Course summary

This programme focuses on the key technical, commercial, regulatory and environmental aspects associated with the decommissioning of energy infrastructure. 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 industry, as the UK government seeks to ensure the full economic recovery of hydrocarbons while also enabling the achievement of the country’s net zero target by 2050. By working closely with major operators, supply chain companies and regulatory bodies, the MSc Decommissioning is instilling the innovators with the necessary advanced understanding of the technical, commercial and regulatory aspects of decommissioning so that they can lead the transition to sustainable sources of energy. The programme includes taught courses covering the various interdisciplinary aspects of decommissioning, followed by a research project based on your particular interests or experience, which can be undertaken with an external organisation. We welcome students from a broad range of educational and industry backgrounds, including engineering, business, law and environmental science including experienced professionals who are looking to upskill or move into the growing decommissioning sector. The University of Aberdeen is home to the National Decommissioning Centre. Established with support from the Scottish Government, through the Net Zero Technology Centre, the centre works in partnership with companies to develop and deploy technology that delivers cost-effective net-zero decommissioning.