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4. Postgraduate Certificates
5. MetOcean for Offshore Wind

Course Fact File

Code	PCMOW
Duration	1 Year Part-time
Teaching Mode	Part-Time
Qualifications	PG Cert
NFQ Level	Level 9
EU Fees	€5,400 See Fees and Costs for full details.
Non-EU Fees	€10,400
Closing Date	Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.
Start Date	7 September 2026

Course Outline

The Postgraduate Certificate in MetOcean for Offshore Wind is a strategically designed programme aimed at addressing Ireland’s critical skills shortage in the rapidly expanding offshore wind energy sector. This specialised curriculum provides a rigorous academic and practical foundation for professionals seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of offshore wind infrastructure. It combines scientific, technical, and regulatory knowledge with industry-aligned competencies to prepare graduates for immediate impact in the field.

Core Curriculum Components

Foundations of Offshore Wind Development in Ireland
Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the principles underpinning offshore wind energy development, with a focus on the Irish context. This includes exploration of site selection criteria, environmental and logistical challenges, project timelines, and the evolving legislative and policy landscape that governs offshore renewable energy.

Advanced MetOcean Characterisation Techniques
The programme delivers theoretical and applied training in meteorological and oceanographic (MetOcean) data acquisition, analysis, and interpretation. Emphasis is placed on understanding wind, wave, and current dynamics, and their implications for offshore wind farm design, operation, and maintenance.

Marine and Coastal Governance Frameworks
Students are introduced to the complex regulatory and governance structures that influence offshore wind development in Ireland. This includes marine spatial planning, environmental impact assessment procedures, licensing processes, and stakeholder engagement strategies.

Project Management for Offshore Wind
The curriculum integrates project management principles tailored to the offshore wind sector. Topics include risk assessment, budgeting, scheduling, stakeholder coordination, and the application of project lifecycle methodologies specific to large-scale marine infrastructure projects.

Marine Geospatial Data and Mapping Skills
Learners develop proficiency in handling marine geospatial datasets using industry-standard tools and software. Skills include spatial analysis, map creation, and data visualisation techniques essential for site assessment, reporting, and regulatory submissions.

Industry Collaboration and Relevance

This programme has been developed in close collaboration with leading industry stakeholders, including Wind Energy Ireland and Greentech Skillsnet, ensuring that the curriculum is aligned with current and emerging needs in the offshore wind sector. The course content reflects real-world challenges and integrates case studies, guest lectures, and applied projects to bridge the gap between academic learning and professional practice.

Modules

Students take 30 credits as follows:

GG6548	Introduction to Geographical Information Systems for Wind	5
GG6539	Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance	5
GG6580	Introduction to MetOcean for Offshore Wind	5
GG6581	MetOcean programming and data analysis	5
GG6582	Project Management for Offshore projects	5
NE6010	Offshore Wind Energy	5
Total Credits		30

 

This programme was co-designed in collaboration with the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy (SOWA). It is delivered through two pathways: (i) a flexible Microcredential route taken over 1–3 years, and; (ii) this 1 year part-time programme.

This page describes the 1 year programme. If you are looking for the Microcredential pathway, including information on Skillnet funding, please view the Microcredential webpage. 

Course Practicalities

The programme presents a part-time course of study, with each module typically delivered over 2-4 hours on one day per week (Monday to Friday) for a 12 week semester, and three modules in each 12 week semester (September-November and January to March). Learning is through an integrated combination of methods including lectures, seminars and workshops; laboratory work; computer-based exercises; private study; and field work. Each module is offered in a blended format with remote and in-person learning opportunities, although they can be accessed entirely remotely in consultation with the Programme Director. Where appropriate classes will be recorded for subsequent playback.

Assessment will be through a combination of coursework (including laboratory, computer and field-based work), and written exams. The proportion of marks assigned to each of these components will vary between modules.

Teaching Staff

Teaching on the course will be overseen by academic staff from the Departments of Geography and Civil Engineering, and industry professionals. Additional visiting academics and practicing marine scientists and engineers, from the private and public sectors, will be invited to give one-off seminars according to their availability.

Department of Geography

Dr. Shauna Creane

Dr. Kieran Hickey

Dr. Paul Holloway

Department of Civil Engineering

Dr. Paul Leahy

Industry

Mr. Tom Murphy

 

Why Choose This Course

• Specialised curriculum provides a rigorous academic and practical foundation for professionals seeking to contribute to the sustainable development of offshore wind infrastructure.
• It combines scientific, technical, and regulatory knowledge with industry-aligned competencies to prepare graduates for immediate impact in the field.
• Balanced curriculum covering governance, project management, marine science and engineering, and technical skills such as GIS, metocean data analysis, and metocean surveying. 
• Designed to address the growing global demand for professionals who can manage marine resources sustainably and support the blue economy. 
• Research-led teaching and access to world-class facilities at UCC. 
• Frequent interaction with industry professionals and guest speakers, providing valuable networking opportunities and insights into career pathways. 

Skills and Careers Information

Graduates of this programme will be equipped with the interdisciplinary expertise required to support Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions and contribute meaningfully to the global transition to renewable energy.

By the end of this programme, students should be able to:

1. Critically analyse the meteorological and oceanographic characteristics of offshore wind sites
2. Apply Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and geospatial analysis techniques to effectively process, visualise, and analyse data relevant to offshore wind project development
3. Evaluate the legislative, governance, and policy frameworks governing national and international offshore areas including coastal zone management
4. Develop comprehensive project management methods for offshore projects, that span technical, environmental, and economic considerations to effectively plan, execute, and monitor complex renewable energy intervention
5. Demonstrate proficiency in MetOcean data acquisition, processing, and analysis techniques, utilizing contemporary programming tools and methodologies to characterise and assess potential offshore wind development sites
6. Understand and analyse the current state of play of offshore wind development in Ireland

Requirements

Applicants must have a Second-Class Honours Grade 2 in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) in a cognate area, e.g. Environmental Sciences, Computer Science, Marine Science, Physics, Engineering, Geology or Geography.  

Applicants who do not meet the above entry requirement may be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning RPL and assessed on the following factors:

1. Academic achievement,
2. Relevant Prior Work Experience,
3. Letter of Reference, and
4. Personal Statement.

Fees and Costs

The EU fee for this course is €5,400.

The Non-EU fee for this course is €10,400.

Skillnet Funding

This programme was co-designed with the Skillnet Offshore Wind Academy (SOWA).
Skillnet/SOWA funding is available only for the Microcredential version of the programme (the flexible pathway where learners complete six Microcredentials over 1–3 years).
For full details on funding eligibility and how to register for the Microcredential route, please view the Microcredential webpage.

The 1 year programme on this page is open to self funded applicants.

How To Apply

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