Sustainable Energy Engineering BEng
Waterford Campuses, Ireland
BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering
South East Technological University (SETU)
Sustainable Energy Engineering
Program Overview: BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering
The BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering at SETU Waterford is a four-year honours degree that investigates energy and its uses in areas such as sustainable low energy building design, low and zero carbon heat and power generation technologies, energy management, energy storage, and carbon emissions. The programme is accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Energy Institute, providing graduates with internationally recognised professional credentials.
The early stages of the course introduce students to the fundamentals of mathematics, engineering, science, and technology that underpin engineering study and equip them with the knowledge required for more specialised study of sustainable energy systems. In Year 3, Semester 2, the majority of students are placed with leading Irish engineering companies and energy providers for a six-month paid industry placement, gaining real-world professional experience.
This programme is designed for individuals who have an interest in energy, care about the environment, and want to contribute to a sustainable future. Graduates emerge as engineers who can design energy systems, optimise energy performance, understand alternative energy technologies, and assess environmental impact across the built environment and beyond.
Key Program Highlights
- Accredited by Engineers Ireland and the Energy Institute, providing a pathway toward professional engineering registration
- Six-month paid industry placement in Year 3 with leading Irish engineering companies and energy providers
- Reported 100% graduate employment rate, with many students securing roles before completing their final exams
- Annual international study trips to explore innovative energy and infrastructure projects across Europe
Curriculum & Modules
The curriculum is structured to build a strong foundation in engineering fundamentals before progressing to specialised sustainable energy topics. Students move from core mathematics, science, and engineering principles in the early years to advanced modules in low energy building design, renewable technologies, and energy management in the later years.
Engineering Mathematics and Science
10 ECTSProvides the essential mathematical and scientific foundations that underpin all engineering disciplines, equipping students with analytical tools for complex problem solving in energy systems.
Sustainable Low Energy Building Design
10 ECTSCovers the principles of passive and active low energy design strategies for buildings, including thermal envelope design, daylighting, and natural ventilation techniques.
Low and Zero Carbon Heat and Power Generation
10 ECTSExplores renewable and low carbon technologies for heat and power generation, including solar thermal, heat pumps, biomass, wind energy, and photovoltaic systems.
Building Energy Performance and Analysis
10 ECTSFocuses on building energy modelling, dynamic thermal simulation, and compliance with energy performance regulations using industry-standard software tools.
Energy Management and Auditing
10 ECTSDevelops skills in measuring energy flows, conducting energy audits, identifying energy reduction measures, and monitoring and logging results in commercial and industrial buildings.
Professional Practice and Industry Placement
30 ECTSA six-month paid placement with a leading engineering company or energy provider in Ireland, giving students hands-on experience in professional engineering practice and industry operations.
Elective Modules
Admission Requirements
Applicants to the BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering should demonstrate a strong foundation in mathematics and science. International students are welcome to apply through Uni4Edu, which manages the full application process on your behalf.
Academic Requirements
- Secondary EducationCompleted upper secondary education with strong results in Mathematics and a science subject (Physics or equivalent preferred)
- Irish Leaving CertificateMinimum 2 H5 and 4 O6/H7 grades in six subjects, including English or Irish and Mathematics
- International BaccalaureateIB Diploma with satisfactory grades in Mathematics and a science subject; contact Uni4Edu for specific point requirements
- Mature ApplicantsApplicants aged 23 or over may be considered based on relevant experience and qualifications
- Advanced EntryStudents with a Level 6 Higher Certificate in engineering may apply for entry at Year 2; ordinary degree holders may apply at Year 3
English Language Requirements
- IELTSMinimum overall score of 6.0 (with no component below 5.5)
- TOEFL iBTMinimum score of 72; contact Uni4Edu for component requirements
- PTE AcademicMinimum overall score of 51; contact Uni4Edu for component requirements
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
SETU offers several funding opportunities to support international students pursuing the BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering. These awards are designed to attract academically accomplished non-EU students and help make studying in Ireland more accessible. Contact Uni4Edu for guidance on eligibility and application procedures.
SETU International Student Entry Award
7% to 30% tuition fee discountAutomatically considered for all eligible non-EU full-time students upon receiving an offer. The award amount depends on the chosen programme, academic credentials, and English language attainment.
SETU International Academic Excellence Scholarship (IAES)
A competitive merit-based scholarship for self-funded non-EU international students pursuing full-time undergraduate or postgraduate programmes on campus. Applications open February 1 and close April 30.
Government of Ireland International Education Scholarship (GOI-IES)
A prestigious national scholarship for non-EU/EEA students. Note that this scholarship is typically available for Level 9 (Master's) and Level 10 (PhD) programmes; contact Uni4Edu to explore alternative funding options for undergraduate study.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the BEng (Hons) in Sustainable Energy Engineering are in high demand due to a significant shortage of qualified energy engineers. The programme's strong industry connections, professional accreditation, and six-month placement ensure graduates are well-prepared for immediate employment in Ireland or abroad.
Typical Graduate Roles
Top Employers of Graduates
Rankings & Recognition
South East Technological University is one of Ireland's newest technological universities, established in May 2022 through the merger of Waterford Institute of Technology and Institute of Technology Carlow. While still building its presence in global rankings as a unified institution, SETU has quickly gained recognition across multiple ranking platforms and holds strong professional accreditations.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering (Programme Accreditation) | Engineers Ireland | Fully Accredited |
| Energy Engineering (Programme Accreditation) | Energy Institute | Fully Accredited |
| Computer Science | QS Subject Rankings | Top 200 (2024) |
| Overall National Ranking | Shiksha Popularity Rankings | #12 in Ireland |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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