IT for the Energy Industry

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.

Part-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)

You will be taught through a mixture of lectures, tutorials, labs and external speakers. You will also be supported through our online virtual learning environment where you can access a wide variety of resources and other support materials.

Activity Summary

Term 1

• Lectures - 25 students per group, 8 hours per week 
• Practical class or workshop - approximately 25 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Independent Study - 1 student per group, 23 hours per week

Term 2

• Lectures - 25 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Practical class or workshop - approximately 25 students per group, 8 hours per week
• Independent Study - 1 student per group, 25 hours per week

Term 3

• Project Supervision - 1 student per group, 1 hour per week
• Independent Study - 1 student per group, 39 hours per week

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 Inclusion 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 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.

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 energy companies 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.

Additional Costs

• £320 for short placement