Course summary
The subsurface has a critical role to play in addressing global warming. Not only does the subsurface provide sources of low-carbon energy, for example, geothermal, but it also enables the storage of energy, including hydrogen, and the permanent sequestration of CO₂ in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs. By studying this programme you will gain the engineering skills you need to launch your career in subsurface energy production and storage. The MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering programme builds on the University of Aberdeen's long track record of teaching and research in energy, to provide advanced training in the design and use of available subsurface resources in conjunction with low-carbon energy sources for achieving a sustainable energy future. You will learn the fundamentals of fluid transport processes in the subsurface with applications to hydrogen transportation and storage, geothermal resources and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Unlike other engineering programmes, we also cover the important area of sustainable mining for critical energy transition metals, such as lithium and zinc, as well as the subsequent processing, recycling and reuse of these materials. Also, we look at sustainability tools, management systems and standards around the management of quality, environment, energy, safety and life cycle assessment. This MSc will provide you with a thorough understanding of subsurface transport processes and how to apply the latest computational and modelling techniques to analyse and evaluate the subsurface for various energy related purposes. You will therefore be able to pursue a career not only in sustainable energy sector, but also in related areas such as petroleum engineering, contaminant transport, hydrology and environmental engineering. The programme syllabus draws on much of the ground-breaking research being conducted within the Centre for Energy Transition (CET), in areas such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and critical materials for the energy transition.
Modules
This programme has a unique focus on both the engineering processes and technologies underpinning subsurface energy systems and addressing the challenges related to the subequent use and reuse of resources gathered from these environments. Aberdeen boasts a significant advantage in C0₂ storage technology due to the technical and commercial offshore energy skills built up over the last 50 years, the existing energy infrastructure and the unique geology of the North Sea basin. This is an interdisciplinary engineering programme taking in aspects of both chemical and petroleum engineering as well as aspects of geology and chemistry, giving you a broad overview of the industry.
Assessment method
By written examination and coursework as prescribed for each course. In addition, MSc candidates must submit a dissertation on their individual project.
How to apply
International applicants
The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must 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. 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.
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 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering, OR; A 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics or Geosciences, OR; A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering and three years of relevant industry experience.
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
| Republic of Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| EU | £27000 | Year 1 |
| England | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £11100 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £11100 | Year 1 |
| International | £27000 | Year 1 |
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
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
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
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