Strathclyde University has become the first in the UK to offer a degree that studies the offshore energy transition.
With an increasing demand for offshore energy transition solutions worldwide, there is an urgent need to train a sufficient number of experts with the required skillsets to take up the relevant technical and managerial positions in the industry.
Strathclyde’s MSc course, in collaboration with the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB), has been designed to respond to this need.
Moreover, it will facilitate career changes for those who have previously worked in relevant industrial sectors and are keen to participate in the emerging renewable energy industry.
Training experts for the next generation of renewable energy
The course has been developed in collaboration with the ECITB, an employer-led skills body for industries and one of the leading voices around the path to net zero.
It aims to develop the workforce and skills requirements to support the offshore energy transition.
The programme is built upon the successful Strathclyde-ECITB Energy Transition Leadership CPD programme (ETLP), which was attended by over 100 short course delegates based in industry.
Andrew Hockey, ECITB Chief Executive, said: “The launch of the Offshore Energy Transition MSc will support the engineering construction industry in rising to the challenge of delivering net zero and equip individuals with the necessary training to become the future leaders in the offshore energy transition.
“The University of Strathclyde has successfully delivered the Energy Transition Leadership Programme (ETLP) for several years now and the MSc is the natural progression from this modular programme.
“We have worked closely with the University and employers to ensure course content reflects the needs of industry and are pleased the ETLP modules count towards this postgraduate programme.”
The course is suitable for those who are working full-time in the industry and are seeking further training for new job opportunities and an enhanced career trajectory in the offshore renewable energy sector.
How will the offshore energy transition course be delivered?
Aimed at engineers and managers, the course introduces innovative technologies, organisational strategies, and business models that will underpin net zero.
It involves four core modules, an individual thesis project, and a case-oriented individual dissertation project to create an energy transition roadmap for sponsoring/nominated companies.
Each module will be delivered in five consecutive weeks using an online delivery method which has been successfully examined and tailored for full-time employees based in the industry.
“This programme is pioneering not only in terms of its content but also in providing a flexible mode of delivery and learning that allows those already in employment to pursue a masters-level degree in the offshore energy transition,” commented Professor Feargal Brennan, Head of Department of Naval Architecture, Ocean & Marine Engineering at the University of Strathclyde.
He added: “We need to attract the best students from all backgrounds in order to build a diverse and resilient sector to combat climate change and to maximise the opportunities that the new energy landscape will provide; this programme allows the flexibility to fit around personal and employment commitments.”
Teaching of the course begins in September 2023 and applications close on 31 August 2023.
