any field of engineering and science. Control systems are an integral part of robotic systems, manufacturing systems, self-driven vehicles and any industrial operation and household application involving control of temperature, humidity, flow, pressure, etc. A competent engineer should be familiar with the control theories commonly used nowadays and their practical application. In particular, this module is focused on the analysis and design of control systems based on the classical control theory. Among other topics, this module covers: -Systems modelling using Laplace transforms. -System identification. -Open-loop and closed-loop control systems and the importance of feedback. -Evaluation of systems stability and behaviour using different analysis tools like Bode plots, the Routh-Hurwitz criterion, the Root Locus method or Nyquist plots. -Design and tuning of different common types of controllers, like PID controllers and lead/lag compensators, to meet a variety of design requirements. -Digital control systems. -Programming and operation of PLCs (programmable logic controllers) and its use in automatic industrial systems. -Analysis and design of control systems using Matlab In order to reinforce the learning and engagement, different case studies of industrial applications from local companies are introduced and potentially a site visit.

SOLAR ENERGY ENGINEERING

Code ENG-6010A

Credits 20

NUCLEAR ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Code ENG-6011B

Credits 20

MODELLING ENVIRONMENTAL PROCESSES

Code ENV-6004A

Credits 20

Our aim is to show how environmental problems may be solved from the initial problem, to mathematical formulation and numerical solution. Problems will be described conceptually, then defined mathematically, then solved numerically via computer programming. The module consists of lectures on numerical methods and computing practicals; the practicals being designed to illustrate the solution of problems using the methods covered in lectures. We will guide you through the solution of a model of an environmental process of your own choosing. The skills developed in this module are highly valued by prospective employers.

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Important Information

Assessment for Year 4

The Engineering Group Project presents a significant module assessed in this academic year. This module combines many of the assessment tools that you have been exposed to in previous years of study and may include presentation delivery, report writing, computational work, data processing. These assessments aim to demonstrate your graduate skill set. Further to this, you once again have the freedom to select modules and tailor selection to enable you to demonstrate your full graduate capability as assessed by the strategies targeted through your module selection.

Compulsory Modules

ENGINEERING GROUP PROJECT

Code ENG-7016Y

Credits 40

The module aims to enable you to work in small teams to meet the challenge of a real and substantial engineering project requirement covering, planning, legal, environmental, economic and engineering aspects. You will develop both specialist and over-arching engineering skills. The study is carried out as a team exercise where communication and collaboration are vital in producing a constructive and rewarding project. Topics covered may include the following: introduction to product specification and design; market research, including influence of environmental and regulatory constraints; concept design for complete lifecycle; down-selection of component design tasks for more detailed attention; project planning, control, review and closure; detailed design including analysis of project constraints, manufacturing processes and available materials; acceptance test planning and, if appropriate, manufacture and test; marketing and promotion of product or component technology/design solution. Where possible, the project will be based around a requirement and brief prepared by one or more industrial partners.

Optional A Modules

(80 credits)

FLUIDS ENGINEERING FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY

Code ENG-7007B

Credits 20

This module covers the extraction of renewable energy from wind and water currents and wave motions. This includes the mechanisms by which solar and tidal energy are converted into these resources, the fluid mechanics relevant to energy transfer by machines, examples of working devices and the principles by which they are designed. The variability of these resources and the effect on the design and operation of fluidic devices is also addressed, as are the infrastructure, environmental, policy and financial issues influencing planning, development and operation of renewable energy installations.

ADVANCED COMPUTATIONAL METHODS

Code ENG-7008B

Credits 20

A number of computational techniques are used in engineering design and practice such as: Computer-Aided Drafting, Computer-Aided Design, Finite Element Analysis, Computer Numerical Control of manufacturing equipment and Computational Fluid Dynamics. In a hands-on approach students will develop a broad awareness and detailed competence in some of these techniques building on material introduced during earlier years of the degree.

ENERGY INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEERING

Code ENG-7012A

Credits 20

The aim of this module is to expose you to the technical and commercial realities of the oil and gas industry. An overview of the subject leads to a number of specific case studies provided by practising engineers. A number of assessment techniques are used, from individual presentations to analysis of reserves or research for a briefing document addressing issues of health and safety risk management. Each year the case studies will reflect the expertise of the visiting practising engineers. Although there are no pre-requisites this module is a good follow on to the Fossil Fuels module.

ADVANCED MANUFACTURING

Code ENG-7013Y

Credits 20

Mechanical engineering is often distinguished from other disciplines by the many production line processes that it utilises. You will develop manufacturing and business awareness through studying aspects of production lines such as quality systems, Kanban, Just in Time, Lean Manufacture etc. You will contrast the approaches in different sectors (e.g. aerospace, automotive mass production, automotive specialist production etc.) at a range of scales. This module is reserved for Engineering Masters Students

THEORY OF ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Code ENV-7020A

Credits 20

Environmental assessment is a term used to describe procedures for evaluating the potential environmental consequences of policies, programmes, plans and projects. It is a well established tool for environmental policy integration, being routinely employed in more than 100 nations and by many international aid and funding agencies. This multidisciplinary module focuses on the theory and methods of environmental assessment and the decision-making contexts in which they are employed. It explains the procedural stages of, and selected methodologies for, environmental assessment and provides practical experience in applying them.

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Entry Requirements

A Levels

AAB including Mathematics and one other Science subject or Computing Science.

T Levels

We will publish this information as soon as possible.

BTEC

DDD in a relevant Engineering related subject (please see further information below), excluding BTEC Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration.

Scottish highers

AAAAA including Mathematics and one other Science subject or Computing Science.

Scottish highers advanced

BBC including Mathematics and one other Science subject or Computing Science.

Irish leaving certificate

4 subjects at H2, 2 subjects at H3 including Mathematics and one other Science subject or Computing Science.

Access course

Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 36 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 9 credits at Level 3, including 12 credits in Mathematics and 12 credits in one other Science.

European Baccalaureate

80% including grade 7 in Mathematics and one other Science subject or Computing Science.

International Baccalaureate

33 points including HL5 in Mathematics and HL5 in one other Science subject or Computing Science.

GCSE offer

You are required to have Mathematics at a minimum of Grade B or Grade 5 and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.

Additional entry requirements

We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.

A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.

Applicants studying BTEC Extended Diploma in Engineering must be studying either Calculus to Solve Engineering Problems and Further Engineering Mathematics OR Mathematics for Engineering Technicians and Further Mathematics for Engineering Technicians. Grade Distinction will be required in these modules.

If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BEng Engineering with a Foundation Year.

Important note

Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.

International Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.

INTO University of East Anglia

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:

International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)

Students for whom english is a foreign language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):

IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:

Pre-sessional English at INTO UEA

Academic English at INTO UEA

Interviews

Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.

Gap year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Intakes

This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.

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Course Reference Number: 6774697

MEng ENERGY ENGINEERING