MSc Decommissioning in Aberdeen United Kingdom | University of Aberdeen

This program concentrates on the essential technical, commercial, regulatory, and environmental factors involved in dismantling energy infrastructure. In the coming ten years, approximately 100 platforms and 7,500 kilometers of pipeline on the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS) are projected for decommissioning, with costs expected to reach £59 billion by 2050. As decommissioning activities accelerate across the UKCS and worldwide, UK supply chain firms are encountering growing business prospects both domestically and internationally.

Decommissioning thus offers both obstacles and possibilities for the energy sector, as the UK government aims to maximize hydrocarbon recovery while supporting the nation's 2050 net-zero emissions goal.

Through close collaboration with major operators, supply chain firms, and regulators, the MSc Decommissioning equips future leaders with in-depth knowledge of technical, commercial, and regulatory decommissioning principles to drive the shift toward sustainable energy solutions.

The curriculum features taught modules exploring diverse interdisciplinary facets of decommissioning, culminating in a research project tailored to individual interests or professional experience, which may be conducted with an external partner.

We encourage applications from candidates with varied academic and professional backgrounds—including engineering, business, law, and environmental science—as well as seasoned professionals seeking to enhance their skills or transition into this expanding sector.

The University of Aberdeen hosts the National Decommissioning Centre. Founded with Scottish Government backing via the Net Zero Technology Centre, this facility collaborates with industry partners to create and implement technologies enabling cost-effective, net-zero decommissioning.