Course summary
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. 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.
Modules
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.
Assessment method
Assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
- Marine Engineering, Science and Technology, Institute of
- Civil Engineers, Institution of
- Structural Engineers, Institution of
- Highway Engineers, Institute of (IHE)
- The Chartered Institution of Highways & Transportation
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration. ATAS certificate is not required for this programme - the CAH code is CAH10-01-03.
Entry requirements
A UK Honours degree at 2:1 (upper second class), 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.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2025/2026. For guidance, the fees on the University Online Prospectus website are for 2024/25.
Sponsorship information
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: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX