Program Overview

Subsurface Energy Engineering, MSc

Introduction

The subsurface has a critical role to play in addressing global warming. Not only does the subsurface provide sources of low-carbon energy, for example, geothermal, but it also enables the storage of energy, including hydrogen, and the permanent sequestration of CO₂ in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs.

By studying this programme you will gain the engineering skills you need to launch your career in subsurface energy production and storage.

This programme is also available to study part time online.

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

The MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering programme builds on the University of Aberdeen's long track record of teaching and research in energy, to provide advanced training in the design and use of available subsurface resources in conjunction with low-carbon energy sources for achieving a sustainable energy future.

You will learn the fundamentals of fluid transport processes in the subsurface with applications to hydrogen transportation and storage, geothermal resources and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Unlike other engineering programmes, we also cover the important area of sustainable mining for critical energy transition metals, such as lithium and zinc, as well as the subsequent processing, recycling and reuse of these materials. Also, we look at sustainability tools, management systems and standards around the management of quality, environment, energy, safety and life cycle assessment.

This MSc will provide you with a thorough understanding of subsurface transport processes and how to apply the latest computational and modelling techniques to analyse and evaluate the subsurface for various energy related purposes. You will therefore be able to pursue a career not only in sustainable energy sector, but also in related areas such as petroleum engineering, contaminant transport, hydrology and environmental engineering.

The programme syllabus draws on much of the ground-breaking research being conducted within the Centre for Energy Transition (CET), in areas such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and critical materials for the energy transition.

Programme Fees

Semester 1

Compulsory Courses

• EG505Y Subsurface Transport Processes (15 Credit Points)
• Near Surface & Environmental Geophysics (GL5059)
• Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K)
• Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A)

Semester 2

Compulsory Courses

• EG555R Critical Minerals for Energy Transition and Sustainability (15 Credit Points)
• EG555Z Simulation of Flow in Porous Media (15 Credit Points)
• EG555S Sustainable Engineering Challenges (15 Credit Points)
• Energy Conversion and Storage (EG551J)

Semester 3

Compulsory Courses

• MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)

Available Programmes of Study

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

Entry Requirements

The programme is suitable for recent graduates from engineering, chemistry or geology, or experienced energy professionals looking to transition into the sustainable energy sector.

Qualifications

• A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering
• A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics or Geosciences
• A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering and three years of relevant industry experience

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate

The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK.

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

Careers

The MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering prepares students for careers in various areas related to energy extraction and storage, including hydrogen transportation and storage, geothermal resources, carbon capture and storage, nuclear waste storage and critical materials for the energy transition. The skills-based approach also gives students the transferable skills for complementary roles in oil and gas, as well data analytics and policy.

Our Experts

• Programme Leader: Dr Amin Sharifi
• Other Experts:
  • Dr Roozbeh Rafati
  • Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe
  • Dr Jeff Gomes
  • Dr Yingfang Zhou
  • Dr Prashant Jadhawar