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Wind Energy Engineering (MSc)

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Wind Energy Engineering (MSc)

Course Overview

The next start date for this course is September 2025. Applications are not open until October 1st 2024. 

This 90-ECTS full-year programme is designed for engineering graduates and professionals from various disciplines, such as mechanical, civil, and aeronautical/aerospace engineering, who aspire to become specialists in the dynamic wind energy industry. The curriculum combines in-depth studies of wind energy fundamentals and cutting-edge technologies with advanced technical engineering modules, as well as essential topics for management and operation within the industry. 

 

A pivotal component of the programme is a 30-ECTS thesis project, focused on research and development in areas such as technology advancement, manufacturing processes, deployment strategies, or the operation of wind energy systems. This project provides a platform for innovative exploration and practical application within the field. 

 

Graduates of the programme will be equipped to: 

 

  • Conduct advanced analysis and design calculations for wind turbines and their major components. 
  • Identify and implement the most effective technological solutions for specific wind energy project requirements. 
  • Plan and manage wind farm deployment and operations, with a comprehensive understanding of technical, environmental, social, and regulatory factors. 
  • Perform advanced research projects in specialised areas of wind energy engineering. 
  • Communicate technical work and research outcomes to both peers and the public in a professional and effective manner.  

 

Scholarships available 

Find out about our Postgraduate Scholarships here and International Scholarships here. 

Applications and Selections

Applications are made online via the University of Galway Postgraduate Applications System.  

Who Teaches this Course

Dr Pedram Masjedi (Mechanical Engineering) 

Dr Nathan Quinlan (Mechanical Engineering) 

Professor Seán Leen (Mechanical Engineering) 

Professor Rory Monaghan (Mechanical Engineering) 

Dr Eoin King (Mechanical Engineering) 

Dr Pouyan Ghabezi (Mechanical Engineering) 

Dr William Finnegan (Civil Engineering) 

Dr Maeve Duffy (Electrical and Electronic Engineering) 

Requirements and Assessment

Assessment will consist of continuous assessment via coursework and project work, along with written examinations. 

Key Facts

Entry Requirements

The programme, developed in cooperation with the wind energy industry in Ireland, is open to individuals who have a minimum Second Class Honours, Grade 1 (H2.1), in a Level 8 Mechanical, Civil, or Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering degree (or in a closely related discipline), from a recognised university or third-level college. Factors considered in determining admission will include the specific content of the undergraduate degree, the applicant’s performance, postgraduate experience, and the availability of places. 

Additional Requirements

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Duration

1 year 

Next start date

September 2025

A Level Grades ()

Average intake

NA

QQI/FET FETAC Entry Routes

Closing Date

see www.universityofgalway.ie/postgrad/closingdates for info.

NFQ level

Mode of study

ECTS weighting

90

Award

CAO

Course code

 WEE1

Course Outline

The MSc in Wind Energy Engineering is a 90-ECTS programme, consisting of 60 ECTS of taught modules and a significant research component, the Research Thesis, which accounts for 30 ECTS and runs throughout the year. The taught modules include five core modules (25 ECTS) listed below, which all students must complete: 

 

  • Advanced Wind Energy Engineering and Design 
  • Advanced Mechanics of Materials 
  • Engineering Acoustics: Noise and Sustainable Development 
  • Structural Dynamics and Aeroelasticity 
  • Research Methods for Engineers 
     

The following modules are mandatory unless equivalent ones have been previously completed: 

 

  • Finite Element Methods in Engineering 
  • Computational Fluid Dynamics 
  • Advanced Energy Systems Engineering 
     

As this is a master’s programme aimed at a diverse intake, the programme director will advise each incoming student on the selection of elective modules suited to their goals and background from the list of technical (10-25 ECTS) and industry-focused modules (10 ECTS) below: 

 

Elective Technical Modules: 

 

  • Advanced Finite Element Methods 
  • Materials II 
  • Structural Analysis 
  • Power Systems 
  • Digital Control Systems for Automation and Robotics 
  • Green Hydrogen Technology, Design and Analysis 
  • Coastal & Offshore Engineering 
  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence for Engineering Applications 

 

Elective Industry-Focused Modules: 

 

  • Renewable Energy Economics and Policy 
  • Technology Innovation and Entrepreneurship 
  • Project Management  
  • Financial Management I 
  • Safety Engineering 
  • Planning and Law 

Why Choose This Course?

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the MSc in Wind Energy Engineering will find a wealth of career opportunities across the rapidly expanding renewable energy sector. They will be well-positioned for roles such as wind turbine design engineers, wind farm project managers, and operations and maintenance specialists. With expertise in both the technical and managerial aspects of wind energy systems, they can pursue careers with wind energy developers, manufacturers, and consultancy firms. Additionally, their advanced research skills and in-depth knowledge of cutting-edge technologies prepare them for roles in innovation and R&D within academic, governmental, or industry research institutions. The programme also equips graduates to contribute to policy development and regulatory compliance, further broadening their career prospects in a sector crucial to sustainable energy solutions. 

Who’s Suited to This Course

Learning Outcomes

Transferable Skills Employers Value

Graduates of the MSc in Wind Energy Engineering will acquire a diverse set of transferable skills that are highly valued across various industries. These include: 

  • Advanced Analytical Skills: Proficiency in complex problem-solving, data analysis, and simulation techniques essential for designing and optimising wind energy systems. 
  • Project Management: Expertise in planning, coordinating, and executing projects, including managing timelines, resources, and stakeholder expectations. 
  • Technical Communication: Ability to convey complex technical information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences, through technical reports, presentations, and public outreach. 
  • Innovative Thinking: Capacity for creative problem-solving and research, enabling graduates to develop new technologies and methodologies within and beyond the wind energy sector. 
  • Regulatory and Environmental Awareness: Understanding of regulatory frameworks, environmental impact assessments, and sustainable practices applicable to engineering projects. 

These skills ensure graduates are not only adept in wind energy engineering but also versatile professionals ready to tackle challenges in various fields. 

Work Placement

Study Abroad

Related Student Organisations

Course Fees

Fees: EU

€8,890 p.a. (including levy) 2025/26

Fees: Tuition

€8,750 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Student levy

€140 p.a. 2025/26

Fees: Non EU

€28,000 p.a. (€28,140 including levy) 2025/26

Find out More

Dr Nathan Quinlan 

Email: Nathan.Quinlan@universityofgalway.ie  

 

Dr Pedram Masjedi 

Email: Pedram.Masjedi@universityofgalway.ie 

What our Industry Experts say

Paul

Paul Doherty |   Executive Vice President - Engineering, Venterra

GDG and the wider Venterra Group are delighted to support the establishment of this new MSc programme dedicated to the wind energy sector. In order for us to meet both our ambitious national and international renewable energy targets, we need to rapidly expand the amount of offshore wind energy being deployed around our coasts. The shortage of staff with sector specific knowledge is a key barrier to the growth of our industry. At Venterra Group we have dedicated industrial training initiatives but these need to be supported by third level educational programmes that provide a pool of talent that will underpin the future of offshore wind. This programme answers a key question for the industry – who will develop, engineer, design and build the wind farms of tomorrow? MSc courses such as this provides the necessary training being demanded by the industry.
Tomás

Tomás Flanagan |   CEO, ÉireComposites Teo

ÉireComposites is delighted that the University of Galway will start a new MSc Programme in Wind Energy Engineering. We are currently working on several innovations relating to the future needs of the energy sector and graduates from the MSc programme will be ideally placed to fill research positions on these projects. The masters will build on learnings from precious collaborations between the university and ÉireComposites and enable us to meet growing demand for renewable energy solutions.
Alan

Alan Henry |   Managing Director, Rockall Research

Wind Energy offers Ireland its single largest opportunity to decarbonise and home grow its energy supply, rather than import fossil fuels. The government's goal of deploying over 30GW of offshore wind capacity represents the biggest infrastructural project in the state's history. There are countless exciting opportunities in this space for ambitious engineers.