Subsea engineering is a highly technical, multidisciplinary profession that deals with safe, reliable and controlled upstream delivery of hydrocarbon resources, from subsea wells to surface process facilities or markets.

Typically, subsea engineers are responsible for the design, installation, commissioning and in-service integrity management of equipment and infrastructure such as trees, jumpers, manifolds, umbilicals and pipelines for offshore oil and gas production.

The underwater environment, combined with hydrocarbon production, provides unique challenges for subsea engineers. Temperature, pressure, corrosion and wave forces all challenge the functional design and durability of submerged equipment. In addition, subsea engineers must ensure the marine ecosystem is protected at all times. 

This course offers industry exposure to two major oil and gas hubs. Curtin has linked with The University of Aberdeen to provide a joint master degree program in subsea engineering, enabling you to learn and apply the technical knowledge required for working in the oil and gas industry in an international context.

You will complete four units at each university, first in Perth and then at Aberdeen. The units may be delivered face-to-face or online, depending on the institution. You will then undertake a research project supervised jointly by Curtin and Aberdeen. This may entail an industry-sponsored topic, providing an opportunity to connect with companies in Perth or Aberdeen and gain international experience and recognition. 

Upon successful completion of this course, you will be awarded a degree recognising your study at both institutions. 

Why study

Curtin University’s subsea program is uniquely structured, industry relevant and internationally based. It provides a range of courses (i.e. Graduate Diploma, Master and Master of Science), matched to qualification and work experience level, to develop your subsea engineering skills so that you are industry ready: technically competent and oil and gas business aware.

The courses will provide you with the technical, systems and commercial skills required to assess, select, design, install, operate and maintain subsea developments. The courses are also uniquely delivered in a collaborative manner utilising Curtin academic, industry and university alliance subject matter experts.

Professional recognition

Accreditation of this course is being sought and will be consistently applied at Aberdeen and Curtin. The purpose of this accreditation is to achieve international recognition, for example by the Washington Accord, assisting with global employment opportunities.

Career opportunities include specialist subsea engineering development, project and operational roles with oil & gas operators, major subsea equipment suppliers and international engineering, fabrication, installation, commissioning and production consultants/contractors.