University of Aberdeen United Kingdom

Decommissioning MSc

Integrated Masters with deeper specialization and research focus
Taught in English
Duration 12 Months
Mode On Campus
Level Postgraduate
Degree Masters Degree
Closing soon January 2027

Course Overview

The Decommissioning MSc at the University of Aberdeen is designed for ambitious professionals seeking to lead in the critical and growing field of energy infrastructure retirement. As the global energy sector transitions, understanding the complex technical, commercial, and regulatory aspects of decommissioning is paramount. This programme equips you with the advanced knowledge required to manage the challenges and capitalise on the opportunities presented by the planned decommissioning of offshore installations and pipelines. You will explore key areas such as well plugging and abandonment, carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), and the regulatory frameworks governing this vital industry.

This full-time, on-campus Masters degree, studied over 12 months, offers a comprehensive learning experience. You will engage with compulsory courses covering fundamentals, subsea systems, regulatory and commercial aspects, and process shut down, alongside a significant group project and an individual MSc project. You will have the opportunity to choose optional courses in areas like marine and wind energy or sustainable engineering challenges, tailoring your studies to your interests. You will graduate with the expertise to drive innovation and efficiency in decommissioning projects, preparing you for impactful roles within the energy industry and its supply chain.

Course Curriculum & Details

Detailed information for serious evaluators

Program Overview

This MSc program provides a comprehensive understanding of the energy transition and its implications for offshore infrastructure. You will explore fundamental concepts in energy economics, subsea systems, and offshore structures, alongside specialized topics such as well plugging, abandonment, and carbon capture technologies. The curriculum also covers the regulatory landscape of offshore installation decommissioning and practical aspects of process shutdown, structural decommissioning, and disposal. The program culminates in a group project and an individual research project, allowing for in-depth study and application of learned principles.

1 Semester 1 – Compulsory Courses

Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen Compulsory
Fundamentals of Energy Transition Compulsory
Introduction to Subsea Systems and Offshore Structures Compulsory
Well Plugging and Abandonment Compulsory
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Compulsory
Decommissioning of Offshore Installations: Regulatory Aspects Compulsory
Introduction to Energy Economics Compulsory

2 Semester 2 – Compulsory Courses

Group Project in Comparative Assessment Compulsory
Process Shut Down, Structural Decommissioning & Disposal Compulsory

3 Optional Courses (choose one from each group)

4 Semester 3 – Compulsory Course

MSc Individual Project Compulsory

Cost & Affordability

A clear picture of what this course will cost you

Program Costs

First Year Fee Tuition fee
USD 35,482.00
Total Program Cost Estimated total tuition
USD 35,482.00

Currency note: Program costs shown in USD based on the available tuition breakdown.

Living Costs

Food & Groceries USD 2,256.00 - USD 3,867.00
Transport USD 725.00 - USD 1,009.00
Utilities & Bills USD 1,386.00 - USD 1,732.00
Estimated Total USD 4,367.00 - USD 6,262.00

Living cost estimates are based on Old Aberdeen campus.

Outcomes & Employability

What happens after you graduate

97%
Graduate Employment Rate Within 6 to 12 months of graduation

Common Graduate Roles

Agricultural Services & ExtensionEnergy Storage & TechnologyEnergy Trading & MarketsFintech & Mobile MoneyFisheries & AquacultureHealth, Safety & Environment (HSE)Industrial & Offshore ConstructionInsurance & Risk ManagementResidential ConstructionSupply Chain & Procurement

Top Employers Hiring for this course

BHP

BP Plc

Baker Hughes

Deloitte UK

IBM

Lloyds Banking Group

Rio Tinto

SLB

Why Study Decommissioning MSc at University of Aberdeen

What makes this program stand out

January 2027 Closing soon

Next intake is in January 2027

Life at University of Aberdeen in United Kingdom

What daily life looks like for international students

Language

English

Primary language everywhere

Climate

Mild & Rainy

10-20°C average, pack layers

Safety (Numbeo Safety Index)

Very Safe

Exeter is one of UK's safest cities

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Decommissioning MSc at University of Aberdeen

Can I work while studying?

International students can work up to 20 hours per week during term time for degree courses, and full-time during breaks. No separate work permit is required.

What jobs can I get after studying this course?

Project Manager, Environmental Consultant, Regulatory Affairs Specialist, Decommissioning Engineer, Energy Analyst.

What will I actually study in this course?

Over the next decade, around 100 platforms and 7,500 kilometres of pipeline on the United Kingdom Continental Shelf (UKCS) are forecast for decommissioning, with costs estimated to be £59 billion to 2050. As the rate of decommissioning activity increases across the UKCS and around the globe, there are also increasing commercial opportunities for UK supply chain companies both at home and abroad.

Decommissioning therefore presents both challenges and opportunities for the energy

When can I start — what are the intake months?

The Decommissioning MSc program has an intake in January. Make sure to apply before the deadline to secure your spot.
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