The Crown Estate has announced a funding boost for postgraduates studying for a newly created MSc in Marine Renewable Energy.

It is offering nine bursaries, with £3,600 available for each of the successful applicants. Students will be able to study modules in marine renewable energy, marine stewardship and environmental impact assessment.

The funding will come from the enabling actions fund of The Crown Estate’s Round 3 wind energy programme, which aims to deliver a quarter of the UK’s electricity needs by 2020.

The course, which is accredited by IMarEST (The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology), is being operated by the Marine Technology Education Consortium and is running as a collaboration between Newcastle University, University of Strathclyde, University of Southampton and University College London. All are recognised for their excellence in marine technology, training and research.

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Commenting on the bursaries, Rob Hastings, director of the marine estate at The Crown Estate, said: “We are delighted to be facilitating the provision of specialist education for students and young professionals who are employed or who are seeking employment in the UK offshore wind industry. This will advance the availability of knowledge and expertise in the UK to help meet the nation’s carbon reduction requirements.

“Long-term facilitation is required on our part, as we continue to work with partners to make the UK a global centre of excellence for low-carbon energies.”

The course is a distance learning programme, meaning that students will be able to continue to work full time.

Applications are being accepted up until 30 April 2011.

(GK/KMcA)