Subsea Engineering, MSc

Subsea Engineering, MSc

Introduction

The MSc Subsea Engineering is widely regarded as one of the best programmes of its kind in the UK. The programme is designed to prepare highly trained engineers for industry, by focusing on the fundamental skills and technical knowledge that are in demand by the subsea sector today.

MSc Subsea Engineering is also available to study part time online, while you can also study individual courses from this programme 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 Subsea Engineering programme focuses on the fundamental skills and technical knowledge needed to prepare graduate engineers for technical leadership roles within the subsea industry.

In particular, you will gain increased technical knowledge and understanding of the development and operation of subsea technologies and systems, from wellhead to topside structure interconnections, as well as the intellectual and practical skills needed to apply sound engineering principles and analysis methods to the design and installation of subsea systems.

You will also learn to use and adapt appropriate analysis tools and techniques, specialist design software and standards for design improvements and performance optimisation. In addition, you will have the opportunity to further enhance your transferable and personal skills in self-study, communication, report writing, project and time management, and problem solving.

With 40% of all the world's subsea installations located in the North Sea, Aberdeen is Europe’s leading centre for subsea development and operation. A cluster of world-leading subsea technology companies has developed around Aberdeen over the last four decades, including TechnipFMC, Aker Solutions, GE Oil & Gas, Subsea 7 and Bibby Offshore, supported by an extensive network of supply chain companies.

Available Programmes of Study

MSc

Subsea Engineering

Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month Location  
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September More
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More

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.

Scholarships

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.

How You'll Study

Learning Methods

  • Field Trips
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials

Assessment Methods

Assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination. The online learning coursework is submitted to the course tutor through the web-site and marks and comments will be sent back, also via the web. Arrangements can be made for examinations to be taken at a convenient place for you. Online learning students near to Aberdeen are able to take their examinations at the University.

Why Study Subsea Engineering?

  • Aberdeen is recognised as the global Centre of Excellence for Subsea development and operations.
  • The programme is fully accredited by the The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) and Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT), ensuring that your teaching is recognised by relevant bodies and that you are getting the best possible experience.
  • You will gain an awareness of the roles and challenges of a practising subsea engineer as well as the knowledge, understanding and skills necessary for technical leadership and managerial responsibility.
  • You will be given the opportunity to further enhance your transferable and personal skills in self-study, communication, report writing, project and time management, and problem-solving.
  • Part-time, online learning study option is available, suiting those individuals that are interested in pursuing an MSc qualification whilst continuing to work.
  • You will be part of a University that is a founding Member of the Global Subsea Universities Alliance.
  • Our location at the heart of Aberdeen, Europe's energy capital, and leading "World Energy City", brings you closer to the industry. The city is an inspiring place for any future industry leader.
  • Our geographic location puts us in a unique position of being able to offer a curriculum that is highly relevant to the needs of employers, alongside cutting-edge research. A degree from Aberdeen puts you in a unique position to develop crucial business links alongside your learning.
  • To ensure that the degree programmes remain current and connected to industry, the programme is developed and reviewed by an Industry Advisory Board, made up of experienced professionals from a range of backgrounds.
  • Our close links with industry ensures that you experience lectures taught by industry professionals and have opportunities to undertake MSc projects with leading firms.
  • Our engineering graduates move in to very successful careers with a large proportion working in senior roles in the industry, even as high as CEO and MD level. It doesn't matter where in the world you end up working, you are likely to have a fellow Aberdeen graduate engineer working with you.

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 Oil & Gas Industry experience.
  • Key subjects you must have covered: Mathematics, Stress Analysis, Strength of Materials, Dynamics, Fluids, Thermodynamics and Engineering Design.

Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate

The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-03. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must to apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme

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

Careers

As the MSc in Subsea Engineering is focused on every kind of marine operation in the offshore industry, there are many opportunities for career enhancement.

Career Opportunities

  • Analysis Engineer
  • Marine Contractor
  • Subsea Field Engineer
  • Subsea Installation Engineer

Industry Links

Neil Gordon - Chief Executive Subsea UK - “Today’s students are the people who will drive our industry forward for years to come. Set in the heart of industry’s global centre of excellence for subsea engineering, Aberdeen has a unique relationship with the subsea industry both locally and internationally. We are extremely proud to support the degree programme and help develop business links that will enhance the overall learning experience for students.”

Hear from Business

  • Subsea UK
    Neil Gordon - Chief ExecutiveSubsea UK

    Subsea UK

    It's important that we continue to support and engage with today’s students as they are the people who will drive our industry forward for years to come. Neil Gordon - Chief Executive

Accreditation

The programme is fully accredited by the The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST) and the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Institute of Highway Engineers (IHE) and the Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation (CIHT), ensuring that your teaching is recognised by relevant bodies and that you are getting the best possible experience.

This degree holds accreditation from

What our Alumni Say

Catherine Hammond

Catherine Hammond

Catherine Hammond

Job Details
Graduate Project Engineer
Graduated 2015

I was very lucky to start with Technip UK the very same day my Masters programme finished and I have been fully immersed into the busy life of an offshore Project Management Team.

Otonye Iboroma

Otonye Iboroma

Otonye Iboroma

Job Details
Subsea Project Engineer
Graduated 2013

The school has a very close working relationship with the players in the oil & gas sector thereby availing me the opportunity of having to know real time challenges and solutions.

Alan Ross

Alan Ross

Alan Ross

Job Details
Installation Analysis Engineer
Graduated 2010

When researching potential universities, I found a lot of evidence that indicated the University of Aberdeen has a very good reputation from an engineering standpoint.

Pedro Miguel Vidigal

Pedro Miguel Vidigal

Pedro Miguel Vidigal

Job Details
Subsea Installation and Tie In Engineer
Graduated 2012

The MSc in Subsea Engineering is focused on every kind of marine operations in the offshore industry and it helped me to get involved with a marine contractor.

Olamide Ajala

Olamide Ajala

Olamide Ajala

Job Details
PhD Student
Graduated 2014

My degree gave me a broad knowledge, understanding and exposure to Subsea Engineering . It provided me the great opportunity to carry out my MSc Project with Subsea 7 (France).

Our Experts

Deputy Programme Coordinator
Dr Antonios Karadimos
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.

Features

Image for Industry Visits
Industry Visits

Industry Visits

Our close connections with the UK Subsea Industry means you get the chance to visit a number of different organisations and learn about their area of expertise. One good example is the National Hyperbaric Centre.

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Address
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX