Iain Mackenzie
Decommissioning, MSc
Introduction
This programme focuses on the key technical, commercial, regulatory and environmental aspects associated with the decommissioning of energy infrastructure.
This programme is also available to study online.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
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.
What You'll Study
Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
- Fundamentals of Energy Transition (EG506U)
- Introduction to Subsea Systems and Offshore Structures (EG506V)
- Well Plugging and Abandonment (EG50R2)
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K)
- Decommissioning of Offshore Installations: Regulatory Aspects (LS502H)
- Introduction to Energy Economics (BU5053)
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £26,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions | |
| UK | £11,100 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
- Shell U.K. Limited is offering three £20,000 scholarships for students starting a Masters programme aligned with the Centre for Energy Transition (CET) commencing in September 2024. Find out more
- NEO Energy, an independent full-cycle energy business in the UKCS, are offering two postgraduate scholarships in a variety of taught degree programmes at the University of Aberdeen. Each scholarship is valued at £20,000. Find out more.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- E-learning
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Seminars
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Assessed by a combination of coursework and written examination. In addition MSc candidates must submit a dissertation on their individual project, and may be required to undergo an oral examination. The online learning coursework is submitted to the course tutor through the website and marks and comments will be sent back, also via the web. Arrangements can be made for examinations to be taken at a convenient place for you.
Why Study Decommissioning?
- Teaching is based on the latest research from the National Decommissioning Centre which was established with support from the Scottish Government, through the Net Zero Technology Centre. The NDC works in partnership with companies to develop and deploy technology that delivers cost-effective net-zero decommissioning.
- Broaden your knowledge of the key elements of the decommissioning process and gain an understanding of specific areas that you may not already be familiar with but would like to learn more about.
- Learn from world-class academics, many of whom have worked in industry and/or alongside industry on research collaboration.
- Close consultation has already taken place with those working in industry involved in decommissioning and this level of industry engagement will continue as the degree develops.
- This programme completes an impressive suite of energy-related degrees already offered by the University, which now cover all aspects of the oil and gas industry life-cycle.
- The degree attracts a broad range of students, many of whom are currently working on decommissioning projects around the world.
- There are significant opportunities in key regions around the globe where skills and knowledge of the decommissioning process are going to be a huge advantage.
- Current figures indicate that the UK will have a major shortage of workers skilled in these activities unless there is a significant increase in production of engineering and technical graduates from schools, colleges and universities as well as sustained retention of experienced workers within the industry.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Engineering, Geosciences, Economics, Business, Law, or other science, technology and commercial degrees.
Other degree classifications will be considered if the applicant can demonstrate 3+ years of industry experience.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
There are many opportunities at the University of Aberdeen to develop your knowledge, gain experience and build a competitive set of skills to enhance your employability. This is essential for your future career success. The Careers and Employability Service can help you to plan your career and support your choices throughout your time with us, from first to final year – and beyond.
- More information on employability at the University of Aberdeen
- More information on the Careers and Employability Service
Industry Links
In establishing the programme, industry feedback has included:
"We are very short of competency generally, and it’s good that AU is interested in helping plug that gap."
"The course is very timely. I think there would be interest in it and it offers a good way to encourage people to think about careers in decommissioning rather than viewing it as the end of the cycle with no opportunities."
"Concept is good given there will be a 40 year career in decommissioning ahead . "
Accreditation
This degree holds accreditation from
- The Energy Institute
- The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology
- Institute of Mechanical Engineers
Our Experts
A range of academic experts will teach on the programme from across engineering, law, business, economics, environmental science.
- Other Expert
- Dr Richard D. Neilson
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX