Hon. Dr. Andrew Wheatley (1st right), Minister of Science, Energy and Technology points to the banner as he officially launches the University of Technology, Jamaica multidisciplinary Master of Science Degree in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change at the University’s Papine campus on Thursday, March 2, 2017. Participating in the launch (from left) are Prof. Thomas Bruckner, Coordinating Lead Author, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Germany , Mr Martin Henry, Project Manager, School of Graduate Studies, Research and Entrepreneurship, who chaired the launch ceremony, Mrs. Michael Dumke, Charge d' Affaires, German Embassy, Dr. Garfield Young, Dean, Faculty of The Built Environment, Prof. Stephen Vasciannie, CD, President, Dr. Ruth Potopsingh, AVP, Sustainable Energy, UTech, Jamaica, Dr. Devon Gardener, Programme Manager for Energy, CARICOM Secretariat and Ms. Anja Schwerin, Advisor on Renewable Energies and Capacity Building, German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) in the Dominican Republic.
The University of Technology, Jamaica through its Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute (CSEII) and the Faculty of The Built Environment (FOBE) on Thursday, March 2, 2017 launched the multidisciplinary Master of Science Degree in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change.
The degree was developed in collaboration with technical and financial assistance from partner, the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) through the CARICOM Renewable Energy Efficiency Technical Assistance Programme (REETA) and is the first programme of its kind to be offered in the Caribbean region. The establishment of the programme is in response to the need for tertiary level training of specialists in the areas of sustainable energy and climate change and has a strong focus on Sustainable Energy, Entrepreneurship and Green Business Development - areas critical to Jamaica’s future development within the global economy and for the creation of new jobs and innovations in keeping with the Green Growth strategy of the Government.
Dr. Ruth Potopsingh, Associate Vice President, Sustainable Energy and Head of the Caribbean Sustainable Energy and Innovation Institute (CSEII) in providing an overview of the Master’s programme said that the multidisciplinary degree “has taken an innovation driven, problem solving approach to prepare students who are responsive to the global drives for green business development linked to sustainable energy and climate change solutions.” She noted that the curriculum will integrate multiple disciplines such as engineering, natural sciences, climate change, health and social sciences, law, economics, urban planning and business. The modules are developed to advance the process of low carbon economic growth and development and include such areas as “Green Business and Green Growth,” Energy Management in Buildings and Industry,” “Energy and Environment Data Management” and “Green Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” among others.
The 20-month course of study which includes 160 hours of internship and an innovation focused research project is set to commence on May 1, 2017 with a target of 25 students. Entry requirement is a BSc/BA with at least a 2.7 GPA in the related disciplines of engineering, natural sciences or social sciences. Candidates with five years management level experience in a relevant field may also apply. Application forms are now available on the University’s website at www.utechjamaica.edu.jm/admissions/enrolment/graduate-students
Dr. Potopsingh assured the audience of academics, energy professionals, members of government and students, that “graduates of the Master of Science in Sustainable Energy and Climate Change will develop a strong ethical and philosophical perspective on good environmental stewardship, clean energy and the use of resources in a sustainable manner for the welfare of humanity and its support systems.”
