Physics with Renewable Energy

From nuclear physics to sustainable energy applications, our accredited Physics with Renewable Energy programme combines a solid grounding in core physics concepts with exciting exploration of cutting-edge topics in renewable energy. With core professional, practical and employability skills embedded throughout the curriculum and opportunities to solve real-world problems - using Keele’s own on-campus renewables and smart energy network - you will graduate with a toolkit of skills to enter a growing job market with diverse career options in industries such as solar, wind, hydroelectric, and bioenergy.

Why choose this course?

• Physics ranked Top 10 in England (NSS 2025, broad-based universities)*

• Accredited by the Institute of Physics (IoP)

• Opportunities for advanced research work using Keele’s own on-campus renewables and smart energy network

• Core practical, academic and employability modules will develop your skills to succeed as a professional physicist

• Apply your learning to address physical problems and real-world challenges

In your first year you will gain a solid grounding in the fundamentals of physics, including gravitation, relativity and matter, electricity, magnetism and waves. You will also begin to develop the skills and practical experience that underpin this programme, including computer programming with python, laboratory work, mathematical skills required to understand and analyse physical phenomena, and the arts of problem-solving and scientific writing. An introductory module in climate change and renewable energy will explore how we calculate our "carbon footprints" and generate, store and distribute energy from renewable sources that do not contribute to climate change.

Year two continues to build on your understanding in the principle of physics with exploration of optics, quantum mechanics and nuclear physics. You will further your laboratory, mathematics, computing and career skills by working on individual experiments and team investigations, building your CV, and gaining important, new applied mathematical skills. A core module in renewable energy investigates the physics behind wind, water, solar and geothermal power sources and the electricity distribution network, discovering the key factors influencing their design and effectiveness.

In your final year, you will undertake a substantial piece of meaningful research on a topic which aligns with your interests and career goals. The research project provides the opportunity for you to pursue a self-directed, independent investigation of an experimental, computational or theoretical nature. With the guidance of a supervisor, you will plan, execute and report your results, including a presentation aimed at potential employers. You will also deepen your knowledge by studying advanced modules in electromagnetism, solid state physics, and the materials needs for green technology, while enhancing your teamwork and project management skills by working on a group report that tackles a real-world issue, aimed at policy-makers

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university. We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Course Modules

For a list of indicative modules please visit the course page on the Keele University website.