Course summary
Earn your MSc in Subsurface Energy Engineering 100% online. Learn to design and work with subsurface energy systems in a Masters degree that fits around full-time work. Develop the advanced skills in energy engineering, geo-energy resources and storage that you need to work with subsurface energy systems. In this flexible online degree, you’ll cover the engineering processes and technologies used in subsurface energy projects, and learn to address the challenges related to the use and reuse of resources gathered from these environments. You’ll access advanced training in the design and use of subsurface resources, in conjunction with low-carbon energy sources, to achieve a sustainable energy future. With expert guidance from academics, engineers, and industry, you’ll cover:
- the fundamentals of fluid transport processes in subsurface media, with applications to Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), hydrogen storage, geothermal resources, and other low-carbon energy systems
- how to apply the latest computational and modelling techniques to analyse and evaluate the subsurface for energy-related purposes
- key techniques required for energy and material conservation, and
- management systems related to the environment, geo-energy, safety, and life-cycle assessment.
Modules
Teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Some of the courses that are part of this degree may feature some live online sessions to assist you with your learning. All live sessions will be recorded, so you can view these at your convenience if you are not able to attend live.
Assessment method
This degree is assessed online. We’ll use several types of online assessment throughout your studies, including: timed online exams, written reports, and presentations.
How to apply
International applicants
This distance-learning Masters in Subsurface Energy Engineering is delivered flexibly, 100% online. You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and manage your study hours to suit you.
This course has a subject classification which requires students whose nationality is outside the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland to have an ATAS certificate, irrespective of country of residence at the point of application.
Further information can be found on the UK Government's website: www.gov.uk/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Entry requirements
A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Physics, or Geosciences.
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
| EU | £15095 | Whole course |
| International | £15095 | Whole course |
| England | £15095 | Whole course |
| Northern Ireland | £15095 | Whole course |
| Scotland | £15095 | Whole course |
| Wales | £15095 | Whole course |
| Channel Islands | £15095 | Whole course |
| Republic of Ireland | £15095 | Whole 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
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in January 2026. The fees quoted above are based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our tuition fees will rise by 3% for the 2026/27, 2027/28 and 2028/29 academic years. Our indicative cost includes a 3% fee rise each year.
Sponsorship information
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 Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX