An MRE Masters at Brest to put wind in your sails

© ENSTA Bretagne

The specialist Masters in marine renewable energy is provided by ENSTA Bretagne in cooperation with the École Navale (French naval academy), IMT Atlantique, the University of Brest and Ifremer. Now into its 14th year, it boasts some 150 graduates. “Our students already have engineering or other masters degrees after five years of higher education. At that level, we get highly motivated students – both younger post-grads and mature students returning to education,” explains the course leader, Jean-Yves Pradillon. They learn more about the specifics of energy resources, the design and management of energy extraction systems, the coastal environment and impacts on it, the law, economics and societal factors: “It’s a comprehensive education programme covering highly technical aspects as well as financing and profitability. Our students will eventually become MRE project managers or programme directors.” Some 90% of those who complete the course find a job in the sector. The success of the programme is demonstrated by how little the expertly targeted content has had to change over the years. Indeed, competing courses are now starting to open up.