| Code | GG6581 |
|---|---|
| Teaching Mode | Part-Time. See Additional Teaching Mode Information for more info. |
| Fees | Skillnet Subsidised Course Fee: 鈧�500 See Fees and Costs for full details. |
| Closing Date | 4 December 2026 |
| Credits | 5 |
| Start Date | 21 January 2027 |
Course Outline
Students will learn about the data needs and sources required for offshore wind metocean characterization. They will explore sensors, such as ADCPs and wave buoys, including sensor setup and acquisition planning. Training will cover accessing and downloading online datasets, for example from the Copernicus Climate Data Store and Copernicus Marine Service, and programming for metocean data using tools like R to handle NetCDF, GRIB, and CSV formats. Students will gain skills in data processing and cleaning, time series and spatial analysis, and data visualization through plots, maps, and statistical summaries. These skills will be applied to offshore wind projects for site characterization, resource assessment, and risk and downtime analysis.
Learning Outcomes:
- Understand the role of metocean data in offshore wind site characterisation and the key parameters required for environmental and engineering assessments.
- Acquire metocean datasets from a range of sources including but not limited to in-situ instruments, remote sensing platforms, and numerical models such as ERA5.
- Process and clean raw metocean data using appropriate programming tools and data formats (e.g., NetCDF, GRIB, CSV) to prepare it for analysis.
- Perform time series and spatial analysis of wind, wave, and oceanographic data to extract meaningful insights for offshore wind applications
- Create clear and informative visualisations of metocean data to support site characterisation, resource assessment, and communication with stakeholders
Stack this Microcredential into a Postgraduate Certificate
This microcredential is part of a suite of six 5-credit microcredentials which can be stacked towards a Postgraduate Certificate in MetOcean for Offshore Wind.
You can choose to take any of these microcredentials individually, or if you successfully complete all six microcredentials within three years of starting your first microcredential, you will be awarded Postgraduate Certificate.
To see full details on stacking these microcredentials, please visit this page: MetOcean for Offshore Wind.
Additional Teaching Mode Information
Programme Schedule:
-
Programme runs on Wednesday from 9am -11am, starting 21 January 2027.
| Quantity | Duration | Type | Mode of Delivery |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1.5 days | Practicals/Laboratories | In Person |
| 10 | 2 hours | Lectures | Online |
Assessment:
|
Type: |
Continuous Assessment Details: |
Marks: |
|
Assignment |
1 x 2500 word case study |
70 |
|
Assignment |
1 x 1000-word Practical Report |
20 |
|
Presentation |
1 x Individual Presentation |
10 |
Course Practicalities
Academic Contact Details for this Course
Staff, Department of Geography
Requirements
Programme Entry Requirements:
Applicants must
- Have completed GG6580: Introduction to MetOcean for Offshore Wind
- Hold a primary degree (min. Second Class Honours Grade II) in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) (180 ECTS credits or equivalent) from a recognized third-level institution, in Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Biology, Oceanography, Physics, Mathematics, Engineering or a related discipline.
Recognition of Prior Learning:
Applicants from other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences may be eligible to apply through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
To be considered, applicants should have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in the coastal and marine industry, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.
- If you wish to apply via RPL, you must select “Yes” to the RPL question when completing your application in UCC Apply.
- As part of the application, you will be required to submit:
- A Personal Statement outlining your motivation for applying and detailing relevant work or life experience.
- Any other relevant supporting documentation evidencing your prior learning - please refer to the for details on appropriate evidence.
Fees and Costs
Programme Fee:
If you are not eligible for the funding below, the course fee is €900.
Skillnet Funding
Skillnet is dedicated to fostering skills and expertise in the field of green technology, is partnering with UCC on the MetOcean programming and data analysis micro-credential to fund part of the course fee for eligible participants.
Skillnet subsidise the programme fee by €400. Skillnet funded applicants pay: €500
FUNDING ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:
To be eligible for Skillnet funding, applicants must:
- Be based in the Republic of Ireland
- Be self-employed, or employed within a company that:
- Is a private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland
- Is not a public sector body or a publicly funded organisation (e.g. community-based not-for-profits or charities)
Please note:
- Commercial semi-state companies are eligible, provided that the remaining programme fee is not funded from the public purse
- Sole traders are considered eligible as companies
For any queries regarding funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie, including the module you wish to apply for.
How To Apply
We are now collecting expressions of interest for this programme:
Please complete the form above and we will contact you when this programme begins accepting applications for the next intake.