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5. GG6580: Introduction to MetOcean for Offshore Wind

Course Fact File

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	Round One: 26 June 2026
Credits	5
Start Date	16 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

 

Stack this Microcredential into a Postgraduate Certificate

This microcredential is part of a suite of six 5-credit microcredentials which can be stacked towards a Postgraduate Certificate in MetOcean for Offshore Wind.

You can choose to take any of these microcredentials individually (fee subsidies available), or if you successfully complete all six microcredentials within three years of starting your first microcredential, you will be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate. 

To see full details on stacking these microcredentials, please visit this page: MetOcean for Offshore Wind.

Additional Teaching Mode Information

Lectures take place on Wednesdays from 9am-11am, starting Wednesday 16 September (Please note this is a provisional schedule subject to change).

Quantity	Duration	Type	Mode of Delivery
10	2 hours	Lectures	Online
1	1/2 day	Practicals/Laboratories	In Person

 

 

 

 

 

 

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 (min. Second Class Honours Grade II) in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (180 ECTS credits or equivalent) from a recognized third-level institution, in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline.  

 

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 2 years experience in the coastal and/or marine industry, 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

FUNDING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:  

To be eligible for Skillnet funding, applicants must:  

• Be based in the Republic of Ireland
• Be self-employed, or employed within a company that: 
  • Is a private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland
  • Is not a public sector body or a publicly funded organisation (e.g. community-based not-for-profits or charities)  

Please note:  

• Commercial semi-state companies are eligible, provided that the remaining programme fee is not funded from the public purse
• Sole traders are considered eligible as companies  

For any queries regarding funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie, including the module you wish to apply for. 

How To Apply

• All applications for this programme are via Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy. 
• Subsidised applicants pay €500 on application, those not eligible for the fee subsidy will pay €900 on application. 
• Once you have successfully applied for this programme through Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy, you will be provided with a link to register for the programme via UCC Apply. 

Apply Now