| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
| 2026-01-01 | - |
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
| Fee Category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| UK | £11,100 |
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
Program Outline
- Hydrogen transportation and storage
- Geothermal resources
- Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS)
- Sustainable mining of critical energy transition metals (e.g., lithium and zinc)
- Processing, recycling, and reuse of critical energy transition metals
- Sustainability tools, management systems, and standards (covering quality, environment, energy, safety, and life cycle assessment)
Outline:
- Simulation of Flow in Porous Media: Equips you with numerical techniques for modeling single and multiphase flows in applications like geothermal, CCUS, underground hydrogen storage, and hydrology projects.
- Near Surface & Environmental Geophysics: Equips students with the ability to plan and conduct their own geophysical experiments, focusing on various near-surface features. Fieldwork involving diverse geophysical equipment forms a significant component of this module.
- Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS): Presents an overview of CCUS motivations, challenges, and technological solutions, delving into the primary capture methods, CO2 transportation, and underground storage, covering their technical, economic, and environmental aspects.
- Geothermal and Hydro Energy: Provides an understanding of the physical principles, technologies, and systems associated with renewable energy generation from geothermal and hydro sources, including their position in the global energy landscape and future challenges.
Semester 3:
- MSc Individual Project: An independent research project based on a topic related to the student's program, designed to encourage application of acquired skills and knowledge to solve practical problems. The project should exhibit an element of original research.
The program utilizes
- Interactive teaching methods
- Blended learning approaches
- Extensive use of case studies and industrial examples
- State-of-the-art laboratory and field equipment
Assessment:
The program utilizes a variety of assessment methods, including:
- Examinations
- Coursework (assignments, laboratory reports, group projects)
- Presentations
- Individual Project
Teaching:
The program utilizes interactive teaching methods in a supportive learning environment, featuring:
- Class discussions
- Problem-solving sessions
- Group work
- Use of real-world case studies and industrial examples
- Blended learning for online and on-campus modules
Careers:
This program prepares graduates 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
- Critical materials for the energy transition
Other:
The University of Aberdeen boasts a significant advantage in C0₂ storage technology due to
- Technical and commercial offshore energy skills built over 50 years
- Existing energy infrastructure
- Unique geology of the North Sea basin
The UK government recognizes CCS as a critical technology for
- Helping carbon-intensive industries meet net zero goals
- Supporting the growth of the offshore oil and gas supply chain
The projected growth of the low-carbon energy sector
- Expects to create 220,000 new positions in the UK over the next 10 years
EU / International students: £27,000 UK: £11,100
University of Aberdeen
Overview:
The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.
Services Offered:
The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:
Academic Support:
Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.Student Life:
Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.Accommodation:
On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.Career Services:
Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.Financial Aid:
Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.International Student Support:
Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.Student Life and Campus Experience:
Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:
Sports:
Participation in various sports teams and leagues.Societies and Clubs:
Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.Events and Activities:
Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.Student Union:
Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.Key Reasons to Study There:
Academic Excellence:
The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.Global Reputation:
It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.Beautiful Campus:
The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.Vibrant City:
Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.Strong Research Focus:
The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.Academic Programs:
The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:
Undergraduate Degrees:
Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.Postgraduate Taught Degrees:
Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.Postgraduate Research Degrees:
PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.Online Learning:
Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.Other:
The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.
Student Life and Campus Experience:
While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.Key Reasons to Study There:
The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.Entry Requirements:
EU Home Students:
- A 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering.
- A 2:1 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.
International Overseas Students:
- The same requirements as EU Home Students.
- Applicants with a degree in a non-engineering discipline may be considered if they have a strong academic background in relevant subjects such as mathematics, physics, chemistry, or geology.
- Applicants with relevant industry experience may be considered for entry with a lower academic qualification.
- All applicants must meet the University's English Language Requirements.
Language Proficiency Requirements:
- 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
- Applicants who do not meet the English language requirements may be able to take a pre-sessional English language course.
