HNCRenewable Energy Engineering
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Starting in:Â 2026
Register your interestUCAS points: 64Flexible entry options available
Campus: Southampton City CentreView on Google Maps
Why study a renewable energy engineering HNC at Solent University
Perfect for those working in the renewable energy sector, gain an entry-level Higher National Certificate qualification to progress your career in this rapidly growing industry.
- 0thin the UK for student satisfaction in chemical engineering studies, out of 34 institutions (CUG 2026)
- Top0%of UK unis for teaching quality, out of 130 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- 0thuni in the UK for First/2:1 degrees, out of 130 institutions (Times Good Uni Guide 2026)
- Gain hands-on learning experience through practical projects and field trips to renewable energy facilities.
- Learn from an experienced course team with extensive research and industry experience in the renewable energy field.
- Emphasis on sustainable design and innovation, preparing students to tackle real-world energy challenges.
- Opportunities to collaborate with students from other disciplines, fostering a multidisciplinary approach to problem solving.
- Study this course part-time.
Any questions?
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By studying the HNC Renewable Energy Engineering course, you'll gain a broad understanding of the principles and practices of renewable energy engineering. You'll also gain basic technical knowledge and skills for employment in renewable energy sectors such as solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal, as well as gain an appreciation of environmental sustainability, ethical conduct, safety, and professional standards in renewable energy engineering.
You'll learn a range of renewable energy technologies and their applications in a rich, stimulating and intellectually challenging environment to prepare for technical and professional roles in the renewable energy engineering sector.
Our inclusive provision meets the career aspirations of students from a range of educational and experiential backgrounds, especially those who are already in employment. The course is designed to meet the needs of local and regional employers by delivering a provision geared to their requirements.
The course is part of a suite of engineering Higher Nationals qualifications designed to provide part-time students with the opportunity to gain an entry level qualification in an engineering discipline. The course suits those who are already employed in a renewable energy engineering field and looking to progress their career or those wish to embark on a career change in a range of technical and professional roles in the sector.
Accreditations, recognitions and memberships
Part of:
Who is this course for?
This course is ideal for part-time students with the opportunity to gain entry level qualification in an engineering discipline. The course would suit those employed in a renewable energy engineering field and looking to progress their career, or those who are looking for a career change into technical and professional roles in renewable energy engineering.
What does this course lead to?
The course is designed to produce graduates who can make a positive contribution to the renewable energy engineering sector with their skills and knowledge.
Upon successful completion of the course, you'll be able to continue studying towards a BEng or MEng qualification.
Meet the team
The University cannot guarantee any particular members of staff will teach specific aspects of the course in the future, but will endeavour to ensure the teaching team maintains their balance of experience and qualifications.
Facilities
To aid study, students have access to our specialist facilities, including a 60m towing tank for wave generation and tidal turbine use; composite materials laboratory for construction of lightweight structures; and our materials testing laboratory.
Our vibrant campus brings state-of-the-art facilities to enhance your learning and elevate your student experience. Our award-winning teaching building, The Spark is centred around students and offers a stimulating study environment with flexible learning spaces. Away from studying, why not try out the gyms, fitness studios and sports halls in our £28 million Sports Complex, or watch a blockbuster film at our student-run cinema with Dolby Atmos audio.
What you'll study
Core modules
Applied Mathematics
On this module you will learn how to apply a range of mathematical techniques to realistic engineering problems. You will use basic algebra and solve simultaneous equations and equations of straight lines to answer engineering problems around linked variables in mechanics and electronics.
CAD and the Design Process
The aim of the module is to demonstrate the role of an engineer as an engineering designer. This module is designed to foster an understanding of the fundamentals of the engineering design process and its various stages. It equips you with theoretical and practical technical knowledge to design a product by going through the various stages of the design process.
Introduction to Electronics
This module is designed to introduce you to the electrical and electronic principles necessary to analyse circuit behaviour and design. It also provides the foundation for further study of more specialised electrical/electronic engineering techniques used later in your course.
Core modules
Manufacturing Principles
This module helps you to develop an awareness of the factors affecting the selection of materials and processes used in manufacturing a product. It does this by comparing the attributes of materials and the suitability of processes in the light of the external factors that need to be considered when developing the product design specification.
Mechanical Principles
This module will give you an understanding of the fundamental principles used by engineers to design vehicles, machines and buildings. You will learn to analyse forces on the performance of machines and structures and how to conduct tests and experiments to confirm the results on your analysis.
Professional Engineering Skills
This module will introduce you to the profession of engineering. This includes both theoretical and professional skills relating to the role of the professional engineer and also supports your transition into higher education.
Any questions?
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You will learn by:
You may be assessed by a combination of:
- Written exams
- Coursework
- Technical reports
Solent’s curriculum framework builds on our unique, creative and applied approach to teaching. The transformation of students’ lives is at the heart of our mission as a university, and our curriculum – informed by the latest theory – reflects this shared educational vision.
Find out more
Study support
The student achievement team are on hand to help you succeed during your studies at Solent. They aim to contact you at key times during your time here with personalised information, advice and guidance, by email or phone.
The disability advice team provides information, advice and guidance for disabled students.
All students can access Succeed@Solent, Solent's online guide to getting better grades. It offers extensive, practical information and advice on topics such as academic writing, research and presentations.
Why choose a career in renewable energy engineering?
The renewable energy sector is experiencing unprecedented growth as the world shifts towards a more sustainable future. With global efforts to combat climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels, the demand for skilled renewable energy engineers is at an all-time high. Pursuing a career in this industry offers the opportunity to make a positive impact on the environment while being at the forefront of technological advancements.
This HNC course would help train the next generation of engineers to fill current vital jobs. A focus on practical training and skills development makes graduates readily employable in technical roles. With engineering firms increasingly requiring some tertiary qualification, this course will equip students with the relevant capabilities.
The course is delivered in collaboration with the South Coast Institute of Technology. This partner organisation will work with well known employers including The Royal Navy, Portsmouth International Port and Maritime UK Solent to deliver industry-led courses which fill skills gaps and support the economic growth of the South Coast.
Solent Careers
The Solent Careers team is committed to getting students into great careers.
While you are studying, the team can help you with finding work experience or placements, link you with a mentor, check your CV, or offer one-to-one guidance.
We also have graduate job opportunities just for Solent graduates.
6th
UK uni for sustained employment
Longitudinal Educational Outcomes, 2022
Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence
Every student at Solent University will also have the option to study an additional Certificate in Practical Artificial Intelligence qualification alongside their course. Free of charge, the course ensures you'll be prepared for a fantastic and varied career after graduation.Â
Further study
Thinking about studying further than an HNC qualification? Take a look at the undergraduate courses you could progress on to.
Tuition fees
The tuition fees for the 2026/27 academic year are not yet available. For guidance, the 2025/26 fees were:
- UK, EU (settled status) and Channel Island part-time fees: £4,250 per year
- International part-time fees: Students from outside the EU are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.
For further information, please visit our tuition fees page.
Extra course costs
While most course costs are covered by your tuition fees, some essential resources and optional extras may need to be paid for separately. These additional costs are listed below. For advice on budgeting and managing your money, please contact student.funding@solent.ac.uk.
The 2026/27 additional costs are not yet available. For guidance, previous additional costs have been:Â
Compulsory costs
- PPE equipment for laboratories: approx £75
Bursaries, scholarships and financial support
Solent University offers a range of bursaries and scholarships that provide financial assistance or waive fees for tuition or accommodation. Each bursary or scholarship has specific eligibility criteria. Check out our bursaries and scholarships pages to find out more.
Cost of living support
At Solent, we understand that the cost of living crisis may be of some concern. To help, we've put together some detailed information to show what support is available and how to make your money go further.
Graduation costs
There is no charge to attend graduation, but you will be required to pay for the rental of your academic gown (approximately £45 per graduate, depending on your award). You may also wish to purchase official photography packages, which range in price from £15 to £200+. Graduation is not compulsory, so if you prefer to have your award sent to you, there is no cost. Extra guest tickets will go on sale after results publication and will be sold on a first-come-first-served basis. The cost per ticket is currently £20. Please note, we do not guarantee there will be any extra tickets available to purchase.
Any questions?
Contact international admissions
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Please select an option below:
Key entry requirements
64 UCAS tariff points
- From A-levels or equivalent
- from a National Diploma or Certificate in a related engineering subject or related A-level subjects and/or equivalent qualifications and experience.
- Grade 4 required in GCSE Maths (previously grade C).
- Alternative entry is available through the Science and Engineering Foundation Year.
- For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please refer to our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
Key entry requirements
Students from outside the EU are usually unable to obtain a visa for part-time study. Please visit our visas and immigration page for more information.
For further information about UK, EU and international qualifications, please see our course entry requirements document.
How to apply
Want to apply through Clearing? Contact us today
Full-time
Any student applying for the first year of a full-time/sandwich undergraduate course must apply through UCAS (University and Colleges Admissions Service). This includes mature, overseas and EU students.
Nearly all schools and colleges offer their students the facility of applying electronically through the UCAS website using 'Apply'; it may also be used by those applying independently in the UK and overseas. This facility and all course information can be found on the UCAS website: www.ucas.com.
Your application should reach UCAS by 31 January if you hope to enter a course the following autumn. Early application is advised for the most popular subject areas. Late applications may be made until the end of June. The UCAS Code for the University is S30, code name SOLNT.
Find out what happens after you apply
Contextual offers
Solent endeavours to offer learning opportunities to students from all backgrounds. When we receive and review an application, we take into consideration the context and personal circumstances of applicants when making a decision, which means our advertised entry tariff could be reduced.
Find out more about Solent's contextual offers
Alternative entry options
Top-up route
We welcome applications from students currently studying a Foundation Degree, DipHE, HNC, HND or modules of an undergraduate degree course at another university, who wish to enter directly into Years 2 or 3 of one of our undergraduate degree courses. Please contact our admissions team for more information: contact us
Part-time route
Applications for part-time and distance learning courses are made directly to the University and can be made at any time prior to the start of the course. If you have any questions about applying for this course, please contact the admissions office by emailing admissions@solent.ac.uk.
Language requirements
Applicants who do not have English as their first language will be required to demonstrate an approved level of proficiency in the use of the English language. The agreed minimum requirements for this course are:
- IELTS 5.5 overall with a minimum of 5.0 in each individual component
- or equivalent.
Qualifications are checked before enrolment, and international students must bring their original certificates or certified copies when coming to study at the University.
Pre-Sessional English programme
The University also offers a pre-sessional English programme for international students who wish to improve their level of English before starting a degree course.
UCAS points: 64
Any questions?
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- 2 years part-time
