MSc Offshore Renewable Energy Engineering

1 Year On Campus Masters Program

University of Plymouth

Program Overview

This MSc equips students with the engineering, technical and interdisciplinary knowledge needed to join the expanding offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector—covering wind, wave and tidal technologies, as well as the broader systems that support them. It is well suited to graduates with an engineering, science or related STEM background who are keen to specialise in the offshore renewables industry rather than a more generic engineering-role.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1 (Full-time, 1 year duration; part-time option available)
In the first semesters, students study core modules such as “Introduction to Offshore Renewable Energy” where they explore wave, tidal and offshore wind technologies, resource assessment, environmental impact and electrical systems.
Modules like “Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems” and “Coastal and Offshore Engineering” give students hands-on and modelling experience in dynamics, structural behaviour, hydrodynamics, and are offered via the COAST Laboratory facilities.
In the final phase, students complete the “MSc Dissertation and Research Skills” (typically 60 credits) which enables them to carry out an independent research or industry-linked project in an area of offshore renewable energy engineering.

Focus areas

Offshore wind, tidal & wave energy systems · Hydrodynamics & structural engineering for marine settings · Electrical conversion & grid-integration for offshore energy · Legal, economic & policy frameworks for renewable energy · Advanced simulation & modelling for offshore engineering systems

Learning outcomes

Graduates will be able to analyse the design, installation, operation and decommissioning of offshore renewable power stations; integrate mechanical, structural, electrical and control aspects of marine energy systems; assess economic, legal and environmental dimensions of offshore energy projects; and carry out independent research or design work in offshore renewable energy engineering.

Professional alignment (accreditation)

The programme is accredited under the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for those already holding an accredited undergraduate degree.

Reputation (employability rankings)

The University of Plymouth is recognised for strong marine engineering research and teaching—its facilities such as the £19 million Marine Building and the COAST Laboratory are noted for being “state-of-the-art”.
The field of offshore renewables is growing fast: for example, the UK target for offshore renewables aims to generate thousands of jobs and hundreds of billions in investment, giving graduates from this programme strong employability in a booming sector.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students of the MSc Offshore Renewable Energy Engineering at University of Plymouth gain hands-on, industry-aligned experience that blends meteorology, marine engineering, electrical systems and structural design. From the outset, they apply their learning to authentic tasks: using the university’s COAST Laboratory and modelling software to simulate offshore energy systems, participating in field trips on marine platforms and gearing up for a career in offshore renewables. They work in multidisciplinary teams, tackling real-world challenges in wind, tidal and wave energy systems.

Here’s how the experiential learning is built into the programme:

Students use industry-standard simulation and modelling tools to analyse offshore power stations, examining aerodynamics, electrical systems, seabed geology and dynamic cables.
They gain physical modelling experience in the COAST Laboratory (Coastal, Ocean & Sediment Transport) where wave, current and wind effects on devices are tested.
Modules include group and individual work, for example in Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems students model and test converters in lab sessions using software and physical devices.
A major independent dissertation (60 credits) in the final semester allows students to define, research and execute an engineering challenge in offshore renewables under academic supervision.
Students engage in field-based learning and industry exposure, such as boat trips and visits to offshore device test sites via the COAST laboratory module Coastal and Offshore Engineering.
Access to specialised facilities: the programme is supported by the university’s £19 million Marine Building, the COAST laboratory, marine research vessels and high-performance computing facilities.
Multidisciplinary team-based engineering: the curriculum brings together mechanical, electrical, structural, control and offshore engineering disciplines to mimic real project teams in the field.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc Offshore Renewable Energy Engineering at University of Plymouth are equipped to design, analyse and manage large-scale offshore energy systems—including wind, wave and tidal power—opening up careers as Offshore Wind Engineer, Marine Renewable Systems Manager, Tidal Energy Consultant and Coastal-Offshore Project Engineer.

Progression & Future Opportunities:

University services: Students are supported by the University’s Careers & Employability team, which offers one-to-one career guidance, internship/placement support, CV and interview workshops, and access to alumni networks.
Employment stats: The offshore renewable energy (ORE) sector is rapidly expanding, with UK government targets such as 40 GW of offshore renewables by 2030.
University–industry partnerships: The programme makes use of the University’s specialist facilities such as the COAST (Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport) Laboratory and has strong links to research centres like Peninsula Research Institute for Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE) and the EPSRC-funded Supergen ORE Hub.
Long-term accreditation value: The programme is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (on behalf of the Engineering Council) as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for Chartered Engineer (CEng) status for candidates holding an appropriate undergraduate engineering degree.
Graduation outcomes: The curriculum includes core modules such as Introduction to Offshore Renewable Energy, Economics, Law and Policy for Offshore Renewable Energy, Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems, and a substantial independent dissertation project.

Further Academic Progression:
Graduates may proceed to research degrees such as an MPhil or PhD in Offshore Renewable Energy, Marine Engineering or Coastal Systems. They may also pursue professional development towards chartered engineering status (CEng) or specialised certifications in offshore project development, marine autonomy, or renewable energy systems integration.