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Department of Wind Energy - Overview
Wind power as a dependable renewable energy source is rapidly expanding all over the world, a fact well documented on the island of Gotland where about 160 wind turbines are currently on line, supplying approximately 20 percent of the island’s electricity. With the global growth comes a scarcity of technical and management personnel, however. These shortages present unique challenges and opportunities to educational institutions to keep pace with the evolving nature of the industry.
Since 1998 the Wind Energy Department at Gotland University has responded to an international demand for wind power education by offering a broad spectrum of individual distance learning courses and custom designed executive education courses for companies. Research cooperation in windpower and energy is carried out with universities and other internationally based research institutions, and Gotland University is both an active host and active participant at international conferences.
As an established leader in the field of wind power education, Gotland University is well situated to execute dual programs of distance and on-campus education. Distance courses continue to be offered and expanded to satisfy that market segment, while the campus-based master’s program responds to industry demands for professional management personnel.
Distance Learning Option – Individual Courses
Swedish language distance courses in wind power (within Energy Technology) have been a foundation element of the department since 1998. The first English language courses were offered starting in 2004, and today many of the distance courses are available in both Swedish and English.
Course subjects are topical and designed essentially for individuals with current or future employment as wind power consultants, technicians, operations, employed by authorities and power companies, or in the wide supply-chain infrastructure system supporting wind power. The general emphasis is on wind power planning and project development, with course material that is multi-disciplinary across technology, meteorology, environmental impact, laws and regulations, policy, spatial planning and economics. All courses are open to anyone who may wish to study the subject for individual benefit.
Individual distance learning courses have an educational credit value of 7.5 ECTS (European Credit Transfer System) which corresponds to 10 weeks of half-time studies. Courses are contemporary with current developments in the wind power field.
On-campus:
Master Program in Wind Power Project Management (60 ECTS)
Starting in the fall of 2010, a master’s program will open to students seeking an upper level degree in the wind power education. The objective of this program is to prepare students for careers in the professional sector with a curriculum focus on wind power management. Technology, economics, energy ut i lizat ion, environmental impact and m eteorology are representational subjects incorporated in the program with particular emphasis on wind power project planning and development.
The master of science program has a global orientation designed to prepare students for middle and executive management positions in the globa l wind energy industry. Upon completion, graduates with prior industry employment experience can be expect
ed to re enter the work force with advanced management skills qualifying for advanced placement in critically needed project management, operations, or economic development positions. New to industry graduates with Wind Power Project Management as their initial employment entry degree have demonstrable knowledge relevant to wind power development and operations.
Study at Gotland University
In Sweden, both distance and on-campus university studies are currently free of tuition fees for students from all countries in the Europe Union. So far, Wind Energy Department distance classes have had participants from many different countries.
To be admitted to distance courses and campus programs applicants must prove that they are eligible for university studies, i.e., that you must meet the general entrance requirements including sufficient knowledge of the English language, and if applicable even specific course entrance requirements. Go here for all necessary information.
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