Marine Renewable Energy MSc/Diploma

Duration

MSc programmes last for one year (September to August inclusive) and include a substantial research project.  Part time options are available. The Diploma covers the same classes as the MSc but lasts for just 9 months (September to May inclusive). Students admitted to the Diploma programme and who perform well in the taught courses may be invited to transfer to the appropriate MSc programme.

Overview

Marine renewable energy encompasses offshore wind, wave and tidal energy.  Internationally marine energy is set to play an important part in addressing future energy security problems and global warming.   Globally many countries have plans to develop their marine energy resources.  Offshore wind is now fully commercialised and wave and tidal energy is the next frontier for the sector. The marine renewable industry needs a wide range of professionals working in fields as diverse as engineering, finance, planning and environmental monitoring.

The MSc Marine Renewable Energy is taught at Heriot-Watt’s Orkney Campus.  Heriot-Watt has over 20 years experience of marine energy research and postgraduate teaching in Orkney.  Orkney is now a global centre for marine energy research and development.  A unique geographic concentration of tidal and wave energy expertise and activity provide students with unparalleled access to key players in the fast growing marine energy sector.

The programme is relevant to people from a wide variety of backgrounds wishing to apply their knowledge and experience in the marine energy sector.  Former graduates from Orkney now hold key positions in developer companies, utilities, environmental consultancies and regulators.

 

Programme content

• Energy in the 21st Century – overview of energy policy and energy resources.
• Oceanography and Marine Biology – fundamentals of marine ecology and resource assessment.
• Marine Energy Technology – understanding marine energy devices; core hydrodynamics.
• Economics of Renewable Energy – economic policy, understanding energy markets
• Renewable Technology II – integration of devices into grid; storage and conversion
• Development Appraisal – investment appraisal; financing projects; asset valuation; planning.
• Environmental Policy and Risk – law of the sea, regulatory framework; EIA; risk assessment
• Development Project – integrated team project

A number of field trips and visits from experts active in the sector take place throughout the year.

MSc Dissertation

The programme is completed with a research dissertation which is equivalent to 4 taught courses. This gives the opportunity to focus on a specific area of interest with opportunities to collaborate with businesses and other marine energy stakeholders.  Recent dissertations have encompassed a variety of topics including: risk assessment; environmental impacts; moorings design; device instrumentation; energy storage; economic efficiency; logistics; marine planning.

Entry Requirements

For MSc level entry, students must hold a good honours degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. life sciences, engineering, environmental studies, business studies, surveying) from a UK or Overseas University. In addition to the academic qualifications, motivation, industrial experience and personality are taken into consideration.