Master Year 2 OFFWIND - Offshore Wind Energy
| Year | Master Year 2 |
| Program | OFFWIND - Offshore Wind Energy |
| ECTS Credits | 60 |
| Language | English |
| Orientation | Research & Professionnal |
| Location | Brest campus (ENSTA) |
| Course duration | 12 months, full time |
| Course start | September |
| Degree awarded | Master's degree obtained on completion of the second year of the program |
WHY ENROLL IN THIS PROGRAM?
Asset n° 1
A high-level programme focusing on the development of marine renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on offshore wind.
Asset n° 2
A thriving R&D environment bringing together industry partners and research laboratories in a sector facing major technological and environmental challenges.
Asset n° 3
A rich, versatile scientific and technical education applicable across numerous engineering sectors (aerodynamics, hydrodynamics, coupled phenomena, material durability, seakeeping, industrial engineering, etc.).
Overview
The OFFWIND Master's program is designed to train operational engineers, research & development engineers and project managers for the floating and bottom fixed wind energy sector. OFFWIND draws on the expertise and complementary nature of two leading engineering schools: ENSTA and « École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC) », members of the « Institut Polytechnique de Paris ».
The aim of this program is to meet the challenge of the energy transition in a context of growing energy tensions, where the development of offshore wind power represents a strategic issue on a global scale. To meet this challenge, France has embarked on a process of ramping up offshore wind power, which requires the training of highly qualified executives in R&D and the design of high-performance floating systems. Other countries in Europe and Asia are developing similar plans. Courses are delivered in English to allow foreign students to benefit from the program.
The first year of the master's program will take place on the Paris-Saclay campus in Palaiseau (ENSTA) and Champs-sur-Marne (ENPC), while the second year will be held on the Brest campus (ENSTA). The aim is to capitalize on the strengths of both the Ile de France region, home to many of the industry's major players, and the Brittany region, where there is a large industrial ecosystem focused on the challenges of the sea.
Objective
The aim of the OFFWIND master's degree is to train young graduates so that they have the skills to work in the emerging and demanding sector of offshore wind energy. The aim of this second year is to:
- Acquire solid knowledge of the scientific challenges for the offshore wind development.
- Acquire solid knowledge of offshore energy production, turbines and grid connection.
- Acquire specific knowledge of the mechanical behavior and durability of wind turbines and its components, and also their foundations or anchors.
- Understand societal issues and environmental impacts. Learn about wind energy regulations and economics.
Career Prospects
After graduation, students will be able to pursue a PhD. The aim of this Masters track is to train highly qualified managers and engineers to meet the challenges of offshore wind energy. On completing the second year of the Master OFFWIND, graduates will be equipped for a variety of careers in academic and industrial research laboratories.
The skills acquired as part of the OFFWIND program could be applied in other energy-related industrial sectors (onshore wind power, offshore structures, turbines, etc).
| Course name | ECTS / language |
| Waves, wind, currents and coastal circulation | 3 ECTS / English |
| Coastal weather, bathymetry and seabed studiesgy | 2 ECTS / English |
| Wake effects and loads on offshore structures | 2 ECTS / English |
| Seakeeping, aero-, hydrodynamic loadings and instabilities | 4 ECTS / English |
| Behavior and modeling of fixed and floating wind turbines | 3 ECTS / English |
| Fatigue loadings and turbine tower fatigue | 1 ECTS / English |
| Behavior, creep and fatigue of electrical cables and mooring ropes | 3 ECTS / English |
| Behavior and fatigue of anchors and foundations | 2 ECTS / English |
| Aging of materials in marine environment | 2 ECTS / English |
| Turbine control and hydro-aero-servo-elastic coupling | 2 ECTS / English |
| Gearbox or direct drive wind turbine? | 1 ECTS / English |
| In-service monitoring and diagnosis of wind turbines, AI | 1 ECTS / English |
| Connection of the grid, substation, AC/DC | 1 ECTS / English |
| Environmental & societal impacts | 3 ECTS / English |
| Course name | ECTS / language |
| Project | 5 ECTS / English |
| Internship (18 weeks to 6 months) | 25 ECTS / English |
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
- Completion of the first year of a Master in Energy at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.
- Completion of a first-year Master, or Master of Sciences or Master of Sciences and Technologies in one of the following specialties: energy engineering, mechanical engineering, mechanics of materials, electrical engineering, material sciences.
- Bridges are possible from other more technical courses.
Language prerequisites
This program requires a B1 level in English.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted exclusively online. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Transcript
- Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- ...
You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session.
Fees and scholarships
OFFWIND is a "national" master's programs; the corresponding fees apply.
Registration fees are available here
Find out more about scholarships
Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.
Applications and admission dates
MathildeOffwind Master's student | With a keen interest in maritime issues, Mathilde naturally chose ENSTA after completing her preparatory classes. In 2025, following two years of general engineering training, she joined the Offwind Master’s program to focus her career on marine renewable energy. Can you tell us about the Offwind Master’s program? What have you taken away from this second year of the program?The Offwind Master’s program is truly fascinating. The courses are taught almost exclusively by industry professionals covering a wide range of topics. We’ve gained a wealth of information about the context of marine renewable energy and offshore wind power. We’ve explored the various facets of the field and discovered many different career paths. At the end of this semester, we can’t claim to be experts in a specific field, but we have enough knowledge to tackle issues in every subfield of expertise within the industry. In short, I have general skills in mechanical design and in the field of offshore wind turbines, which opens up many professional opportunities for me. What are your plans for your final-year internship?My final-year project (PFE) focuses on the fatigue of jacket foundations. This is a type of foundation used for offshore wind turbines. I will be performing structural calculations applied to the marine renewable energy sector at the company Principia in Nantes. And after that?For the start of my career, I plan to focus on more technical roles. I’d also find it interesting to work on board ships installing wind farms. In the longer term, I plan to work for a developer like EDF or Iberdrola, which takes a more holistic view of offshore wind farm construction and where the challenges aren’t just technical, but broader. Any advice for Offwind Master’s candidates?I highly recommend this program: the instructors are engaging, and the program directors are very approachable and attentive. We were a small class with a great atmosphere, and we built a professional network to help us get off to a strong start in this field. |
KylianOffwind Master's student | After completing his degree in mechanical design engineering, Kylian decided to specialize in the field of offshore wind turbines—a highly innovative sector—by enrolling in the Offwind Master’s program. Why did you choose to pursue the second year of the Offwind Master’s program?The field of marine renewable energy still faces many technological challenges, leaving plenty of room for innovation. When the Offwind Master’s program was launched, I chose to join this program because it offered many advantages:
The decision was a no-brainer! What has this year brought you?The field of offshore wind energy is quite complex. It involves challenges related to structural physics (wind turbines, anchors, floats, cables, etc.), environmental factors (waves, winds, biofouling, etc.), offshore installation, port and project management, as well as legislative, economic, and financial aspects. The training allowed us to cover almost everything. It was very information-dense, but in six months, we gained knowledge on all these issues, which is quite impressive. Thanks to these past few months of training, I now have a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge about how wind turbines work as well as their environment. Beyond the technical skills, this has convinced me to work in this field. And after school, what are your plans?That will partly depend on the political situation and the status of offshore wind farm projects. Since I’m currently an apprentice, I plan to stay with my company for a while to gain more skills, but my hope is to join a company in the marine renewable energy sector, either on the technical side or in project monitoring and development. Any advice for applicants interested in the Offwind Master’s program?Be curious—the class size is small, so take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the instructors, who are experts in their fields! |
Overview
The OFFWIND Master's program is designed to train operational engineers, research & development engineers and project managers for the floating and bottom fixed wind energy sector. OFFWIND draws on the expertise and complementary nature of two leading engineering schools: ENSTA and « École nationale des ponts et chaussées (ENPC) », members of the « Institut Polytechnique de Paris ».
The aim of this program is to meet the challenge of the energy transition in a context of growing energy tensions, where the development of offshore wind power represents a strategic issue on a global scale. To meet this challenge, France has embarked on a process of ramping up offshore wind power, which requires the training of highly qualified executives in R&D and the design of high-performance floating systems. Other countries in Europe and Asia are developing similar plans. Courses are delivered in English to allow foreign students to benefit from the program.
The first year of the master's program will take place on the Paris-Saclay campus in Palaiseau (ENSTA) and Champs-sur-Marne (ENPC), while the second year will be held on the Brest campus (ENSTA). The aim is to capitalize on the strengths of both the Ile de France region, home to many of the industry's major players, and the Brittany region, where there is a large industrial ecosystem focused on the challenges of the sea.
Objective
The aim of the OFFWIND master's degree is to train young graduates so that they have the skills to work in the emerging and demanding sector of offshore wind energy. The aim of this second year is to:
- Acquire solid knowledge of the scientific challenges for the offshore wind development.
- Acquire solid knowledge of offshore energy production, turbines and grid connection.
- Acquire specific knowledge of the mechanical behavior and durability of wind turbines and its components, and also their foundations or anchors.
- Understand societal issues and environmental impacts. Learn about wind energy regulations and economics.
Career Prospects
After graduation, students will be able to pursue a PhD. The aim of this Masters track is to train highly qualified managers and engineers to meet the challenges of offshore wind energy. On completing the second year of the Master OFFWIND, graduates will be equipped for a variety of careers in academic and industrial research laboratories.
The skills acquired as part of the OFFWIND program could be applied in other energy-related industrial sectors (onshore wind power, offshore structures, turbines, etc).
| Course name | ECTS / language |
| Waves, wind, currents and coastal circulation | 3 ECTS / English |
| Coastal weather, bathymetry and seabed studiesgy | 2 ECTS / English |
| Wake effects and loads on offshore structures | 2 ECTS / English |
| Seakeeping, aero-, hydrodynamic loadings and instabilities | 4 ECTS / English |
| Behavior and modeling of fixed and floating wind turbines | 3 ECTS / English |
| Fatigue loadings and turbine tower fatigue | 1 ECTS / English |
| Behavior, creep and fatigue of electrical cables and mooring ropes | 3 ECTS / English |
| Behavior and fatigue of anchors and foundations | 2 ECTS / English |
| Aging of materials in marine environment | 2 ECTS / English |
| Turbine control and hydro-aero-servo-elastic coupling | 2 ECTS / English |
| Gearbox or direct drive wind turbine? | 1 ECTS / English |
| In-service monitoring and diagnosis of wind turbines, AI | 1 ECTS / English |
| Connection of the grid, substation, AC/DC | 1 ECTS / English |
| Environmental & societal impacts | 3 ECTS / English |
| Course name | ECTS / language |
| Project | 5 ECTS / English |
| Internship (18 weeks to 6 months) | 25 ECTS / English |
Admission requirements
Academic prerequisites
- Completion of the first year of a Master in Energy at Institut Polytechnique de Paris or equivalent in France or abroad.
- Completion of a first-year Master, or Master of Sciences or Master of Sciences and Technologies in one of the following specialties: energy engineering, mechanical engineering, mechanics of materials, electrical engineering, material sciences.
- Bridges are possible from other more technical courses.
Language prerequisites
This program requires a B1 level in English.
How to apply
Applications can be submitted exclusively online. You will need to provide the following documents:
- Transcript
- Two academic references (added online directly by your referees)
- CV/resume
- Statement of purpose
- ...
You will receive an answer in your candidate space within 2 months following the closing date of the application session.
Fees and scholarships
OFFWIND is a "national" master's programs; the corresponding fees apply.
Registration fees are available here
Find out more about scholarships
Please note that fees and scholarships may change for the following year.
Applications and admission dates
MathildeOffwind Master's student | With a keen interest in maritime issues, Mathilde naturally chose ENSTA after completing her preparatory classes. In 2025, following two years of general engineering training, she joined the Offwind Master’s program to focus her career on marine renewable energy. Can you tell us about the Offwind Master’s program? What have you taken away from this second year of the program?The Offwind Master’s program is truly fascinating. The courses are taught almost exclusively by industry professionals covering a wide range of topics. We’ve gained a wealth of information about the context of marine renewable energy and offshore wind power. We’ve explored the various facets of the field and discovered many different career paths. At the end of this semester, we can’t claim to be experts in a specific field, but we have enough knowledge to tackle issues in every subfield of expertise within the industry. In short, I have general skills in mechanical design and in the field of offshore wind turbines, which opens up many professional opportunities for me. What are your plans for your final-year internship?My final-year project (PFE) focuses on the fatigue of jacket foundations. This is a type of foundation used for offshore wind turbines. I will be performing structural calculations applied to the marine renewable energy sector at the company Principia in Nantes. And after that?For the start of my career, I plan to focus on more technical roles. I’d also find it interesting to work on board ships installing wind farms. In the longer term, I plan to work for a developer like EDF or Iberdrola, which takes a more holistic view of offshore wind farm construction and where the challenges aren’t just technical, but broader. Any advice for Offwind Master’s candidates?I highly recommend this program: the instructors are engaging, and the program directors are very approachable and attentive. We were a small class with a great atmosphere, and we built a professional network to help us get off to a strong start in this field. |
KylianOffwind Master's student | After completing his degree in mechanical design engineering, Kylian decided to specialize in the field of offshore wind turbines—a highly innovative sector—by enrolling in the Offwind Master’s program. Why did you choose to pursue the second year of the Offwind Master’s program?The field of marine renewable energy still faces many technological challenges, leaving plenty of room for innovation. When the Offwind Master’s program was launched, I chose to join this program because it offered many advantages:
The decision was a no-brainer! What has this year brought you?The field of offshore wind energy is quite complex. It involves challenges related to structural physics (wind turbines, anchors, floats, cables, etc.), environmental factors (waves, winds, biofouling, etc.), offshore installation, port and project management, as well as legislative, economic, and financial aspects. The training allowed us to cover almost everything. It was very information-dense, but in six months, we gained knowledge on all these issues, which is quite impressive. Thanks to these past few months of training, I now have a solid foundation of fundamental knowledge about how wind turbines work as well as their environment. Beyond the technical skills, this has convinced me to work in this field. And after school, what are your plans?That will partly depend on the political situation and the status of offshore wind farm projects. Since I’m currently an apprentice, I plan to stay with my company for a while to gain more skills, but my hope is to join a company in the marine renewable energy sector, either on the technical side or in project monitoring and development. Any advice for applicants interested in the Offwind Master’s program?Be curious—the class size is small, so take advantage of the opportunity to interact with the instructors, who are experts in their fields! |