Renewable Energy Flexible Training Programme

Renewable Energy Flexible Training Programme (REFLEX) is a multi-disciplinary cross-Faculty course for engineers interested in renewable energy and its contribution to sustainability. The unique flexible learning approach blends distance learning with intensive face-to-face weeks on campus.

This is a challenging course, covering the full range of renewable energy technologies as well as essential contextual studies, including an introduction to the impact of governmental policies and politics.

Newcastle University has sustainability as one of our three key societal themes. Modules and projects are led by staff from across our Faculty of Science Agriculture and Engineering and build on our many strong research teams, including our leading Institute for Sustainability.

Delivery:

MSc degree students study 120 credits of compulsory taught modules plus a 60 credit renewable energy project.

PG Diploma (PGDip) students study either 120 credits of taught modules or select 90 credits of taught modules plus a 30 credit renewable energy project.

PG Certificate (PGCert) students select 60 credits of taught modules.

You can choose to study one module at a time, which is called continuous professional development (CPD). One module typically takes 9 weeks to complete and includes one week on campus.

Within the flexible learning framework, assessment for each module is normally based on a combination of:
•a pre-intensive assignment based on the initial distance study (eg a report, presentation or preliminary evaluation)
•an examination at the end of the intensive week (written, oral or submitted)
•a post-intensive assignment (eg report, project plan, etc).

There is a strong emphasis on the development of research and autonomous study skills, to prepare you for a future career in a rapidly evolving environment.

Work experience:

This course has an Advisory Steering Group chaired by one of the industrial members to provide external input on the relevance of the course and support many work-based projects for students.

The flexible learning structure of this course makes it easy for students to incorporate industry experience with their studies.

Accreditation:

This course has been accredited by the Institute of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology (IMarEST), Energy Institute (EI) and Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).

An accredited degree will provide you with some or all of the underpinning knowledge, understanding and skills for eventual registration as a Chartered Engineer (CEng). Some employers recruit preferentially from accredited degrees, and an accredited degree is likely to be recognised by other countries that are signatories to international accords.

Facilities:

Our renewable energy courses draw on staff and facilities from across the whole Faculty including:
•a demonstrator digester plant at our Cockle Park Farm
•a wind-wave-current testing tunnel
•a number of specialist research centres
•well-equipped teaching laboratories.

Newcastle attracts students from over 120 countries worldwide and there is plenty of help and advice on hand to assist them in adapting to life in the UK. The university has a system where every student has a personal tutor to assist them in both academic and non-academic matters and there is also a Student Wellbeing Service for confidence advice and help. There is a Visa and Immigration Team on hand to deal with legal matters relating to these areas and a Student Advice Centre within the Student’s Union for information on matters such as housing and finances. Finally, towards the end of studying, there is a Careers Service to help students find work or further their education as required. The heart of student life outside the classroom in the university is the Newcastle University Students Union. Unlike many students unions, NUSU owns the building that it operates from, following an anonymous gift in 1924 that allowed them to build a neo-Jacobean style building. It is run by six sabbatical officers and employs some 300 people in roles such as bar staff and entertainment organisers. In the media, there is a student run newspaper, established in 1948, called The Courier as well as radio station. The university is one of the leading in the UK for its sports programs and there are more than 50 sports clubs to become involved with.