Postgraduate Taught Programme: Oil & Gas Structural Engineering

Aims

The programme is aimed at practising Structural Engineers. Therefore, while a good honours degree is a pre-requisite (as is standard for an MSc programme), this MSc also requires applicants to have practical Structural Engineering experience, to provide the context for the taught material.

To enable such Engineers to remain in their employment the MSc is only available as a Part-Time programme and is taught entirely via the University's online virtual learning environment (WebCT). The internet delivery is a staged release of teaching materials and coursework assignments with online quizzes after each teaching block. Teaching blocks are normally three weeks apart. Half of the modules will also have an end of module Examination - in January or May/June - which can either be at Aberdeen or at an agreed Higher Education establishment/British Council office convenient for the student's own location anywhere in the world.

Class interaction with each other, and with the tutor, is via module-specific online discussion boards and email. To sustain a good teaching experience and ensure good access to, and feedback from, the Industry-based tutors especially, places on the programme are limited.

• Part-time study only
• Internet-based distance learning
• Can be studied to degree level or taken as CPD modules
• Relevant for practising Oil and Gas Structural Engineers
• Developing International Skills and Business Links
• Flexible, Modular Options

Requirements

2:1 honours degree in Civil or Structural Engineering, or equivalent. Applicants with other relevant qualifications will be considered if they also have significant relevant Structural Engineering professional experience.

Ideally all applicants must have at least 1 or 2 years (depending on its nature) of relevant experience.

It is important when submitting an application that you ensure you have completed all the necessary sections and enclosed all the relevant documentation to ensure that your application can be processed as quickly as possible.

Even if you have been educated in the medium of English you must meet our English Language requirements. These are located at www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/international/english.shtml. This programme requires that you meet the 'Postgraduate Standard' level of English proficiency. If you are in doubt about your proficiency in English, contact the British Council office or its equivalent in your country. If your first language is not English, it is important that your proficiency in English is good in order for you to study successfully at the University of Aberdeen . Without this ability you will find great difficulty in understanding lectures, producing written work and sitting examinations.

We have one intake each year in September. Late applications may be asked to wait until the next intake should the programme coordinator feel there is insufficient time to consider the application. Prospective students who require a visa to study in the UK are advised to apply as early in the year as possible to secure a place. Applications received after 30th June from students who need to apply for a visa to study in the UK will not be processed for entry in September of that year but may be considered for entry the following year as appropriate.

It is important to note that the programmes of postgraduate study at the University of Aberdeen are very competitive and the entry requirements stated are a guide to the minimum requirements, but do not guarantee entry.

Syllabus

Half of the modules are delivered by Structural Engineers well respected for their experience and expertise in the Oil and Gas industry in Aberdeen, from a variety of companies. The remaining modules are delivered by Aberdeen University Academics recognised both in Academe and in Industry as experts in their fields. This mix of Industry and Academia has produced a high value, demanding programme delivering in-depth fundamental understanding and practical application.

The programme can boast of students right across the world making the learning experience truly international.

The MSc is made up of twelve taught modules, which are normally taken two at a time, over three years (although it is possible to take up to 6 years, if interruptions from study or a slower pace are required).

The modules have been selected to provide maximum relevance to current and future Industry requirements. The modules listed below are subject to constant monitoring and re-appraisal by an Advisory Board of Industry Representatives, and, as such, are subject to change.

Year 1 - Certificate Stage

• Conceptual Design of Top-Side Modules
• Fatigue and Fracture Mechanics
• Structural Dynamics
• Design of Connections

Year 2 - Diploma Stage

• Blast and Fire Engineering
• Brownfield Engineering
• Petrochemical Structural Engineering
• Finite Element Methods

Year 3 - MSc Stage

• Conceptual Design of Jackets and Subsea Structures
• Design of Stiffened Plates
• Re-Assessment of Existing Structures by Structural Reliability Analysis
• Design of Jacket Attachments

Exit Points

It is possible to leave the programme after four successful modules and to obtain a Postgraduate Certificate in Oil and Gas Structural Engineering, or after 8 modules to obtain a Post Graduate Diploma in Oil and Gas Structural Engineering.

Assessment

Assessment is by a mix of examination and coursework for most modules with almost half of the modules being by coursework alone.

Funding

Fees

Information on tuition fees, including the current fee level, can be found on the University Registry website.

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