MSc Decommissioning

Program Overview

The MSc Decommissioning program from the University of Aberdeen provides comprehensive training in all aspects of decommissioning oil rigs, platforms, and offshore structures. Delivered online part-time, it combines engineering, project management, business, law, health and safety, and environmental studies. The program is accredited by industry bodies and benefits from guest lectures from leading decommissioning experts. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in the growing global decommissioning market.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Objective:

Train students in all aspects of decommissioning oil rigs, platforms, and offshore structures.

Program Description:

• Delivered 100% online.
• Part-time study format.
• Typical duration: 27 months.
• Accredited by the Energy Institute and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology.
• Combines engineering, project management, business, law, health and safety, and environmental studies.
• Designed in collaboration with major industry operators, supply chain companies, and regulatory bodies.
• Benefits from guest lectures from leading decommissioning industry experts and industry-based projects.

Target Audience:

• Graduates or experienced professionals seeking to upskill or transition into the growing decommissioning sector.
• Students from diverse academic and industry backgrounds including engineering, business, law, and environmental science.

Outline:

Program Structure:

• Earn an MSc (180 credits) or exit with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).
• Build your qualification one short course at a time.
• MSc comprises 8 x 15-credit courses and a 60-credit project.
• Short courses are available individually or as part of the degree.

Compulsory Courses:

• Offshore Structures and Subsea Systems
• Decommissioning of Offshore Installations: Regulatory Aspects
• Marine and Environmental Impact Assessment
• Process Shutdown, Structural Decommissioning and Disposal
• Well Plugging and Abandonment
• Petroleum Economics and Project Evaluation
• Group Project in Comparative Assessment

Elective Courses (Choose one):

• Decommissioning of Offshore Installations: Commercial Issues
• Engineering Risk and Reliability Analysis (suitable for students with engineering, mathematics and physics background)

Project:

• MSc Individual Project (60 credits)

Course Schedule:

• Courses are offered in September and January.
• MSc typically takes 27 months to complete part-time (recommended: 30 credits per term).
• Breaks between courses are permitted.
• Degree completion must occur within six years.

Assessment:

Assessment methods:

• Online assessments.
• Written exams (currently replaced with online assessments due to COVID-19, expected to return in September 2023).

Exam locations:

• University of Aberdeen campus.
• Other universities or exam centres.
• British Council Offices.

Exam costs:

• Free on campus.

Resit opportunities:

• Next exam period.

Teaching:

Teaching methods:

• Online learning through MyAberdeen virtual learning environment.
• Access to materials, tools, and support 24/7.
• Resources include online library access and award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
• Mobile-friendly learning materials.

Faculty:

• Academic experts from engineering, law, business, economics, and environmental science.
• Industry experience and research collaborations.
• Guest lectures from decommissioning industry professionals.

Delivery:

• School of Engineering.

Careers:

Career opportunities:

• Global decommissioning market.
• Estimated 100 offshore platforms and 5,700km of pipeline decommissioned/reused on UK Continental Shelf in the next decade.
• £59 billion estimated cost by 2050.
• Opportunities in key regions around the globe.

Career support:

• Free careers service during and after studies.
• 1:1 appointments.
• CV checks.
• Interview prep.
• Job opportunities.

Other:

• National Decommissioning Centre partnership.
• 20% alumni discount.
• Global network of learners.
• Lifelong career support.
Updates may have occurred since then.