Earn an accredited Masters degree in decommissioning oil rigs, platforms and offshore structures.
- Train in all aspects of decommissioning on a degree accredited by the Energy Institute and the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology.
- Gain a broad range of knowledge and expertise in the physical process of taking offshore platforms out of service.
Through this MSc, you’ll cover engineering, project management, business, law, health and safety, and environmental studies.
Hand-in-hand with industry
This distance-learning Masters in Decommissioning has been designed in collaboration with major industry operators, supply chain companies and regulatory bodies. As a result, you’ll enjoy guest lectures from leading decommissioning industry experts and undertake industry-based projects.
Who can study online MSc Decommissioning
You can apply for this flexible degree if you’re a graduate or experienced professional looking to upskill or move into the growing decommissioning sector.
We welcome applications from students from a wide range of academic and industry backgrounds, including:
- engineering
- business
- law
- or environmental science.
Online MSc Decommissioning is part-time. You can also study this degree full-time on campus.
Fits around full-time work
This degree fits around full-time work, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access.
You’re in expert hands
We’ve been delivering online and distance learning for decades.
20% alumni discount
University of Aberdeen alumni receive 20% off fees for this online degree.
Accredited online degree
This online MSc is accredited by the:
National Decommissioning Centre
Join the recognised leader in offshore oil and gas decommissioning. We’re home to the UK’s newly established National Decommissioning Centre (NDC).
It was launched with support from the Scottish Government and Net Zero Technology Centre. The NDC partners with companies to develop and deploy innovations in decommissioning technology, including ‘small piece’ decommissioning techniques.
It helps to deliver cost-effective decommissioning at the end of field life and during oil and gas production operations.
Read more about the National Decommissioning Centre.
What you’ll study
You can choose to study for a:
- Masters (180 credits)
- exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits)
- exit early with a Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits), or
- start with one of the short courses that make up this degree (15 credits).
You can build your way to a qualification one short course at a time.
Try our degree scheduler
Choose your courses
See all the courses that are part of this degree and choose what you want to study.
Manage your study schedule
Control the pace and cost of your degree. Decide how much you want to study each term.
Save to your wishlist
Save your schedule to your wishlist so you can view and edit anytime.
How you’ll study
Online learning
This distance learning MSc Decommissioning is delivered flexibly, 100% online.
You can learn with us anywhere, no student visa required, and set your study hours to suit you.
Your teaching
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. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources available, including online access to our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library.
Your tutors
This degree is delivered by our School of Engineering.
You’ll learn from academic experts across engineering, law, business, economics and environmental science. Many of your tutors have worked in industry and alongside industry on research collaborations and major engineering projects.
You’ll also enjoy lectures direct from industry professionals working in decommissioning now.
Your support team
Our friendly team are here to answer any queries you have before, during and after your studies.
Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe
Alfonso is the degree coordinator. He’ll be on hand to answer any questions about degree content before you start and to help you throughout your studies.
Lyn Magee
Lyn is part of the School’s administration team. She’ll be there throughout your studies to answer any of your non-academic queries.
Get in touch
The online education team is here to answer any questions you have right now about this qualification, or about studying online.
Ask us a questionWhere this will take you
Your MSc Decommissioning qualification
You’ll graduate with an accredited MSc in Decommissioning from the University of Aberdeen, one of the UK’s six ancient universities..
You’ll receive exactly the same MSc qualification as you would on campus. Your degree title will not mention online or distance learning.
Your qualification and training will be recognised by industry and educational institutions around the world, opening up international career paths.
Opportunities in decommissioning
Around 100 offshore platforms and 5,700km of pipeline are forecast to be decommissioned or reused over the next decade on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) alone.
The Oil and Gas Authority estimates the total cost of this to be £59 billion to 2050. Our National Decommissioning Centre is working to help industry reduce this figure by 35%.
The UKCS is currently the largest decommissioning market in the North Sea. There are also significant opportunities in key regions around the globe, where skills and knowledge of the decommissioning process are a huge advantage for future careers.
I would recommend the course to anybody who harbours an interest in decommissioning. Due to the mature nature of the North Sea oil and gas infrastructure, decommissioning is a growing part of the business within the UK and its North Sea neighbours.
Iain Mackenzie, MSc Decommissioning student
Building your global network
Our online students join us from over 100 countries each year.
This degree will give you the chance to become part of a close-knit group of learners, who could be working on decommissioning projects around the world. It’s a fantastic opportunity to build your network of connections and gain firsthand global insights into energy and engineering.
Lifelong career support
Our career support doesn’t stop when you graduate.
You have access to our free careers service while you study, and beyond.
- 1:1 appointments
- CV checks
- Interview prep
- Job opportunities
Fees and funding
Master of Science
180 credits
£14,530
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
The fee quoted above is based on you starting your studies with us in the 2025/26 academic year.
Our indicative cost includes a 5% fee rise each year.
Pay as you go
This is a pay-as-you-go qualification.
You do not have to pay the full tuition fee upfront.
You can spread the cost and pay as you go, term by term.
How it works
- You decide how many credits to study for each term.
- At the start of term, you pay only for the credits you’re taking that term.
- This gives you control over your costs and workload for each term of your qualification.
Your personalised cost breakdown
Use the degree scheduler to plan your studies and see your cost breakdown, term by term.
Entry requirements
MSc
- A 2:1 (upper-second) UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Geosciences, Economics, Business, Law, or other science or technology field.
You can also apply if you have:
- a different degree classification and at least three years’ industry experience.
These are our minimum entry requirements. They are given as a guide and do not guarantee entry.
Apply for this programme
- Start month
- September or January
- INDICATIVE COST
- £14,530
This indicative cost is based on 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2025.
Apply via our Applicant Portal
