[The_Gina]

I am interested in going into the renewable energy sector, and specifically in improving the existing technologies in solar, wind energy etc, by researching and developing new materials to improve conversion into electrical energy.
This being said, what univeristy course would be appropriate?
I have been looking along the lines of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, but this is not offered by a lot of universities, or possibly general engineering so I gain knowledge in a wide range of sectors so I can later specialise in whichever is most appropriate. A straight materials science course seems more about testing materials instead of developing and useing them for energy production, so am I right in thinking an engineering course would be more appropriate in actually developing and using new materials?

Thanks for reading.

[Smack]

Mechanical engineering is probably your best bet.

[The_Gina]

(Original post by Smack)
Mechanical engineering is probably your best bet.

Would I need a PHD tho to have the required knowledge/expertise to set up my own energy business?

[Smack]

(Original post by The_Gina)
Would I need a PHD tho to have the required knowledge/expertise to set up my own energy business?

I don't know, but I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Just get your engineering degree first and then consider your options.

[The_Gina]

(Original post by Smack)
I don't know, but I think you're getting ahead of yourself. Just get your engineering degree first and then consider your options.

Okay, what universities would you recommend for mechanical engineering?

[Smack]

(Original post by The_Gina)
Okay, what universities would you recommend for mechanical engineering?

Anywhere that's accredited, as long as you like the city it's in and the university campus, accommodation etc.

[Gnakhel]

Materials science and engineering would also be a good choice if you're interested in developing new materials (nanotechnology, super-conductors, etc) for the renewable energy sector (great emphasis on fuel cells and solar panels for example) Even though it doesn't go into core engineering topics such as Fluid Mech, Thermo etc in depth as mechanical engineering, it's still an engineering (it's between engineering and science more precisely) course and therefore it still covers the basics of any engineering course.
I'd suggest you to look through both courses in detail and see which one suits you best.