International Centre for Island Technology wins funding for 10 MSc. scholarships

The Orkney campus of Heriot-Watt University, The International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT), has been awarded ten scholarships for Scottish/EU students to study on its world leading Renewable Energy Development and Marine Renewable Energy MSc courses. ICIT pioneered investigations into marine energy in Orkney from as far back as 1990 and has since seen over 350 MSc students pass through its courses and move onto successful careers in environmental science, marine science, marine and renewable energy and resource management sectors. The scholarships which are open to Scottish and EU residents, provide support for both course fees and a modest contribution to living costs. The award of these scholarships to ICIT provides a tremendous boost to the centres activities at a time where growth in both the teaching and research activities are top of the agenda. Plans are being promoted by Heriot-Watt University for a more integrated “campus” type approach to the renewable activities in Orkney with the ambition of establishing in collaboration with partners, a world class innovation centre.

Dr Gareth Davies, recently appointed as Managing Director of ICIT said “at ICIT we are delighted to get this support for our courses and doubly delighted that the focus is on marine renewable energy and renewable development. It provides a great springboard to further develop the MSc programme going forward.

Dr Sandy Kerr, who is Programme Director at ICIT emphasised that although the courses require a high standard of performance from students, there are many pathways that people can take to qualifying as a prospective student. For younger people traditional qualifications will be more important, whereas for more mature students appropriate life skills and working experience may be sufficient to qualify a person for entry onto the courses.

Further details can be received by contacting ICIT at +44 01856 850 605; or at icit@hw.ac.uk