In an era of unprecedented pressure on resources, energy engineering is crucial to address some of the world's greatest challenges, namely how to reduce human impact on the climate and how to prepare for the global peaking of oil production with innovative, sustainable engineering solutions. Through a combination of solid engineering fundamentals covered in the first two years of the course (eg thermodynamics, fluids, and electrical systems) and advanced energy engineering topics covered in the final two years (including power electronics, control systems, wind and ocean energy, and 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.

The long-term demand for energy engineers beyond 2020 in Ireland is reflected in the Government White Paper and National Development Plan and mirrored in an increase in career opportunities globally, where the International Energy Agency estimated a cumulative investment of $20 trillion was required in the period 2005 to 2030. Employers have responded positively to the Energy Engineering course, with many graduates progressing directly to the profession, taking up positions with companies that have a particular interest in renewable energy engineering, e.g. Airtricity, Eirgrid, Bord Gais, ESB, ESBI. Graduates may work as electrical power engineers and opportunities are also available in the significant growth area of efficient energy management. Career opportunities for engineers are many and varied, and some graduates use the valuable acquired skills to embark on careers outside of engineering, in areas including software design and development, management consulting, accountancy and industrial management. Postgraduate degrees, including MEngSc and PhD, can be pursued by research in any one of a number of active research groups, where there is a strong emphasis on sustainable energy technology and policy. Areas of particular strength include wind, marine and biomass energy, power electronics, renewable power systems, efficient utilisation of energy in buildings and industry, sustainable energy policy. Nearly all research positions are externally funded. UCC offers a one-year taught Masters in Sustainable Energy, with an eight-month Diploma option. A one-year taugh Master's in Marine Renewable Energy (wind, wave and tidal energy) is also offered.