Offshore Engineering

Program Overview

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Offshore Engineering, MSc

Introduction

Aimed at both practising engineers and recent graduates, this programme is designed to equip students with the skills needed to work in a wide variety of roles in the offshore engineering sector, including oil and gas and renewables.

Study Information

Study Options

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September or January
• Location of Study: Aberdeen

Scotland is leading the way in developing offshore wind technology. The established offshore engineering expertise built up during a 50-year period of leadership in oil and gas has meant Aberdeen has emerged as a major hub for offshore renewables. There are currently 6 offshore wind farms in operation in Scotland, 3 of which are off the coast of Aberdeen, including Hywind, the world's first commercial wind farm using floating wind turbines.

The MSc Offshore Engineering programme draws upon the School of Engineering's strengths in both subsea engineering and renewable energy engineering, to meet the growing demand for expertise in repurposing technology associated with subsea oil and gas production and infrastructure installation for the offshore renewables industry.

The programme is therefore designed to be accessible to applicants from a wide range of engineering disciplines such as civil, petroleum or mechanical engineering, but also electrical and electronic engineers interested in a career in subsea controls.

A unique strength of the MSc Offshore Engineering programme at Aberdeen is the inclusion of courses on marine renewables and marine environment impact assessments, alongside courses on subsea construction, which gives our graduates greater opportunities across the wider field of marine energy. This aspect of the programme appeals to engineers working within the subsea oil and gas industry, who are looking to diversify towards offshore renewable energy.

This programme holds accreditation from The Energy Institute, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and Institution of Mechanical Engineers ensuring that the curriculum is designed and delivered to the highest professional standards.

Programme Fees

Fee category	Cost
EU / International students	£26,250
UK	£11,100

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• PD5006 Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (0 credit points)
• EG506V Introduction to Subsea Systems and Offshore Structures (0 credits)
• EG50?? Subsea Production and Control (15 credit points)
• EG503M Offshore Structural Integrity (15 credit points)
• EG50T7 Subsea construction, Inspection and Maintenance (15 credit points)

Optional Courses

• Plus one from the following:
  • Electrical Systems for Renewable Energy (EG501H)
  • Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (EG50P6)

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

• EG552U Marine and Wind Energy (15 credit points)
• EG55F2 Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (15 credit points)

Optional Courses

• Select two from the following:
  • Renewable Energy Integration to Grid (EG551K)
  • Flow Assurance (EG55F8)
  • Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9)

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)

Stage 1

Compulsory Courses

• PD5506 Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (0 credit points)
• EG556V Introduction to Subsea Systems and Offshore Structures (0 credits)
• EG552U Marine and Wind Energy (15 credit points)
• EG55F2 Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (15 credit points)

Optional Courses

• Plus two from the following:
  • Renewable Energy Integration to Grid (EG551K)
  • Flow Assurance (EG55F8)
  • Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9)

Stage 2

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Individual Project (EG59M2)

Stage 3

Compulsory Courses

• EG507C Subsea Production and Control (15 credit points)
• EG503M Offshore Structural Integrity (15 credit points)
• EG50T7 Subsea construction, Inspection and Maintenance (15 credit points)

Optional Courses

• Plus one from the following:
  • Electrical Systems for Renewable Energy (EG501H)
  • Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (EG50P6)

Available Programmes of Study

• MSc
  • Offshore Engineering
    • Qualification: MSc
    • Duration: 12 months
    • Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
    • Study Mode: Full Time
    • Start Month: September
    • Location: Aberdeen

Funding Opportunities

• Shell U.K. Limited is offering three £20,000 scholarships for students starting a Masters programme aligned with the Centre for Energy Transition (CET) commencing in September 2024.
• NEO Energy, an independent full-cycle energy business in the UKCS, are offering two postgraduate scholarships in a variety of taught degree programmes at the University of Aberdeen. Each scholarship is valued at £20,000.

Scholarships

• All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

• You may also be interested in the following related postgraduate degree programmes:
  • Oil and Gas Engineering
  • Petroleum Engineering
  • Subsea Engineering

How You'll Study

• Learning Methods:
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Why Study Offshore Engineering?

• Includes courses on marine renewables and marine environment impact assessments, alongside industry-focused courses on subsea construction which have applications in the wider field of marine energy.
• Allows students to gain a broad understanding of offshore energy production, from both the renewable and oil and gas sectors.
• Available to students from Electrical and Electronic Engineering backgrounds as well as Mechanical, Petroleum and Civil engineers.
• Our close links with industry ensures that you experience lectures taught by industry professionals and have opportunities to undertake MSc projects with leading firms.
• The programme illustrates how technology and expertise associated with subsea oil and gas production and infrastructure installation can be repurposed for the marine renewables industry.

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications:
  • 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in any branch of Engineering.
  • Students with a 2:2 in Applied Mathematics or Physics may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

English Language Requirements

• To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently.
• The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme:
  • CV
  • Degree Certificate
  • Degree Transcript
  • Personal Statement

Careers

• There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability.
• The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.

Accreditation

• This degree holds accreditation from:
  • The Energy Institute
  • The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology
  • Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
  • Institution of Mechanical Engineers
  • Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)
  • Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE)
  • Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT)

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Offshore Engineering MSc

This program, designed for both practicing engineers and recent graduates, aims to equip students with the skills needed to work in a variety of roles within the offshore engineering sector, including oil and gas and renewables.

• Gain industry-relevant skills in design, analysis, and project management.
• Prepare graduates for successful careers in the offshore engineering industry.

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Description:

The program draws upon the School of Engineering's strengths in both subsea engineering and renewable energy engineering, addressing the growing demand for expertise in repurposing technologies associated with subsea oil and gas production and infrastructure installation for the offshore renewables industry.

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Outline:

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Stage 1 (January Start)

• Offshore Structures and Subsea Systems (EG55R4): This course equips students with the knowledge of offshore and subsea oil and gas production systems, including decommissioning infrastructure and facilities.
• Marine Environmental Impact Assessment (ZO5516): This course focuses on the importance of environmental impact assessment in achieving sustainable development and equips students with the necessary skills to select and utilize appropriate techniques.

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Optional Courses (Select One):

• Renewable Energy Integration to Grid (EG551K): This course explores the challenges and requirements of integrating renewable energy generators to the grid, focusing on converters and high voltage direct current (HVDC) as connection methods.
• Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (EG55F2): This course examines the engineering and scientific concepts behind the selection and installation of subsea pipelines, including the impact of the seabed profile and environmental considerations.

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Stage 2 (Full Year)

• MSc Individual Project (EG59M2): This independent research project allows students to apply their knowledge and skills to a specific problem within the offshore engineering field.

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Stage 3 (September Start)

• Offshore Structures and Subsea Systems (EG50R1): This course provides an in-depth understanding of offshore and subsea oil and gas production systems, including decommissioning infrastructure and facilities.
• Subsea Construction, Inspection and Maintenance (EG50T7): This course explores the techniques used for installation, inspection, and maintenance of subsea systems, covering seabed hardware, pipelines, and risers.

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Optional Courses (Select One):

• Subsea Control (EG50F6): This course introduces the key concepts and components of subsea control systems, covering various engineering disciplines.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary depending on the individual modules and may include:

• Examinations: Written exams testing knowledge and understanding of course material.
• Coursework: Assignments, projects, and reports demonstrating application of knowledge and skills.
• Presentations: Oral presentations showcasing research findings or project outcomes.
• Individual Project: A comprehensive research project assessed based on originality, quality of research, and presentation.

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Teaching:

The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:

• Lectures: Delivered by subject experts to introduce key concepts and principles.
• Tutorials: Smaller group sessions for problem-solving and application of knowledge.
• Practical Sessions: Hands-on activities to reinforce theoretical concepts and develop practical skills.
• Guest Lectures: Industry professionals sharing their expertise and insights.
• Independent Study: Self-directed learning and research for individual projects.

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Faculty:

The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified academics and industry professionals, with expertise in various aspects of offshore engineering.

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Careers:

Graduates of the program can pursue careers in a variety of roles within the offshore engineering sector, including:

• Subsea Engineer: Designing, developing, and maintaining subsea infrastructure and equipment.
• Offshore Renewables Engineer: Working on the design, installation, and operation of offshore wind farms and other renewable energy projects.
• Project Manager: Leading and managing projects within the offshore engineering industry.
• Consultant: Providing expert advice and services to companies operating in the offshore sector.
• Researcher: Conducting research and development activities to advance the field of offshore engineering.

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Other:

• The program holds accreditation from prestigious professional bodies, including The Energy Institute, The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and Institution of Mechanical Engineers, ensuring the curriculum meets the highest professional standards.

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EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £11,100