IT for the Energy Industry
The course will prepare you for a career in the design and implementation of IT solutions and service management. As a graduate, you will be well-positioned for a computing career in the ever-evolving global energy industry and its IT providers.
This course provides training in software development tools and techniques, IT service management and geoscience.
Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work, undertaken in state-of-the-art facilities, using tools and techniques to allow you to gain the skills required to work within a technical IT environment.
This practical element will enhance your theoretical understanding by developing real-world problem-solving skills; enhancing your employability as a graduate.
This course will give you an understanding of the energy industry and how to align IT services with the needs of organisations. You will become proficient in the use of modern software tools and environments and have the ability to integrate the use of tools and techniques in the framework of an appropriate development methodology to develop high quality software solutions.
Throughout the course, content is complemented by practical work, allowing you to support your theoretical development through real-life simulation. You will work on a group project designed to simulate the working environment, allowing you to collaborate with colleagues as you would within multi-discipline teams in the energy sector.
The individual project provides allows you to apply specialist knowledge with analytic, problem-solving, managerial and communication skills to a particular area of interest within energy sector. Working with the full support and guidance of an allocated project supervisor, you will be given the opportunity to propose, plan, specify, develop, evaluate, and present a substantial IT project.
*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationPart-time September start students
- A) Part-time September start students who would like to work on their project during the summer start their project in May of their second year and complete in December of their third year. (Approximately 28 months)
- B) Part-time September start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer start their project in September of their third year and complete in May that year. (Approximately 33 months)
Part-time January start students
- C) Part-time January start students who would like to work on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year complete their project in August that year. (Approximately 32 months)
- D) Part-time January start students who would like to avoid working on their project during the summer will start their project in January of their third year, have a break during the summer term and continue their project September-December that year. (Approximately 36 months)
Activity Summary
- Lectures - 25 students per group, 9 hours per week (Term 1)
- Lectures - 25 students per group, 8 hours per week (Term 2)
- Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 1 hour per week (Term 3)
- Practical class or workshop - 25 students per group, 8 hours per week (Term 1)
- Practical class or workshop - 25 students per group, 7 hours per week (Term 2)
- Independent Study - 1 student per group, 23 hours per week (Term 1)
- Independent Study - 1 student per group, 25 hours per week (Term 2)
- Independent Study - 1 student per group, 39 hours per week (Term 3)
How long is an IT for the Energy Industry course?
The course can be successfully completed in:
- 12 - 17 months (full time)*
- 28 - 36 months (part time)
*For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.
Assessment
Typically students are assessed each year:
Year 1
- 4 written exams, typically for 3 hours
- 1 written assignment, including essay
- 3 reports
- 2 dissertations
- 2 project outputs
- 2 oral assessments
- 6 practical skills assessments
- 1 group critique
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT
The Disability & Dyslexia Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
ONLINE LEARNING & SUPPORT
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on-campus or by online distance learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Staff Delivering on This Course
Our staff members feature in the annual Support and Teaching staff with Appreciation and Recognition (STAR) awards voted by the students and organised by RGU:Union. Recently we have been awarded two Lecturer of the Year awards and an award for Continued Excellence.
Many of our academic staff are Fellows or Senior Fellows of the Higher Education Academy or are working towards this accolade. This is a professional recognition of practice, impact and leadership of teaching and learning.
Staff on this course could also include: visiting lecturers, visiting Distinguished Researchers, library staff and industry experts and postgraduate researchers.
STUDY SKILLS SUPPORT
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Placements
Students have the option to seek a short placement. However, permission to undertake a placement is at the discretion of the School and is not guaranteed.
For students who undertake a placement the course duration will be extended by the length of the placement.
Job Prospects
As a graduate of this course you will be prepared for a number of IT roles within the energy industry, both as a Software Developer and Service Manager. Aberdeen is home to many multinational energycompanies and associated suppliers such as mainstream software houses, IT providers to major oil-related companies, specialist software consultancies, and venture capital start-ups.
The university is involved in a number of commercial collaborations on a local, national and international scale with organisations such as BP, British Geological Survey, Wood, Accenture, WIPRO and many Aberdeen-based software development companies.
The course also prepares students for research careers by providing the skills necessary of an effective researcher. Suitable MSc graduates may continue to PhD programmes within the school.
What is needed for MSc IT for the Energy Industry?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in a science or technical subject.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
Our Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSP) is available for students who have not yet reached the required English level and those who would like to improve their language competency.
Tuition fees for this IT for the Energy Industry course are as follows:
FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2021/2022
Scottish Students
Full-time
- £5,500 for entire MSc course
Part-time
- £2,750 for year 1
- £2,750 for year 2
- No fee for year 3
EU Students
Full-time
- £6,920 entire course
Part-time
- £2,750 year 1
- £2,750 year 2
- £1,420 year 3
Rest of UK Students
Full-time
- £6,920 entire course
Part-time
- £2,750 year 1
- £2,750 year 2
- £1,420 year 3
International Students
Full-time
- £14,950 entire course
Part-time
- £5,610 year 1
- £5,610 year 2
- £3,730 year 3
FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2020/2021
Scottish/EU Students
Full-time
- £5,500 for entire MSc course
Part-time
- £2,750 for year 1
- £2,750 for year 2
- No fee for year 3
Rest of UK Students
Full-time
- £6,920 entire course
Part-time
- £2,750 year 1
- £2,750 year 2
- £1,420 year 3
International Students
Full-time
- £14,950 entire course
Part-time
- £5,610 year 1
- £5,610 year 2
- £3,730 year 3
ADDITIONAL COSTS
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- £320 for short placement
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees.
There are a limited number of funded places on this course.
There are also sources of funding that are applicable to categories of student.
POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS' FUNDING
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may also qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
SCHOLARSHIPS AND FINANCIAL AWARDS
DISCLAIMER
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.