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
Subsea Engineering, MSc
Introduction
The MSc Subsea Engineering combines cutting-edge teaching and research with our extensive industry links to prepare graduate engineers for technical leadership roles within the subsea industry.
This programme has January and September start dates. Apply Now.
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
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
Drawing on over 40 years of subsea industry and research excellence in the North Sea basin, this programme teaches the fundamental skills and technical knowledge of the development and operation of subsea technologies and systems.
The courses on this programme cover advanced aspects of subsea engineering, from wellhead to topside structure interconnections, as well as the practical skills needed to apply sound engineering principles and analysis methods to the design and installation of subsea systems.
You will learn to use and adapt appropriate analysis tools and techniques, specialist design software and standards for design improvements and performance optimisation via industry-focused courses. In addition to gaining the necessary technical skills and knowledge for a subsea career, you will also further enhance your communication, project management and problem-solving skills through your course assignments and research project.
With 40% of all the world's subsea installations located in the North Sea, Aberdeen is recognised as Europe’s leading centre for subsea development and operations. There is a cluster of leading subsea engineering companies in Aberdeen and this programme benefits from our significant industry engagement, including industry advisory panels, guest lectures, field trips, site visits, networking and careers events, and industry-supported student projects.
This degree holds accreditation from the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology, the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), the Energy Institute, and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
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Subsea Engineering
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Stage 1
Compulsory Courses
PD5006 Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (0 credit points)
EG506V Introduction to Subsea Systems and Offshore Structures (0 credit points)
EG507C Subsea Production and Control (15 credit points)
EG503M Offshore Structural Integrity (15 credit points)
EG50T7 Subsea Construction, Inspection and Maintenance (15 credit points)
EG50P6 Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Introduction to Subsea Systems and Offshore Structures (EG506V)
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This course will give you an overview of subsea oil and gas production systems and offshore renewables, and an appreciation of the infrastructure and facilities that need to be removed when the time arrives for decommissioning.
You’ll be introduced to various aspects of offshore structures and subsea systems, including wind turbines, subsea oil and gas hardware and pipelines, and their associated infrastructure. You’ll also learn how these systems are maintained and monitored.
- Subsea Production and Control (EG507C)
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15 Credit Points
The course covers design, analysis and operation of subsea production and control systems for various field development options and efficient management of subsea facilities. It introduces the technical and engineering challenges of oil and gas production in subsea fields worldwide, including system reliability, environmental impact and technological advancements. Students will learn about subsea infrastructure and control mechanisms essential for reliable subsea field performance.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
Stage 2
Compulsory Courses
EG55F2 Pipelines and Soil Mechanics (15 credit points)
EG55F9 Riser Systems & Hydrodynamics (15 credit points)
EG55F8 Flow Assurance (15 credit points)
EG552U Marine and Wind Energy (15 credit points)- 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.
- Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics (EG55F9)
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15 Credit Points
The course provides students with detailed knowledge of risers systems design considerations. Typical riser systems including flexible, steel catenary, hybrid and top tensioned riser systems are covered. The ocean environmental hydrodynamics and interactions between vessel, mooring and riser systems are also considered.
- Flow Assurance (EG55F8)
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15 Credit Points
There are many challenges during transport of oil and gas through pipelines. These challenges require a real grasp of the fundamentals in fluid mechanics, heat transfer, phase changes, deposition and/or obstruction, erosion and new technologies to ensure a reliable and cost effective provision of oil and gas. Deep water production, heavy oils, high water production, severe slugging, hydrates, sour gases, asphaltenes and waxes make this task even harder. This course will provide a detailed explanation of the topics, a well-balanced set of tutorials with real examples, invited lectures from experienced engineers and flow assurance specific software training.
- 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
Stage 3
Compulsory Courses
- MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)
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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.
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 change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
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 Tuition Fees page.
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 £3,000 to £8,000, 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
- 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.
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
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded postgraduate taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
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
-
Neil Gordon - Chief ExecutiveSubsea UK
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
- The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology
- Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE)
- The Energy Institute
- Institution of Mechanical Engineers
What our Alumni Say
Catherine Hammond
Otonye Iboroma
Alan Ross
Pedro Miguel Vidigal
Olamide Ajala
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. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
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
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX