The Aura CDT first cohort is well underway with their first year of study. Students are graduates from the Universities of Bangor, Hull and Manchester and with degrees in a range of STEM subjects from Marine Biology to Chemistry and Geological Oceanography to Chemical Engineering.

All students take a PG Dip taught programme during their first year at the Aura CDT. The majority of this programme sees them based at the Energy and Environment Institute at the University of Hull. Students also take trips out to the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre for some practical elements of the programme.

Students undertake a range of projects as individuals and groups, drawing on the skills and experience of a range of academics and making links with industry figures. The taught programme will bring all students up to speed with the current state-of-the-art in offshore wind energy and an understanding of developments, as well as honing their research skills to help prepare for their 3-year PhD project.