UCC Postgraduate courses
Offshore Renewable Energy (HCI Pillar 1)
| Code | PCORE |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12 Months |
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time |
| Qualifications | PG Cert |
| NFQ Level | Level 9 |
| EU Fees | Free or 90% funded. See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Credits | 30 |
| Start Date | September 2024; applications will open soon. |
Course Outline
The School of Engineering and Architecture at UCC has designed this new certificate programme in order to address the skill needs of the future workforce in the renewable energy sector.
The Postgraduate Certificate in Offshore Renewable Energy is targeted to those of you working as practicing professionals, be it in a public body or a private company, who wish to acquire fundamental knowledge in the offshore renewable energy sector with a view to seeking employment in this burgeoning sector in the near future.
A common theme from the offshore renewable energy sector is the difficulty in recruiting skilled professionals who are ready to work in renewable energy development. So, in collaboration with industry, we have designed this 30-credit programme around the needs of offshore renewable energy companies for new employees from other sectors.
The Certificate in Offshore Renewable Energy is delivered on a part-time basis over three semesters and includes a placement (or if suitable a project) in Semester 3.
- NE6201 Wind Energy (5 credits)
- NE6202 Energy Innovation (5 credits)
- NE6203 Ocean Energy (5 credits)
- NE6211 Offshore Wind Energy (5 credits)
- NE6212 Clean Energy Futures (5 credits)
- NE6221 Work Based Integrated Learning (5 credits)
Course Practicalities
This is a part-time program designed for those of you that are working full-time and thus have limited possibilities for attendance to campus and not enough time in the week to take 30 credits in a semester.
The PG Certificate is focused on ocean energy in its various forms, but graduates of the Certificate are eligible to transfer to the Diploma in the following year, being then exempted from 30 credits. (Note for students who progress to the Diploma – there is no assurance that HCI will continue to support the progression, so the tuition fees for part-time studies would then apply.)
Why Choose This Course
The School of Engineering and Architecture at UCC has close connections, contact, and collaboration with new companies emerging in the areas related to offshore renewable energy. We understand the needs and training requirements of these companies, for new employees previously working in other sectors. In the past year, we have engaged with the industry representative body Wind Energy Ireland, and with key players in the industry such as Statkraft, Gavin & Doherty Geosolutions, Ørsted and the ESB.
A common theme from all companies is the difficulty in recruiting skilled professionals who are ready to work in renewable energy development; by taking this Certificate in Offshore Renewable Energy you will be ideally placed to meet the demands of this sector.
These courses in Cork would be incredibly valuable. ~ Ørsted UK & Ireland.
Placement or Study Abroad Information
We offer a dedicated work placement module with mentoring from industry employees and oversight from University staff.
The placement (or if suitable, a project) in a firm or industrial project will provide you with practical experience and a connection to the sector. In addition, it gives you the opportunity to interact successfully with a multidisciplinary research or development team in industry or academia.
Additionally, the programme features guest lecturers from industry representatives delivering specialist subject expertise. Mentorship is from industry experts in the host organisation with academic support from UCC staff. The objective is to provide all our students with the opportunity to apply their theoretical knowledge to a renewable energy project requiring engineering skills.
Requirements
Applicants must have:
- a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in any discipline of Engineering OR
- a Second Class Honours Grade 2 (or equivalent) in a primary honours degree (NFQ Level 8) in areas of science that required having completed level 8 mathematical subjects deemed equivalent to those of engineering (e.g. Physics, Mathematical Sciences, some Computing Science degrees), pending assessment by Programme Director OR
- a pass in any accredited level 8 Engineering degree followed by professional experience deemed of sufficient added value, pending assessment by the Programme Director.
A quota will be allocated to applicants who do not meet these entry requirements. These applicants will be considered under Recognition of Prior Learning and assessed on the following factors:
- Academic achievement
- Prior Work Experience
- Letter of Reference
- Personal Statement
All applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of English language proficiency. See our English language proficiency requirements.
Fees and Costs
Places will be subsidised under the Human Capital Initiative (HCI) Pillar 1 as follows:
- Standard EU Fee: €5,000
- 90% Subsidised Fee: €500
- 100% Subsidised Fee: No course fee is payable by the applicant.
See What will it cost? on the HCI webpage for more information.
How To Apply
Applications must be made on Springboard+.
- If you already have a Springboard+ account, please apply here
- If you are new to Springboard+, please create an account here to apply
- When you log into your existing account or register for a new account, go to the search courses tab and search for the course you are interested in applying for. Further instructions can be found in the 'How to Apply' section of the Springboard+ webpage.
Applicants are advised to apply early as high demand is anticipated and places are limited. Applications cannot be assessed until all supporting documentation has been received.
Documentation that you will need for your application:
1. Applicants who meet the Academic Entry Requirements will need:
- Copies of transcripts from all previous relevant educational qualifications. A parchment may also be required in some instances
- A Personal/Motivation Statement: In 500 words or less, please state why you wish to study this programme
- An up-to-date CV
Where English is not your first language you are required to submit a copy of a UCC approved English Language Test/Exam.
2. Applicants who apply under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), will need:
- Copies of transcripts from all previous relevant educational qualifications. A parchment may also be required in some instances
- Personal / Motivation Statement - In 500 words or less, please state:
- Why you wish to study this programme
- How your experience, professional and educational, equips you for admission to the course despite not meeting the academic entry requirements
- An up-to-date CV
- References where applicable
Where English is not your first language you are required to submit a copy of a UCC approved English Language Test/Exam.
3. Eligibility for HCI Pillar 1 Funding:
In addition to the above, academic, English language and RPL requirements, all applicants must provide proof of the following in order to qualify for HCI Pillar 1 funding:
- Evidence of living full time in the Republic of Ireland
- Evidence of holding a valid Personal Public Service Number (PPSN)
- Evidence of having lived in the EU/EEA/UK/Switzerland for 3 out of the past 5 years
- Evidence of meeting the nationality/visa requirement
- Evidence of meeting one of the following employment statuses:
- Employed
- Unemployed and in receipt of an eligible Department of Social Protection (DSP) payment for 9 out of the past 12 months
- Recent graduate (2023 or 2024)
- Returner
- Self-employed
- Formerly self-employed
The above funding eligibility documentation will be required after acceptance of a provisional offer, and not earlier than 6 weeks prior to course commencement. For more detailed information on what constitutes acceptable evidence please visit the Springboard+ website.