University of Strathclyde

What you'll study

The programme combines core engineering science with specialised modules covering wind, wave and tidal energy technologies. You will study resource assessment and site characterisation, hydrodynamics and aero-hydro-servo modelling, structural and subsea engineering for offshore foundations and moorings, and technology-specific aspects such as turbine design, tidal-stream devices and wave energy converters.

• Offshore renewable energy fundamentals: resource assessment, environmental interactions and technology overview
• Hydrodynamics and aeroelasticity: wave-structure and wind-structure interaction, floating systems dynamics
• Offshore structural and subsea engineering: fatigue, corrosion, foundation and mooring design, materials selection
• Marine operations and installation engineering: installation strategies, vessel logistics, O&M considerations
• Modelling and experimental methods: computational fluid dynamics, spectral wave modelling, towing tank and wave basin testing
• Systems integration, techno-economics and project management: lifecycle assessment, consenting, risk and cost estimation
• Research project / dissertation: an independent project addressing a technical or applied problem in offshore renewable energy, often with industry collaboration

The programme is typically delivered through lectures, laboratory and modelling practicals, group design exercises and a substantial research project. It is available full-time and part-time, with the taught component followed by the project/dissertation.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a good honours degree (or recognised equivalent) in engineering, naval architecture, mechanical engineering, ocean engineering, physics, or a closely related numerical discipline. Applicants with a lower class of degree and significant relevant industrial experience may also be considered.

International applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English. Typical language requirements are an internationally recognised qualification such as IELTS or equivalent; consult the university for the acceptable evidence and minimum scores. Where appropriate, applicants may be asked to provide a CV, a personal statement and references outlining technical background and motivation.

Career prospects

Graduates move into technical and managerial roles across the offshore renewable energy sector. Common career paths include design and analysis roles with turbine and device manufacturers, structural and subsea engineering consultancies, resource assessment and modelling specialists, project engineering and asset management for developers and operators, and operations and maintenance engineering.

Other routes include roles in consenting and environmental assessment, supply chain engineering, technical sales and business development, or further research and doctoral study. The programme’s balance of hands-on modelling, experimental work and project management prepares students for both specialist technical posts and multidisciplinary project teams.

Why study at University of Strathclyde

Strathclyde has a long-standing engineering tradition and active research in marine and renewable energy disciplines, with strong ties to industry across the Scottish and UK offshore energy supply chain. Students benefit from access to dedicated laboratories and experimental facilities, modelling tools, and opportunities for industry-linked projects and placements.

The university’s location in Glasgow provides proximity to a dense network of offshore engineering companies, consultancies and research organisations, supporting networking and career opportunities. Teaching is delivered by academics with applied research interests in offshore systems alongside practitioners with commercial experience, offering a practical, industry-relevant education in offshore renewable energy.