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.
This programme has January and September start dates. Apply Now.
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
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
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 programmes 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.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Offshore Engineering
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £27,000 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year UK £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Stage 1
Compulsory Courses
- Offshore Structures and Subsea Systems (EG55R4)
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15 Credit Points
This course will equip students with the required knowledge of offshore and subsea oil and gas production systems, and to enable them to gain an appreciation of the infrastructure and facilities that need to be removed during decommissioning.
- Marine and Wind Energy (EG552U)
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15 Credit Points
To provide an understanding of the physical principles, technologies and systems associated with renewable energy generation from wind and marine sources. To provide an understanding of the position of these sources of energy in the current and future global energy requirements and the technical challenges in meeting the future energy demand
- Marine Environmental Impact Assessment (ZO5516)
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15 Credit Points
In recent decades, concern about environmental damage in different parts of the world has led to public pressure on governments to regulate ‘developers’ and others so as to minimise adverse environmental effects, while allowing economic activities to continue. Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) has been developed as a critical component of the approach to achieving sustainable development. It originated in the USA and has since been incorporated into the EU/UK legislative frameworks. It is therefore important to understand the nature of the EIA process and to be able to select, and use, suitable techniques.
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5506)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
Optional Courses
Plus one from the following.
- Renewable Energy Integration to Grid (EG551K)
-
15 Credit Points
The course aims to develop a broad understanding about the challenges and requirements of integrating renewable generators (RE) to grid, how these requirements can be met using converters, and high voltage direct current (HVDC) as a method of connecting RE to AC grids.
- Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (EG55F2)
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15 Credit Points
Offshore production of oil and gas requires transportation of the oil and gas from where it is produced to shipping vessels, storage tanks or refinery. The transportation is done using pipelines which are installed on the seabed. This course examines the engineering and scientific concepts that underpin the selection of the material and size of such pipelines as well as safe installation and operation. The environmental impact and the role played by the seabed profile are also discussed. Contribution from industry-based practicing engineers is used to inform students of current practices and technologies in subsea pipelines.
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
- MSc Individual Project (EG59M2)
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60 Credit Points
The MSc Individual Project is an independent piece of research based on a topic related to a student’s degree programme. Students are encouraged to focus on a problem confronting industry or a related area. The individual project provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate how the in-depth skills and knowledge they have gained during the taught courses can be used to provide solutions to practical problems. The individual project should contain a degree of original research.
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
- Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (EG50P6)
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15 Credit Points
The world is full of uncertainties and there is a level of risk in every human activity, including engineering. Many industries require an engineer to manage significant risks and design for high reliability, such as oil and gas, subsea, nuclear, aviation and large civil projects (e.g. bridges and dams). To meet these engineering challenges and make rational decisions in the presence of uncertainty, this course will introduce students to methods and tools used by engineers to analysis risk and reliability.
- Subsea Construction, Inspection and Maintenance (EG50T7)
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15 Credit Points
Course provides a detailed understanding of the techniques used for installation, inspection, and maintenance of subsea systems, including seabed hardware, pipelines and risers, and the implications of such techniques for the design of subsea components and systems.
The module will provide detailed knowledge on various techniques and trends in the installation, inspection and maintenance of subsea equipment, especially pipeline and riser systems and principal components. It will provide engineers with a sufficiently broad awareness of techniques used throughout offshore operations to give an appreciation and understanding of system limitations and appropriate applications for different subsea environments
- Electrical Systems for Renewable Engineering (EG501H)
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15 Credit Points
The course aims to develop a broad understanding about the basic concepts in electrical engineering and power systems with emphasis on renewable power generation techniques.
Optional Courses
Plus one from the following.
- Subsea Control (EG50F6)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces the key concepts and components that form the subsea control system. A subsea control engineer must be comfortable in dealing with a multitude of engineering concepts at the basic level. Subsequently, this course borrows from concepts in mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, chemical engineering, environmental engineering, civil and structural engineering and hydraulics to name a few. The course tends to give a high-level systemic introduction of the various fundamental aspects necessary for a well-operating subsea control system.
- Offshore Structural Integrity (EG503M)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides a detailed understanding of design considerations for components to be used in offshore environments, especially in terms of materials selection, qualification, standards and testing. Reasons for failure and the application of failure analysis in design will be studied. The course will be focussed on offshore steel structures relating to traditional energy applications; however, the fundamental knowledge gained can also be applied to structural integrity assessments in other marine applications including ships, submarines and offshore renewables.This course provides a detailed understanding of design considerations for components to be used in offshore environments, especially in terms of materials selection, qualification, standards and testing. Reasons for failure and the application of failure analysis in design will be studied. The course will be focussed on offshore steel structures relating to traditional energy applications; however, the fundamental knowledge gained can also be applied to structural integrity assessments in other marine applications including ships, submarines and offshore renewables.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in 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. Find out more
- 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. Find out more.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3000 to £8,500, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
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
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
- 2:1 (upper second class) 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 2:1 in Applied Mathematics or Physics may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Those with a 2:2 Honours degree in Engineering may also be considered if they can demonstrate 3+ years of relevant industry experience.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
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
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
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. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded post graduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
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. This is essential for your future career success. 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.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
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)
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Srinivas Sriramula
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX