The College of Physical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen has this week launched a number of new taught masters programmes in Future Energy Technologies which will significantly expand its existing portfolio. The new MSc programmes will connect students with experts in the technical, social and management issues that will determine the provision of society’s future energy needs.
The College has a clear vision to provide academically challenging programmes of study for undergraduate and postgraduate students and to lead the field in cutting edge research activities. The innovative postgraduate programmes will provide key skills for graduates entering an area of vital importance to the future of the UK and global economy.
The future of our energy supplies has become an increasingly high-profile topic in recent years and we are at a time of unprecedented interest in this area. These are truly challenging times, and one of the reasons why the University has decided to introduce new programmes that will give graduates wishing to contribute to the future of the energy sector an excellent head start.
Over 100 staff in the University are involved in Energy-related research which covers a broad spectrum - from characterising reservoirs of oil and gas, through the application of knowledge management in the oil and gas industry to the development of renewable energy technologies such as wave and bio energy to the storage of nuclear waste. This means those teaching on our Masters programmes are able to teach with authority.
Professor Albert Rodger, Head of the College of Physical Sciences, views the introduction of these new programmes as an exciting and important new development. He said: “The College of Physical Sciences is committed in our support of the energy business. Our new programmes build on our established track record of success in delivering high quality programmes for the energy industry. For example, our world-renowned Petroleum Geology Masters programme has been delivered for over 30 years with an outstanding record of success in graduate employment.
“I am confident that the new Energy Futures programmes being introduced by the College will attract students who are interested in gaining qualifications relevant to the energy industry. We are bringing forward these programmes to provide opportunities that will enable graduates to compete effectively in the energy sector now and into the future."
The three new programmes in the Energy portfolio focus on the Oil and Gas, Nuclear and Renewables sectors respectively. The programmes have been designed to provide students with a detailed knowledge of the technology required to ensure energy provision in each of the three sectors. The programmes will give both a theoretical and practical grounding in legislative and economic considerations, sustainability of provision and environmental planning along with project management skills. They will give the knowledge and skills required for technical project managers of energy projects in the 21st Century.
In addition to the three new programmes, the College is relaunching two existing and highly successful programmes - the MSc Oil & Gas Enterprise Management (formerly Hydrocarbon Enterprise); and the MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience (formerly Petroleum Geology). Other existing programmes of major relevance to the Energy sector are the MSc in Safety Engineering, Reliability and Risk Management; and Master of Science degree in Project Management.
With the addition of the new programmes, the College of Physical Sciences now offers a total of seven taught postgraduate programmes of interest to those wishing careers in the Energy arena. The College is also launching a new four-year professional doctorate degree (EngD) designed to allow industry professionals to study for a research degree while in employment.
The target audiences for all of these programmes include geologists, engineers, business managers, energy professionals and safety representatives. All of the MSc programmes begin in September this year.
Dr Peter Edwards, Head of the Graduate School, College of Physical Sciences added: “These new postgraduate programmes have been specifically designed to recognise the importance of the energy industry. They provide a fusion of modules covering many of the latest technologies and the framework of economics and legislative policy in which these technologies are being promoted. They will include contributions from engineers, scientists and social scientists across the University.
“By expanding our portfolio of Energy related programmes at this time, our ambition is to become one of the leading centres for graduate level study in Energy – not just in Scotland, but in the United Kingdom as a whole.”
This week’s announcement of the University’s expanding portfolio of Energy programmes follows on the back of the announcement of a major new student scholarship programme funded by Talisman Energy (UK) Limited.
Talisman will provide financial support totalling £300,000 for students at the University during the next six years. The scholarship scheme has been specifically geared towards attracting those students who may wish to pursue a career in the oil and gas industry, which will contribute to the city’s economy and shows Talisman’s commitment to addressing the industry’s skills shortage.
Full details of the University’s new range of programmes can be accessed directly from the University’s web pages: www.abdn.ac.uk/sras/postgraduate/apply.shtml Application forms and details of costs can also be accessed via this page. More information is also available from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Service on: (01224) 272090.