Energy Engineering (be (hons)) in University College Cork, Ireland

Energy Engineering (be (hons)) in University College Cork

The first year of the BE is a broad education in engineering fundamentals.  At the end of the first year you can choose to enter Energy Engineering.  Your chosen area of specialization in second year will also offer routes to further branches of engineering at Masters level.  At the end of a successful 3rd year, students enter 4th year, which is a pathway to either the 5th Year Integrated ME for eligible students or exiting with a BE(Hons). The ME pathway finishes with a Professional Work Placement that takes place during the 2nd semester and the summer break (8 months).

In an era of unprecedented pressure on resources, energy engineering is crucial to address some of the world's greatest challenges, namely how to meet the electricity, heating and transport energy needs of the world's growing population while reducing human impact on the climate with innovative, sustainable engineering solutions.

“A highly respected engineering qualification and knowledge of real world climate issues and their prospective solutions. If I was to travel back in time, I have no hesitation in saying I would once again choose Energy Engineering!” - Rory Geary (2008 – 2012)

Through a combination of solid engineering fundamentals covered in the first two years of the course (e.g. thermodynamics, fluids, and electrical systems) and advanced energy engineering topics covered in the final two years (including power electronics, control systems, wind, solar photovoltaic and ocean energy, energy demand management and energy policy), graduates of the Energy Engineering course will be well-equipped to source, design, convert, transmit and supply useful energy to meet the world's present and long-term needs.

“This is a modern degree for a modern world that urgently needs higher quality design, more ethical engineering decisions and stronger environmental leadership.” - Vera O’Riordan (2015 – 2019)

part of your fundamental engineering education, you will develop mathematical and problem-solving abilities and apply these to open-ended and challenging energy systems design problems, both as an individual and as part of a team.

“The BE Energy Engineering degree has equipped me with the broad range of technical expertise required for my role, namely electrical, mechanical and civil engineering knowledge.” - Alan Donovan (2009-2013)

On completion of the degree course, you will have excellent IT skills, effective communication skills and will be prepared for a working environment where there is a strong emphasis on problem-solving. You will also have the 1st BE Energy programme in Ireland that was fully accredited by the professional body Engineers Ireland.

Placement or Study Abroad Information

The five year integrated ME programme includes an eight-month salaried work placement in industry based in Ireland or abroad (the four year BE programme has a corresponding three-month optional work placement). During this placement, you will gain excellent hands-on experience as a chemical/process engineer, as well as making valuable industry contacts. Opportunities also exist for academically strong students to spend a period in an institution abroad, receiving full credits for the work done there towards your degree.

“There are few other undergraduate engineering courses out there that can offer such a comprehensive education” - Paul Crowley (2009-2013) Grid Controller, Gas Networks Ireland

Opportunities also exist for a small number of academically strong students to study abroad in Year 3 with full credit. Past students have spent a year at the University of California at Berkeley and Notre Dame University, USA.  

“The highlight for me was studying abroad during 3rd year in UC Davis, Los Angeles, California. UCC has great links overseas” - Rory Geary (2008-2012) Business Analyst, State Street International, Kilkenny

Skills and Careers Information

“When I was choosing my CAO preferences it was clear Energy would be a hot topic for my generation. This has held true with the security of job opportunities.” Sean Hayes (2008-2012)

Many graduates progress directly to the Energy Engineering profession, working in renewable energy engineering with e.g. Airtricity, Eirgrid, Bord Gais, ESB and ESBI. A significant number of graduates also work in energy management and intelligent efficiency in energy consultancy firms and the pharmaceuticals sector. Other graduates make use of the valuable acquired skills to embark on careers outside of engineering, in areas including software design and development, management consulting, accountancy and industrial management.

“The wide spectrum of jobs that Energy Engineering graduates can carry out is something that I find particularly appealing. The only downfall is choosing your favourite!” Colm Gallagher (2011-2015)

Postgraduate degrees, including MEngSc (e.g. in Electrical Engineering; Mechanical Engineering;) and PhD, can be pursued by research in any one of a number of UCC’s active research groups. UCC hosts the world-leading MaREI Centre, a research and innovation hub focussing on the energy and marine sectors www.marei.ie. Areas of particular strength include marine renewable energy, biogas, energy systems modelling, wind, power electronics, renewable power systems, intelligent energy use in buildings and industry.

Since 2013, engineering graduates with a BE require an additional one-year Masters-level qualification (or equivalent) as well as relevant professional experience to be eligible to apply for Chartered membership of Engineers Ireland. The integrated ME facilitates this.