The University of Plymouth offers two MSc programmes focused on offshore renewable energy.
Key features
- Be at the forefront of the emerging field of offshore renewable energy at a time when such expertise is increasingly sought after.
- Benefit from University and government aspirations to develop the South West as a centre for offshore renewable energy (ORE) and as embodied by Partnership for Research in Marine Renewable Energy (PRIMaRE), and the University’s leading role in Supergen ORE.
- Develop a whole systems vision through this cross-disciplinary MSc programme comprising expertise from engineering, marine science, economics, law and policy.
- Gain access to existing ORE relevant University facilities, e.g. the
Coastal, Ocean and Sediment Transport (COAST) laboratory , theMarine Station and theHigh Performance Computing (HPC) cluster. - Capitalise on ongoing and proposed University of Plymouth research as funded by RCUK, Interreg, Horizon 2020 and other funding streams.
- Benefit from our research team’s expertise – our staff achieved ratings of ‘world leading’ and ‘internationally excellent’ in the recent Research Excellence Framework 2021.
- Live and study in
‘Britain’s Ocean City’ , with easy access to businesses and the marine environment, this is an ideal location to study offshore renewables. - This degree is accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) comprising of the Institution of Civil Engineers, Institution of Structural Engineers, Institute of Highway Engineers, the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation and the Permanent Way Institution on behalf of the Engineering Council as meeting the requirements for Further Learning for a Chartered Engineer (CEng) for candidates who have already acquired a partial CEng accredited undergraduate first degree.* See jbm.org.uk for further information.
Course details
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Year 1
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Core modules
MAR513Z
Research Skills and MethodsThis module aims to equip students with the practical skills and contextual framework for conducting high quality research. Emphasis is placed on workshop opportunities to acquire and practice research planning, analysis, communication, writing and oral presentation skills.
MAR534
Introduction to Offshore Renewable EnergyThis module provides an introduction to the engineering, technological, environmental, socioeconomic and legal issues relevant to the development and exploitation of offshore renewable energy. The relative influence of the various factors in determining the success of specific sites is assessed and the current barriers to future development identified.
MAR535
Economics, Law and Policy for Offshore Renewable EnergyThis module provides an overview of key economic concepts and issues relevant to the development and exploitation of offshore renewable energy (ORE). The module also provides an overview of the relevant legal regimes relevant to ORE, including property rights, climate change and energy, marine environmental protection and maritime safety and security.
PROJ517
MSc DissertationYou will demonstrate practical skills and knowledge of research methods to plan and implement high quality research. You will carry out a substantial research investigation on a topic of your choice and report upon the aims, methodology, data analysis, interpretation, synthesis, and conclusions through a high quality, scholarly and professional write-up of the project, either as a formal dissertation or journal paper.
Optional modules
MAR518
Remote Sensing and GISThis module introduces the principles of geographical information systems and remote sensing of marine, polar and coastal environments. Field data will be acquired using GPS and radiometric instrumentation. Emphasis is placed on the critical evaluation of remote sensing data and analysis tools in varied scenarios and on developing practical computing skills.
MAR530
Managing Marine EcosystemsThe module will provide students with an understanding of marine ecosystems and their vulnerability to anthropogenic threats. Anticipatory and responsive management measures will be discussed, including relevant marine conservation agreements, legislation and policy.
MAR537Z
Applied Marine AutonomyThis module introduces students to marine autonomous platforms for marine environmental data collection. It focuses on the appropriate use of platforms, covering theory of operation and developing practical skills in autonomous marine data collection through workshops and fieldwork. The module also allows direct interaction with scientific researchers and industry practitioners through seminars.
GEES539
Economics of the Marine EnvironmentThis module will provide students with a clear overview of the problems associated with economic activity in marine environment and the potential solutions to these problems
MAR541
Mechanics of Offshore Renewable Energy Systems 20 creditsIn this module students will learn how offshore renewable energy converters operate and the engineering challenges they must overcome. The mechanics behind wave energy, tidal energy and offshore wind energy converters will be studied. Students will also gain experience in modelling the behaviour of these devices, using both industry or other standard software and physical modelling in the COAST laboratory.
100% Coursework
Every postgraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the programme aims, the programme structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.
The following programme specification represents the latest programme structure and may be subject to change:
Entry requirements
Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 | 2025-2026 | |
---|---|---|
Home | £10,700 | £11,350 |
International | £19,800 | £20,400 |
Part time (Home) | £590 | £630 |
Find out more about your eligibility for a postgraduate loan
Scholarships for international students
Tuition fee discount for University of Plymouth graduates
- 10% or 20% discount on tuition fees for home students
- For 2024/2025 entry, a 20% discount on tuition fees for international students (International alumni who have applied to the University through an agent are not eligible to receive the discount)
How to apply
When to apply
Before you apply
- evidence of qualifications (degree certificates or transcripts), with translations if not in English, to show that you meet, or expect to meet the entry requirements
- evidence of English language proficiency, if English is not your first language
- a personal statement of approximately 250-400 words about the reasons for your interest in the course and outlining the nature of previous and current related experience. You can write this into the online application form, or include it as a separate document
- your curriculum vitae or résumé, including details of relevant professional/voluntary experience, professional registration/s and visa status for overseas workers
- proof of sponsorship, if applicable.
Disability Inclusion Services
International students
Submitting an application
What happens after I apply?
Telephone: +44 1752 585858
Email: admissions@plymouth.ac.uk
Admissions policy
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Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) accredited degree
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The Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) accredited degree
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Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) accredited degree
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The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT) accredited degree
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The Permanent Way Institution accredited degree
Offshore renewable energy
The offshore renewables this programme focuses on are key emergent marine sectors: offshore wind, wave power and tidal power (both tidal barrages and tidal stream).


Facilities and resources – offshore renewable energy
From a state of the art wave and current test basin to a dedicated ocean going research vessel to a wealth of computer laboratories and software, you’ll benefit from a range of facilities and resources that will help your learning and development.
Babbage Building: where engineering meets design
“The building provides a state-of-the-art setting to inspire the engineers and designers of tomorrow, making it the ultimate place to bring together students, academics and industry in an environment that not only benefits them but also society as a whole.” – Professor Deborah Greaves OBE
and offers additional space for the

Offshore renewable energy news
- Ambitious study to explore effects of offshore wind farms on ocean life 4 December 2024
- Project explores if the world is ready for the offshore renewables revolution 12 November 2024
- Radical change is needed to support renewable energy development 4 October 2024
- Study highlights complex ocean conditions facing world’s most powerful tidal turbine 27 September 2024


Careers in offshore renewable energy
This programme provides a gateway into careers in the growing offshore renewable energy industry, providing a broad background with the opportunity to specialise in environmental, engineering or socio-economic aspects of offshore renewables.
“The UK is the world-leader in offshore wind, with huge potential to continue expanding and contributing towards electricity sourced from renewables”

Our research interests
Our research spans a number of varied research groups
People
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Professor Deborah Greaves OBE FREng
Professor in Ocean Engineering
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Dr Martyn Hann
Associate Head of School (PG Education)
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Professor Daniel Conley
Professor of Nearshore Processes
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Professor Paul Russell
Professor of Coastal Dynamics
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Dr Lynda Rodwell
Associate Professor in Ecological Economics
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Dr Philip Hosegood
Associate Professor in Physical Oceanography