Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance

The Introduction to Coastal and Marine Governance (GG6539) micro-credential at University College Cork equips professionals with the knowledge and skills to manage complex coastal and marine systems. Delivered online over 8 – 12 weeks, this course covers coastal zone management, marine spatial planning (MSP), marine protected area frameworks, and marine innovation – all within the context of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). By the end of the course, participants will understand the scientific, environmental, and policy dimensions that influence sustainable offshore development, making it highly relevant for Ireland’s growing offshore wind energy sector.

By undertaking this programme, you will have a clear understanding of the theory, principles and concepts that underpin the management of coastal and marine spaces; will have practical skills to equip them for making policy, and for taking management-level decisions, regarding the strategic and operational use of coastal and marine spaces; will know how to work with coastal and marine data originating in a range of scientific disciplines (physics, biology, geology, oceanography, etc.); and will have a good scientific understanding of the physical, environmental and human processes that affect, and are impacted by, the world’s oceans. The frame of reference will range from the global to the local, but with particular emphasis on the sustainable development and management of Ireland’s coastal and marine territories and resources.

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to:

Identify the key concepts and understanding in the fields of coastal management, sustainability science, ecosystem-based management and related environmental management and planning.
Demonstrate how the principles and practice of coastal and marine governance may be applied according to best practice.
Demonstrate analytical, writing, communications, and reporting skills. Work is assessed based on 2 x 2,000 word reports (50 marks each) Reports are based on work related examples.

Lectures are delivered fully online and will be recorded for the purpose of revision. There will be a total of 11 lectures, each with a duration of 1.5 hours. This course is assessed via 2 x 2,000 word written assignments.

Skillnet Course Fee: € 400

Full Course Fee: € 900

Eligibility for the subsidised Skillnet Course Fee is based on the following factors:

Trainees

Key requirements regarding the trainee:

Trainees must be based in the Republic of Ireland to be eligible.
Trainees must be employed within private enterprise/self-employed.
This program is designed for professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.

Companies

Key requirements regarding the eligibility of businesses to participate in funding:

Companies must be from private enterprise based in the Republic of Ireland.
Skillnet Ireland funding is not available to public sector bodies or organisations that are publicly funded such as community-based not-for-profit companies or charities.
Commercial semi-state companies are eligible providing that income contributed to a Network is not sourced from the public purse.
Sole traders are eligible as Companies.

If you are not eligible for funding the course fee is €900. Where a trainee enrols on a course and pays the full fee, no refund will be provided if eligibility is determined later.

If you have further queries on funding, please contact training@skillnetoffshorewindacademy.ie including the module you wish to apply for.Fu

A primary degree (180 credits or equivalent), in a cognate area, plus at least 2 years’ experience in a relevant maritime industry (applied) as approved by the module coordinator on a case-by-case basis under Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL).
Applications will also considered from graduates in other disciplines, including those in the Arts or Social Sciences, who have a demonstrable interest and/or experience in coastal and marine management, and who can offer sufficient numerical abilities.

Designed for individuals seeking foundational knowledge and practical skills in managing coastal and marine environments. It is particularly suitable for professionals and graduates aiming to enhance their expertise and enter the offshore wind field.
Mid-career professionals working in a related sector, seeking to upskill and transition into the offshore wind industry.
Companies seeking to develop and upskill their workforce to undertake projects related to offshore wind farm development.

Career Pathways:

This course is ideal for professionals aiming to advance in offshore wind, particularly in roles such as:

Marine Environmental Consultant – supporting site assessments and regulatory compliance for offshore wind farms.
Offshore Project Planning & Managment – integrating marine spatial planning principles into project design.
Regulatory & Compliance Specialist – navigating environmental legislation and protected area considerations.
Sustainability & ESG Coordinator – aligning offshore wind projects with SDGs and sustainable development practices.
Coastal Zone Manager – ensuring that offshore projects coexist with existing marine uses while minimizing environmental impacts.