find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
University of Aberdeen: Sustainable Energy Geoscience
| Institution | University of Aberdeen View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Geosciences |
| Web | https://www.abdn.ac.uk |
| pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01224 272090 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
The world’s energy system is largely driven by coal, oil, and gas. However, the transition to a low-carbon future requires moving away from fossil fuels and focusing instead on essentials minerals such as cobalt, lithium, nickel, and copper for use in wind turbines, solar panels and electric vehicles.
Geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and hydrogen storage are also central components of the UK government’s strategy for reducing greenhouse emissions and reaching net-zero by 2050. This programme draws on the exceptional expertise within the Department of Geology and Geophysics to equip students with the subsurface skills required for the rapidly evolving energy transition sector.
Our understanding of subsurface workflows and resources is critical to many of the new clean energy technologies associated with the energy transition, such as geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and the growing demand for critical minerals needed to produce clean technologies such as wind turbines, batteries and electric vehicles.
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. 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.
At the heart of this programme is a focus on developing a strong technical understanding of rocks and fluids in the subsurface, and how to model, monitor and verify their presence using geophysical, petrophysical and other techniques. This knowledge is then applied to a wide range of low carbon energy solutions including sustainable mineral extraction, geothermal flow and subsurface storage.
We place a strong focus on geoscience interpretation and the high-demand skills needed for both present-day and future energy extraction and storage scenarios. In addition, you will examine the societal implications of the energy transition, including social justice, global dynamics and sustainability goals.
This MSc 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, nuclear waste storage and critical materials for the energy transition.
MSc
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Geology or Geophysics. Evidence of high marks in the following key subjects is important for admission: evidence of creative thinking, data synthesis, teamwork, and problem-solving, as well as key technical geological skills. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 28800 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 28800 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Geology or Geophysics degree at 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth). Evidence of high marks in the following key subjects is important for admission: Evidence of creative thinking, data synthesis, teamwork, problem-solving. As well as key technical geological skills. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Overview
The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495, the beautiful campus attracts a diverse international community of over 14,000 students from over 130 countries.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as a Top 15 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It also ranks second across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2024.
Postgraduate Programmes
Aberdeen offers an …
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Energy, Geology or Geophysics, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here