UK Universities Launch Decommissioning Masters Degree

University of Aberdeen in partnership with Robert Gordon University (RGU) has launched UK’s first Masters degree in decommissioning oil rigs and platforms.

Both universities are developing a suite of joint Masters degrees, and the new programme that will focus on the key aspects associated with decommissioning such as engineering, project management, business, law and health, and safety and environment.

Professor Ekaterina Pavlovskaia from the University of Aberdeen’s School of Engineering said: “We are already offering a wide range of specialised Masters degrees focused on the needs of the oil and gas industry.

“The climate is right for us to launch this innovative Masters degree in decommissioning to educate the current and future work force in this important area of the oil and gas lifecycle.”

The course is scheduled to begin in September 2017.

Professor Ferdinand von Prondzynski, principal and vice-chancellor of Robert Gordon University said: “It is increasingly clear that there is a need for offshore decommissioning in the North Sea, as many platforms approach the end of their operational life.

“Our two universities will draw on our experience of working closely with the North Sea oil and gas industry to deliver the course.”

Professor Sir Ian Diamond, principal and vice-chancellor of the University of Aberdeen added:

“There is an increasing need for expertise in this area and with Aberdeen being the energy capital of Europe, it makes sense that our University train the next generation of decommissioning experts, as we already do for so many other areas of the industry.”