Course summary

Over the next decade, around 100 platforms and 7,500 kilometres of pipeline on the UK Continental Shelf are forecast for decommissioning, with costs estimated to be £59 billion to 2050. The industry aims to reduce this figure by 35%, a target set by the Oil & Gas Authority. The MSc Decommissioning is the world's first and only Masters degree in decommissioning oil rigs, platforms and offshore structures. This programme focuses on the key aspects associated with decommissioning such as engineering, project management, business, law and health, and safety and environment and is specially designed for students from a broad range of backgrounds. The aim of this programme is to provide students with a broad range of knowledge and expertise in the physical process of taking offshore platforms out of service, including engineering, project management, business, law, health and safety, and environmental studies. The MSc Decommissioning was designed in collaboration with major operators, supply chain companies and regulatory bodies and features guest lectures from leading decommissioning industry experts. In addition, many students have the opportunity to undertake industry-based projects as part of the programme. In Semester 1 and Semester 2 you will undertake taught courses, followed by your research project, which you can design with faculty, based on your research interests or industry experience. Some students also have the opportunity to undertake their project with a company or external organisation and benefit from direct industry input and interaction. Applications are welcome from students from a broad range of educational and industry backgrounds, including engineering, business, law and environmental science and from both recent graduates or experienced professionals who are looking to upskill or move into the growing decommissioning sector. The University of Aberdeen is the recognised leader in offshore oil and gas decommissioning and is home to the newly established National Decommissioning Centre of Excellence. Established with support from the Scottish Government, through the Oil & Gas Technology Centre, the centre will work in partnership with companies to develop and deploy technology that delivers cost-effective decommissioning at the end of field life, and during oil and gas production operations, including ‘small piece’ decommissioning techniques.