Key figures from the subsea industry came together at an event held at the University of Aberdeen last week, to acknowledge the contribution from industry to the University's MSc in Subsea Engineering.
Personnel from 17 different companies including BP, Chevron, Wood Group, Fugro, GE, Kongsberg Maritime, Oceaneering, Technip and Subsea 7 attended the gathering, which was held to acknowledge the contribution from industry to the University’s MSc in Subsea Engineering.
The MSc has gone from strength to strength since its introduction in 2008, growing quickly to the present level of over 40 full-time and over 60 distance learning students. In addition there are a number of MEng students who have taken up the opportunity of combining their Masters programme with a number of the subsea engineering modules, an option that was introduced in 2012.
A crucial element in the success of the programme has been the close collaboration with industry that has produced a steady stream of talented and work-ready graduates. Students are given the opportunity to work with companies on their Masters projects, gaining invaluable experience that ensures they are ready to hit the ground running in the workplace.
Igor Guz, Head of the School of Engineering at the University of Aberdeen, said: “Our MSc Subsea Engineering degree is world-leading, and its success owes much to the support we receive from industry through joint projects, guest lectures, company visits, and sponsorships, to provide but a few examples.
“Equipping tomorrow’s subsea engineers with the skills required by industry is at the heart of our MSc programme, which despite the current challenges facing the industry looks set to continue into next year, with a significant number of students applying to the MSc programme.
“Last week’s event was held to thank those companies involved for their continued support towards the Masters programme, which is well regarded within the subsea sector as producing a talented pool of graduates each year. We look forward to working with all of the companies involved as we prepare to welcome our next intake of MSc students.”
Neil Gordon, Chief Executive of Subsea UK, was one of a number of key industry figures who attended the event.
He said: “It’s important that we continue to support and engage with today’s students as they are the people who will drive our industry forward for years to come.
“By fostering close links between industry and academia and being able to offer scholarship places, we can ensure that tomorrow’s leaders are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on their own subsea journey. Set in the heart of industry’s global centre of excellence for subsea engineering, Aberdeen University has a unique relationship with the subsea industry both locally and internationally.
“We are extremely proud to support the subsea degree programme and help develop business links that will enhance the overall learning experience for students.”
Patrick O’Brien, CEO for ITF and chair of the subsea advisory board at the University of Aberdeen, was also present, and highlighted the benefits to industry contributors through their collaboration with the subsea engineering programme.
“It is very rewarding to be able to pass on knowledge and experience to new entrants to the subsea industry, some of whom may become colleagues, employees or clients in the future,” he said.