Continuing Professional Development: Science, Sustainability and Technology

Flexible courses to expand your horizons
Cyber-Resilience of Offshore Wind Networks (CROWN)
Our short courses are delivered by experts and address global challenges in the local, regional and national context. Our expertise spans sustainability and applied science and technology; courses are co-designed, through partnership with professionals in public and private practice, to make a real difference to participants and their organisations.
Our current offer includes the courses described below and a wider choice is available – please contact us for more details or to discuss your requirements. Some of our courses can be studied for academic credit – meaning that, if you take and pass assessments, they can contribute to an academic award such as an MSc, Postgraduate Diploma or Certificate. In other cases, we’ll provide a certificate of attendance which may contribute towards your ongoing continuous professional development profile.
Our courses are delivered on our main campus or online and for larger groups we can arrange delivery at your place of work.
 
Cyber-SHIP ship simulator (full-bleed)
Dr Katie Jones using chemistry lab facilities in Davy Building
Future Is Green image
 
 

Short courses

Going Nuclear: Nuclear Applications for Science and Engineering
Whether beginning your career or an experienced professional, in this module you’ll develop an understanding of the fascinating field of nuclear science. You’ll acquire the essential skills and understanding needed to excel in the nuclear industry, covering topics from the fundamentals of nuclear fission and fusion to the intricacies of reactor functionality, safety and nuclear waste management.
Your engaging lectures will be supported by interactive workshops in which hands-on activities bring theory and concepts to life. You’ll be learning alongside students studying for an MEng/MSc degree and industry professionals undertaking professional development, developing new skills and outlooks.
Your teachers will be leading professionals working in industry and academic staff who have both research interests in and act as consultants to the nuclear industry. They will share their insights and real-world experiences, preparing you to be the future of one of the most dynamic and impactful fields of science and engineering.
This course is pitched at MSc (level 7) and has been developed in collaboration with Babcock International and the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD). If you complete the assessment associated with this module you will gain academic credit for the module. The module is delivered in one four hour (half-day) block per week for 12 weeks, starting in September 2025. Please contact us to register your interest, reserve a place or ask questions.

Maritime Cybersecurity threat mitigation training
The University of Plymouth’s Cyber-SHIP Lab provides holistic maritime cyber security training courses that equip shipping professionals with the skills to ensure safe and secure operations. In the Cyber-SHIP lab we can physically replicate the bridge and associated systems of most of the world’s shipping fleet. We offer one, two, three and five-day courses; our training is consistent with the NIST Cyber security framework and is fully customisable to your company’s needs.

Net Zero and Sustainability

Within the University’s Net Zero exchange project, we’ve developed a range of courses, for individuals and organisations, about the journey to net Zero. These range from a free three-hour online workshop on getting started in net zero and climate change to a day course on communication in sustainability and a course on strategic carbon footprinting. The funding source – the Future is Green short courses project – means that some courses are free for individuals in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. In addition, the Net Zero team deliver a skills bootcamp for individuals in the southwest – contact us to see if we’re delivering one for you!

Planning Practice
Our planning experts are developing professional development short courses on policy and practice in England, including on these topics:
  • Planning for the energy transition
  • Planning protected sites and landscapes
  • Marine and coastal planning
  • Urban Planning, Design and Security
  • Planning for waste and minerals
  • Planning major projects: promotion and assessment
  • Designing healthy environments
  • Planning for a nature recovery
These short courses have developed from our extensive experience in planning education, specifically the MSc Planning and the associated degree apprenticeship, which are designed for both full-time and part-time attendance – the latter to support planners in professional practice.

Marine Autonomous Systems
Drawing on the University of Plymouth’s extensive expertise in Marine Autonomous Systems (MAS) operations and supported by dedicated state-of-the-art facilities, our MAS training programmes are designed to equip professionals and organisations with the skills and knowledge required to succeed in this rapidly evolving field.
Our dedicated webpage on marine autonomy gives you more details on our expertise and facilities.

Training Delivery Options

The University of Plymouth offers a comprehensive and flexible portfolio of MAS training programmes, tailored to your specific needs.
We provide short courses (1–5 days), as well as in-depth programmes delivered either intensively or over several weeks, through undergraduate and postgraduate modules. Where appropriate, our courses are delivered in collaboration with industry-leading practitioners to ensure cutting-edge content and practical relevance.
As the MCA develops official MAS training standards, our programmes will align with these emerging requirements to ensure compliance and best practice.
Examples of Current and Planned Training Provision
  • Half-day familiarisation course covering the theory and applications of MAS
  • 1-day ‘experience day’ covering both the theory and practical operation of USVs
  • 5-day system training on the theory and operation of CWorker-class USVs
  • Applied Marine Autonomy training course, covering surface, subsurface, and maritime aerial technologies — available in intensive format or over a 12-week period, with the option to earn academic credit
Additional Courses in Development
Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements. Courses under development include:
  • Practical experience in building small USVs (under 2.5m), including design, construction, and testing
  • Certifying autonomous systems in line with MGN 702 and MGN 705 guidelines
  • Establishing and operating Remote Operating Centres (ROCs) — combining regulatory theory with hands-on practice in compliance, operations, and system management
Let’s work together: Talk to us about tailoring a programme to suit both your immediate needs and long-term skills development objectives.