University Council has approved three new postgraduate courses set to begin in September of this year.
The new courses are an MSc in quantum science and technology, a postgraduate diploma in engineering for climate action and a postgraduate certificate in sustainable development for business.
The three new options are funded under pillar three of the Irish Human Capital Initiative (HCI), which supports proposals looking to advance “innovation and agility” in creating skills required for the future.
In an email to The University Times, Trinity’s Media Relations Officer Thomas Deane said the MSc in Quantum Science and Technology is “the first of its kind in Ireland”.
The one year course offered by the School of Physics will allow graduates with backgrounds in physics, mathematics and computer science to develop their skills in the quantum field and make connections with industry.
In a tweet last Wednesday, Stefano Sanvito, professor of theoretical and computational physics and the director of the Centre for Research on Adaptive Nanostructures and Nanodevices (CRANN) said: “We are looking for motivated and curious students willing to work with the best Quantum scientists in Ireland and their Industry partners.”
Deane said that the postgraduate diploma in engineering for climate action will be a 60 ECTS program “targeting those in industry who have a specific responsibility for responding to climate action initiatives within their employment context,” and will fit, “under the banner of the E3 (Engineering, Environment, and Emerging Technologies) Initiative”.
The news comes after the E3 initiative was last week the beneficiary of a €1.5 million grant from Ryanair aimed at developing sustainable aviation fuels.
The course is also an initial taste of the College’s approach to teaching post-pandemic, with the degree being offered in a “blended” model.
Deane said there will be “some online-only modules, some face-to-face only and some mixed”.
He added that “scheduling will be organised to facilitate those who are working”.
The postgraduate certificate in sustainable development for business will follow a similar approach, targeting individuals already in the private sector, but will only entail 30 ECTS.
The program will aim to teach graduates to take advantage of the “opportunities for driving competitive advantage through a sustainable business model”.
