Introduction
The subsurface has a critical role to play in addressing global warming. Not only does the subsurface provide sources of low-carbon energy, for example, geothermal, but it also enables the storage of energy, including hydrogen, and the permanent sequestration of CO₂ in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
By studying this programme you will gain the engineering skills you need to launch your career in subsurface energy production and storage.
This programme is also available to study part time online.
Study Information
Study Options
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- January or September
- Location of Study
- Aberdeen
The MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering programme builds on the University of Aberdeen's long track record of teaching and research in energy, to provide advanced training in the design and use of available subsurface resources in conjunction with low-carbon energy sources for achieving a sustainable energy future.
You will learn the fundamentals of fluid transport processes in the subsurface with applications to hydrogen transportation and storage, geothermal resources and Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Unlike other engineering programmes, we also cover the important area of sustainable mining for critical energy transition metals, such as lithium and zinc, as well as the subsequent processing, recycling and reuse of these materials. Also, we look at sustainability tools, management systems and standards around the management of quality, environment, energy, safety and life cycle assessment.
This MSc will provide you with a thorough understanding of subsurface transport processes and how to apply the latest computational and modelling techniques to analyse and evaluate the subsurface for various energy related purposes. You will therefore be able to pursue a career not only in sustainable energy sector, but also in related areas such as petroleum engineering, contaminant transport, hydrology and environmental engineering.
The programme syllabus draws on much of the ground-breaking research being conducted within the Centre for Energy Transition (CET), in areas such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and critical materials for the energy transition.
Available Programmes of Study
- MSc
-
Subsurface Energy Engineering
Qualification Duration Learning Mode Study Mode Start Month LocationMSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time September Aberdeen MoreProgramme Fees
Fee information Fee category Cost EU / International students £26,250 Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year UK £11,100 Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- EG505Y Subsurface Transport Processes (15 Credit Points)
- Near Surface & Environmental Geophysics (GL5059)
-
15 Credit Points
This module focuses on the application of geophysical techniques for solving near surface environmental problems. It covers basic theory and practical aspects of modern data collection for near surface magnetic, gravity, resistivity, electro-magnetic (EM), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic refraction, along with case study examples of application to the assessment and monitoring of a range of scientific and technical environmental problems including water resources, geotechnics, contaminated lands, civil engineering, mining, geothermal resources, archaeology. The module will be taught so that the students will be equipped to plan and undertake their own geophysical experiments focusing on a variety of near surface geophysical targets. The use of a variety of geophysical equipment in the field will form a significant component of this module.
- Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (Ccus) (EG504K)
-
15 Credit Points
To develop a broader understanding of carbon capture, its pipeline transportation, utilization and safe underground storage (CCUS) in the geological formations, in terms of the fundamental concepts, their practical applications and their implementation in the ongoing projects.
- Geothermal and Hydro Energy (EG503A)
-
15 Credit Points
This course examines the renewable energy industries involving geothermal and hydro sources including resources, physical principles, technologies, environmental considerations and impact, integration into the grid, commercial development, and future challenges facing the industries.
Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- EG555R Critical Minerals for Energy Transition and Sustainability (15 Credit Points)
- EG555Z Simulation of Flow in Porous Media (15 Credit Points)
- EG555S Sustainable Engineering Challenges (15 Credit Points)
- Energy Conversion and Storage (EG551J)
-
15 Credit Points
To gain an understanding of the need to and the efficiency behind conversion of energy form one form to another and in the need to store energy in distinct forms. To understand the reasoning behind energy losses and how they might be minimised or overcome.
Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- MSc Individual Project (EG59F1)
-
60 Credit Points
The MSc Individual Project is an independent piece of research based on a topic related to a student’s degree programme. Students are encouraged to focus on a problem confronting industry or a related area. The individual project provides students with an opportunity to demonstrate how the in-depth skills and knowledge they have gained during the taught courses can be used to provide solutions to practical problems. The individual project should contain a degree of original research.
MSc 12 months On Campus Learning Full Time January Aberdeen More
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- Fees for individual programmes can be viewed in the Programmes section above.
- 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.
Scholarships
Self-funded international students enrolling on postgraduate taught (PGT) programmes will receive one of our Aberdeen Global Scholarships, ranging from £3,000 to £8,000, depending on your domicile country. Learn more about the Aberdeen Global Scholarships here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
Why Study Subsurface Energy Engineering?
- This programme has a unique focus on both the engineering processes and technologies underpinning subsurface energy systems and addressing the challenges related to the subequent use and reuse of resources gathered from these environments.
- Aberdeen boasts a significant advantage in C0₂ storage technology due to the technical and commercial offshore energy skills built up over the last 50 years, the existing energy infrastructure and the unique geology of the North Sea basin.
- This is an interdisciplinary engineering programme taking in aspects of both chemical and petroleum engineering as well as aspects of geology and chemistry, giving you a broad overview of the industry.
- Aberdeen is regarded as a world-leading hub for energy expertise, with organisations such as the Centre for Energy Transition, the Net Zero Technology Centre, the Energy Transition Zone, the National Decommissioning Centre and the Global Underwater Hub deploying the tremendous R&D expertise built up over the years in oil and gas to fast track the development and deployment of wind, tidal, hydrogen, geothermal, and carbon capture storage technologies.
Entry Requirements
The programme is suitable for recent graduates from engineering, chemistry or geology, or experienced energy professionals looking to transition into the sustainable energy sector.
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Either:
A 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering
A 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Applied Mathematics, Physics or Geosciences
A 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering and three years of relevant industry experience
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate
The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09. Students who need a visa to live or study in the UK must to apply for ATAS clearance. The ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for a visa to enter the UK. To find out if you need to apply for ATAS clearance, please visit https://www.gov.uk/guidance/academic-technology-approval-scheme
Please enter your country to view country-specific 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.
- 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. Explore our Global Scholarships, including eligibility details, on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipsCareers
The MSc Subsurface Energy Engineering prepares students for careers in various areas related to energy extraction and storage, including hydrogen transportation and storage, geothermal resources, carbon capture and storage, nuclear waste storage and critical materials for the energy transition. The skills-based approach also gives students the transferable skills for complementary roles in oil and gas, as well data analytics and policy.
The UK boasts a significant advantage in CO₂ storage technology due to the technical and commercial offshore energy skills built up over the last 50 years, the existing energy infrastructure and the unique geology of the North Sea basin.
CCS alone has been recognised as a critical technology by the UK government in helping carbon-intensive industries meet their net zero goals and is central to the UK government’s Net Zero Strategy. According to OEUK, the UK has an estimated total carbon storage capacity of 78 gigatons, one of the largest in Europe and enough to hold two centuries’ worth of the UK’s current emissions. The same report states that CCS could be worth £20bn to the offshore oil and gas supply chain in the next ten years, and £100bn by 2050.
Energy companies are diversifying their portfolios to include low carbon energies and technologies such as offshore wind, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. A number of large-scale low carbon projects are now underway in the UK and around the World, and projects are expected to expand as we move towards a net-zero economy.
The UK government expects 220,000 positions will be required to support the energy transition in the UK over the next 10 years. In addition, the growth of clean energy technologies from wind turbines and solar panels, to electric vehicles and battery storage is creating a rapidly increasing demand for critical minerals such as copper, silicon, silver, zinc, manganese, chromium, nickel, lithium, cobalt, graphite and rare earth minerals.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Dr Roozbeh Rafati
- Dr Alfonso Martinez-Felipe
- Dr Jeff Gomes
- Dr Yingfang Zhou
- Dr Prashant Jadhawar
- Programme Leader
- Dr Amin Sharifi
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