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 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 LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September MoreMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen MoreStage 1
Compulsory Courses
- 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’.
- 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.
- 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.
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 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.
- 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
Programme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £27,000 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year Home / RUK £11,077 Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year
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
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
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.
Funding Opportunities
Shell UK Limited is offering 5 scholarships for Home/RUK students commencing a Master's programme aligned to the Centre for Energy Transition commencing in the 2023/24 academic year. Find out more.
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
International Applicants
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
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Neil Gordon - Chief ExecutiveSubsea UK
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
Otonye Iboroma
Alan Ross
Pedro Miguel Vidigal
Olamide Ajala
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
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