Offshore Wind Systems & Sustainable Maritime Operations - National Maritime College of Ireland

The Postgraduate Diploma in Offshore Wind Systems and Sustainable Maritime Operations is designed to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in offshore renewable energy and sustainable maritime industries.



Delivered fully online with two NMCI on-campus networking and industry engagement days per semester, the programme combines academic depth with applied professional relevance. Learners develop advanced understanding of offshore wind systems, maritime operations, sustainability, project management, and environmental regulation.



The programme reflects Ireland’s offshore wind ambitions and global decarbonisation goals, preparing graduates to contribute to the development, management, and optimisation of sustainable offshore projects and maritime activities.



This interdisciplinary qualification is ideally suited to both professionals working in the maritime, logistics, or offshore sectors and graduates seeking to transition into these dynamic industries.

Programme Structure



Semester 1 – 30 Credits

Mandatory modules:

Sustainability in Engineering (INTR9005) – 5 credits

Offshore Renewable Energy Project Management (NAUT9014) – 5 credits

Maritime Technology and Sustainability (MARI9001) – 10 credits



Elective modules (choose two to achieve 30 credits):

Climate Change and Logistics/SCM (NAUT9012) – 5 credits

Port Operations Management (NAUT8022) – 5 credits

Maritime Operations Law (MARI9002) – 5 credits



Semester 2 – 30 Credits

Mandatory modules:

Maritime Surveying and Risk Management (MARI9003) – 10 credits

Offshore Wind Technology – 10 credits

Research Methods and Proposal (NAUT9007) – 5 credits



Elective modules (choose one to achieve 30 credits):

Building Sustainable Supply Chains (NAUT9006) – 5 credits

Ocean Energy Conversion (MECH8015) – 5 credits Optional



Semester 3 – MSc Progression (30 Credits)

Students who wish to progress to the full Master of Science in Offshore Wind Systems and Sustainable Maritime Operations complete an additional semester focused on independent research.



Mandatory module:

Research in Sustainable Supply Chain and Maritime Operations (Dissertation) (NAUT9015) – 30 credit

Candidates with a previous Level 8 Major Award, in Science, Technology, Engineering or Cognate Area OR Candidates with Level 7 Major Award combined with Master Unlimited or Chief Engineer Unlimited CoC can enter the program directly.



Candidates with combinations of other qualifications will be considered where experience is suitable via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) evaluation, which may include an interview.



What is RPL?

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to.

Application Deadline 31st October 2025

1 year, online.

Career options

Graduates of this programme will be well positioned for leadership and specialist roles in the offshore wind, renewable energy, and maritime operations sectors.



Typical career pathways include project management, sustainability coordination, port and offshore logistics, risk management, compliance, and operations planning within offshore wind development projects.



Employers include offshore energy developers, maritime service companies, port authorities, engineering consultancies, and government or regulatory agencies.



The programme’s emphasis on digitalisation, green transition, and regulatory frameworks ensures graduates are equipped to respond to the technical and policy challenges shaping the global offshore and maritime industries.



Graduates will possess the skills and professional insight to engage with multidisciplinary teams and contribute effectively to the growth of Ireland’s blue economy and offshore renewable energy capability.



Progression

Graduates of the Postgraduate Diploma may progress directly to the Master of Science in Offshore Wind Systems and Sustainable Maritime Operations by completing an additional semester focused on research methods and a 30-credit dissertation module. This progression route enables learners to build upon their professional and technical expertise while developing advanced research and analytical capabilities.



The MSc award provides enhanced opportunities for career advancement, research collaboration, and leadership roles across the offshore wind and maritime sectors. Learners who choose to progress benefit from flexible online delivery, continued academic supervision, and access to NMCI’s extensive industry network and research expertise.