Solar Energy

Course Overview

The Postgraduate Diploma in Solar Energy is a 1-year full-time programme aimed at producing graduates with an advanced level of theoretical knowledge and some level of practical knowledge, with a highly developed research capability and innovation skills to enable their professional development as leaders in the solar energy industry. Upon completion of the programme, students will:



- be regarded by their peers as subject area specialists in the advanced modules taken in the PgDip in Solar Energy, and leaders in the field covered by their research project, with an advanced understanding of the knowledge base in these areas and an appreciation of how this equips them to offer leadership in the area of solar energy.



- have excellent teamwork skills with the ability to take responsibility for the work of individuals and groups, and have developed a high level of competence in initiating, leading and managing technology projects.



- have the capacity to apply advanced theoretical knowledge to solve complex problems in the field of solar energy.



- have the ability to systematically evaluate emerging solar energy technologies and trends.



- have the ability to provide competent advice and consultancy to relevant bodies engaged in solar energy.



- have a profound respect for intellectual integrity and for the ethics of scholarship.



- have highly developed research skills including the ability, as listed below:



- to evaluate and synthesise the academic research and professional literature base.



- to select and apply standard and customised research tools and techniques of enquiry forming a solid foundation for pursuing further industrial or academic

research.



- to formulate judgements and synthesise conclusions following the completion of a systematic piece of research.



- to communicate these conclusions to a variety of audiences in an articulate and convincing fashion.



- to reflect on and evaluate his/her own performance.

Modules:

- Solar Energy In Buildings: The applications of Solar Energy for heat and electricity and storage in Building.



- Energy Policy & Economics: Introduction to the policies and economic considerations driving renewable energy.



- Power system Integration of Renewables: How Renewable Energies are integrated onto and how they affect electrical grid systems.



- Solar Energy 1: Fundamentals of Solar Energy PV and thermal.



- Project: 30-credit supervised research project module.

- Standard Entry Requirements: Applicants will require a level 8 degree in any discipline (minimum 2:2).



Non-Standard Entry Requirements (Recognition of Prior Learning): Dundalk Institute of Technology recognises that knowledge, skills and competencies can be acquired from a range of learning experiences, including formal, non-formal and informal. Through the DkIT Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, the Institute commits to giving value to all relevant learning, irrespective of mode or place of learning. Recognition of prior learning will provide opportunities for access, transfer and progression to education and training and for the achievement of an award. Processes and practices for the recognition of prior learning are detailed in the Institute's RPL Policy.

1 year full-time, blended.