| Code | GG6580 |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 weeks |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Fees | Skillnet Course Fee: €500 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 28 August 2026 |
| Next Intake | September 2026 |
| Credits | 5 |
| Start Date | September 2026 |
Course Outline
Students will learn about offshore wind in Ireland, including the data needs essential for project development and the role of metocean data and services. They will study wind characteristics such as vertical wind profiles and turbulence intensity, wave conditions including significant wave height, wave period and direction, and the differences between swell and wind waves, as well as currents, tides, water levels, ocean temperature, and salinity. Students will also examine extreme events like storms, hurricanes, and cold conditions. Data sources and tools - from buoys, ADCPs, and weather stations to satellites, numerical models, and historical datasets - will be explored, along with their application to site suitability, risk analysis, metocean surveying, and integration with engineering and environmental data.
Learning Outcomes:
On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:
- Understand the fundamental concepts that relate to the meteorology and oceanography within the context of offshore wind
- Explain the physical processes that govern atmospheric and oceanic dynamics relevant to offshore environments, including wind generation, wave formation, and tidal cycles
- Identify and describe key metocean parameters and their significance in the planning and design of offshore wind infrastructure
- Evaluate the role of metocean data in assessing environmental conditions, site suitability, and long-term operational considerations for offshore wind farms
- Critically assess the limitations and uncertainties associated with metocean observations, datasets, and theoretical models used in offshore wind studies
Additional Teaching Mode Information
Lectures take place on Wednesdays from 9am-11am, starting Wednesday 16 September.
| Quantity | Duration | Type | Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 2 hours | Lectures | Online |
| 1 | 1/2 day | Practicals/Laboratories | In Person |
Please note this is a provisional schedule subject to change
Assessment:
|
Type: |
Continuous Assessment Details: |
Marks: |
|
Assignment |
1 x 2000-word case study |
50 |
|
Quiz(zes) |
1 x multiple choice questions |
25 |
|
Assignment |
1 x 1000-word practical-based report |
25 |
Course Practicalities
Academic Contact Details for this Course
Staff, Department of Geography
Requirements
Programme Entry Requirements
Applicants must:
- Hold a primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, as detailed in 1 above
- AND at least 2 years' experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied).
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Applicants from other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To be considered, applicants should have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.
If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select 'Yes' to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
- As part of the application, you will be required to submit:
- A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
- Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the RPL Learner Guide for details on appropriate evidence.
Fees and Costs
Programme Fee:
The full programme fee is €900. If you are not eligible for the below funding the course fee is €900.
Skillnet Funding
Skillnet is dedicated to fostering skills and expertise in the field of green technology, is partnering with UCC on the Introduction to MetOcean for Offshore Wind micro-credential to fund part of the course fee for eligible participants.
Skillnet subsidise the programme fee by €400. Skillnet funded applicants pay: €500
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
- Applicants must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
- Applicants must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
Companies
Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:
- Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
- Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
- Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
- Sole traders are eligible as Companies.
If you have further queries on funding please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.
How To Apply
We are now collecting expressions of interest for this programme:
Introduction to MetOcean for Offshore Wind – Fill out form
Please complete the form above and we will contact you when this programme begins accepting applications for the next intake.
Year 1 Modules
Year 2 Modules
Year 3 Modules
Year 4 Modules
For queries regarding course content or timetables please contact
Adult Continuing Education
Aosoideachas Leanúnach
Contact us
The Laurels, University College Cork, Western Road, Cork, T12 EH31