Prepare for a rewarding career in offshore engineering
This MSc will prepare you for a career in offshore renewable energy or traditional offshore oil and gas engineering. Cranfield’s strong track record in offshore renewable energy projects and close engagement with the oil and gas sector over the last 20 years will enable you to forge a successful and rewarding career in this rapidly developing discipline. With a choice of engineering or management study routes, this course will enable you to contribute to developing stable, secure and financially viable solutions to the fundamental energy challenges affecting society in the 21st century.Overview
- Start dateFull-time: October. Part-time: October
- DurationOne year full-time, two-three years part-time
- DeliveryTaught modules 40%, group project 20% (or dissertation for part-time students), and individual project 40%
- QualificationMSc, PgDip, PgCert
- Study typeFull-time / Part-time
- CampusCranfield campus
Who is it for?
This course is suitable for engineering, maths or science graduates who wish to develop a career in offshore engineering. It develops professional engineers and scientists with the multidisciplinary skills and ability to analyse current and future offshore energy engineering problems.
You will gain the new skills needed across this fast developing sector, together with the fundamental engineering or management understanding necessary, for any application.
Your career
Graduates with an MSc in Offshore Engineering develop diverse and rewarding careers in a range of different industries including offshore renewables, oil and gas, aquaculture systems and beyond.
Successful students move on to roles in the challenging fields of offshore oil and gas exploration, underwater engineering, pipeline engineering, risk management in offshore and marine operations, and the emerging offshore renewable energy industry.
The international nature of such roles mean that career opportunities are not restricted to the domestic market; and due to our strong reputation and industrially relevant course content, Cranfield graduates are able develop careers around the world.
Graduates of this course have gone onto work in a range of roles, including:
- Geotechnical Engineer at Fugro,
- Naval Architect at Eni,
- Hydraulics Engineer at Eiffage Génie Civil Marine,
- Offshore Company Representative at Temile Development Company,
- Subsea Project Engineer at Marine Platform Ltd,
- Engineer at Recycling Technologies.
Cranfield Careers Service
Cranfield’s Careers Service is dedicated to helping you meet your career aspirations. You will have access to career coaching and advice, CV development, interview practice, access to hundreds of available jobs via our Symplicity platform and opportunities to meet recruiting employers at our careers fairs. We will also work with you to identify suitable opportunities and support you in the job application process for up to three years after graduation.
Why this course?
Cranfield’s MSc in Offshore Engineering will equip you with the skills demanded by employers in this fast developing sector, together with the fundamental engineering understanding necessary, whatever the application.
- Choose between engineering or management routes, focusing on the detailed engineering aspects of offshore engineering or offshore management,
- Access our impressive on-site pilot-scale facilities include gas turbines and high-pressure combustion rigs, a structural integrity laboratory and an ocean systems laboratory – many of which are unique to the UK higher education sector,
- Study at a top 5 ranked UK university for mechanical, aeronautical and manufacturing engineering,
- Develop your technology leadership capabilities with the world renowned Cranfield School of Management,
- Participate in individual and group projects focused on your personal interests and career aspirations.
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“I am really glad I chose to study the MSc in Offshore Engineering at Cranfield, and really pleased with the experience so far. From the first modules it has been possible to clearly understand the correlation between the current energy industry, the energy transition challenges and the path to sustainable energy presented by developments in offshore technology.
Mauricio Goyeneche Bermudez, current student, Offshore Engineering MSc
As a part-time student and professional coming from Colombia, I have found it very useful to understand the energy sector in UK, and working with PhD students and engineers from Spain, France, Mexico, Nigeria and China, seeing proposed suitable solutions which can be implemented in my country or in any part of the world. I feel part of a global solution.”
Informed by industry
The Offshore Engineering MSc is closely aligned with industry to ensure that you are fully prepared for your career.
- Close engagement with the offshore sector over the last 20 years has produced long-standing strategic partnerships with these sectors' most prominent players.
- An industrial advisory panel ensures that the course meets the demands of employers, and includes representatives from Shell, the Society of Underwater Technology, ABS.
- Learn from lecturers with extensive experience of working with industry on solving real-world offshore engineering challenges.
- Accredited by The Institution of Mechanical Engineers and The Energy Institute, ensuring professional recognition and relevance to employers.
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“I am First Officer on a newly-built, heavy-lift vessel, specialising in the installation and removal of offshore facilities. I completed my Ocean and Offshore Technology MSc on a part-time basis to accelerate my career in the fast-developing energy sector. This course brought me in-depth engineering skills and improved my research capabilities.”
Patrick Hoge, First Mate - SSCV Sleipnir at Heerema Marine Contractors
Course details
The taught programme for the Offshore Engineering Master's is generally delivered from October to February and comprises eight modules.
Students on the part-time programme will complete all of the modules based on a flexible schedule that will be agreed with the Course Director.
Course delivery
Taught modules 40%, group project 20% (or dissertation for part-time students), and individual project 40%
Group project
The group project is an applied, multidisciplinary, team-based activity. Often solving real-world, industry-based problems, students are provided with the opportunity to take responsibility for a consultancy-type project while working under academic supervision. Success is dependent on the integration of various activities and working within agreed objectives, deadlines and budgets. Transferable skills such as team work, self-reflection and clear communication are also developed.
Recent group projects include:
Individual project
The individual project is the chance for students to focus on an area of particular interest to them and their future career. Students select the individual project in consultation with the Thesis Co-ordinator and their Course Director. These projects provide students with the opportunity to demonstrate their ability to carry out independent research, think and work in an original way, contribute to knowledge, and overcome genuine problems in the offshore industry. Many of the projects are supported by external organisations.
Modules
Keeping our courses up-to-date and current requires constant innovation and change. The modules we offer reflect the needs of business and industry and the research interests of our staff and, as a result, may change or be withdrawn due to research developments, legislation changes or for a variety of other reasons. Changes may also be designed to improve the student learning experience or to respond to feedback from students, external examiners, accreditation bodies and industrial advisory panels.
To give you a taster, we have listed the compulsory and elective (where applicable) modules which are currently affiliated with this course. All modules are indicative only, and may be subject to change for your year of entry.
Course modules
Engineering route compulsory modules
Materials and Corrosion
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the structure and properties of materials, their possible corrosion responses, and then show you how to apply this knowledge to specific applications. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Fluid Mechanics and Loading
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Aim |
This module aims to provide you with a theoretical and applied understanding of fluid mechanics and fluid loading on structures. |
Syllabus |
Principles of fluid dynamics: Dynamics of floating bodies: from simple hydrostatics to complex dynamic response in waves. |
Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Engineering Stress Analysis: Theory and Simulations
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module brings together theoretical and computational stress analysis through finite element simulations, allowing you to appreciate how the two disciplines interact in practice and what their strengths and limitations are. The examination of finite element analysis (FEA) for various practical applications (e.g. engineering components, composite structures, rotating disks, cracked geometries) in conjunction with relevant case studies will allow you to combine theoretical understanding with practical experience, to develop your skills to model and analyse complex engineering problems. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Applied Materials and Corrosion
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module provides you with the knowledge and understanding of the corrosion processes that occur on structural materials and the impact on their mechanical performance. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Computational Fluid Dynamics for Renewable Energy
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module introduces you to the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) techniques and tools for modelling, simulating and analysing practical engineering problems related to renewable energy, with hands on experience using commercial software packages used in industry. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Structural Integrity
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module provides you with an understanding of pertinent issues concerning the use of engineering materials and practical tools for solving structural integrity and structural fitness-for-service problems. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Design of Offshore Energy Structures
Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Management for Technology
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisation's products, innovation, programmes, operations and strategy is paramount, especially in today’s turbulent commercial environment with its unprecedented pace of technological development. As demand for ever more complex products and services has become the norm, one of the challenges for today’s manager is to deal with uncertainty, to allow technological innovation and change to flourish, whilst also remaining within planned parameters of performance. This module helps to develop your understanding of management processes within an organisational context, so that when you seek employment you are equipped with both the extensive subject/discipline knowledge and the ability to relate it to a management context. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Management route compulsory modules
Materials and Corrosion
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module aims to provide you with an understanding of the structure and properties of materials, their possible corrosion responses, and then show you how to apply this knowledge to specific applications. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Risk and Reliability Engineering
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module introduces you to the principles of risk and reliability engineering, and associated tools and methods to solve relevant engineering problems in industry. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Energy Economics and Policy
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Applied Materials and Corrosion
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module provides you with the knowledge and understanding of the corrosion processes that occur on structural materials and the impact on their mechanical performance. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Health Safety Sustainability and Environment
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Structural Integrity
Module Leader |
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Aim |
This module provides you with an understanding of pertinent issues concerning the use of engineering materials and practical tools for solving structural integrity and structural fitness-for-service problems. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Energy Systems Case Studies
Module Leader |
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Aim |
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Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module a student should be able to:
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Management for Technology
Module Leader |
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Aim |
The importance of technology leadership in driving the technical aspects of an organisation's products, innovation, programmes, operations and strategy is paramount, especially in today’s turbulent commercial environment with its unprecedented pace of technological development. As demand for ever more complex products and services has become the norm, one of the challenges for today’s manager is to deal with uncertainty, to allow technological innovation and change to flourish, whilst also remaining within planned parameters of performance. This module helps to develop your understanding of management processes within an organisational context, so that when you seek employment you are equipped with both the extensive subject/discipline knowledge and the ability to relate it to a management context. |
Syllabus |
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Intended learning outcomes |
On successful completion of this module you should be able to:
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Teaching team
You will be taught by industry-active research academics from Cranfield with established records of accomplishment, supported by visiting lecturers from industry. To ensure the course is aligned to industry needs, the course is directed by its own Industrial Advisory Committee. The Admissions Tutor is Dr Dimitris Stagonas and the Course Director is Dr Patrick Verdin.
Accreditation
The MSc of this course is accredited by the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and The Energy Institute.
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"The Offshore Engineering MSc has given me access to all the necessary knowledge for a successful career in the offshore sector: software analysis tools used by industry, lessons from experts in the field and a vast amount of resources in the library on campus. All tutors and staff are very friendly and are always up for a chat, to give you advice or help with any general concern. Particularly, I think Cranfield's industry partners give this MSc a big plus. I am currently part of a research project for a real company and the connections I am making during the year are invaluable. It is definitely the best way to start your career from pole position."
Xabier Mendizabal, Offshore Engineering MSc 2019
How to apply
Online application form. UK students are normally expected to attend an interview and financial support is best discussed at this time. Overseas and EU students may be interviewed by telephone.