Marine and Offshore Technology - Master of Science Degree Programme

The Marine and Offshore Technology master programme is a two-year MSc programme. Our graduates acquire skills and competencies in marine and offshore technology through rigorous academic training and practical project work. They will have solid background in mathematical science and general engineering subjects and be able to apply the relevant knowledge within their areas of specialization.

Our students learn about the design, operation and management of marine structures and subsea equipment. They take up modules that cover design and analysis methods and tools applied during the design, production and maintenance phases. Students are also exposed to various design software tools commonly utilized in the industry. 

There is a high level of involvement from the industry in the form of joint-thesis work, adjunct professors from the industry, company visits and internship opportunities. This allows the industry to impart the latest technological developments, best practices and regulatory requirements to the students. 

Our graduates have specialized knowledge within systems and operations related to marine and offshore technology, subsea production, offshore aquaculture, offshore renewable energy and fjord crossings.  Our graduates are well-equipped to participate in the development of new technology, methods and best practices for the marine, offshore and subsea industries. They will also be in demand for many attractive job opportunities in other high technology industries.

Programme content, structure and composition 

Consisting of a total of 120 ECTS, the master programme is made up of 25 ECTS basic methods subjects (B) which consolidate and continue the mathematical and scientific foundation from the bachelor programme. Out of 55 ECTS are 25 core subjects (C) and 30 specialization subjects (S), which give the students abroad and common platform in marine and offshore technology as well as complement and expand subjects from the bachelor programme. The remaining 40 ECTS consist of 10 ECTS elective subjects (E) and a final master thesis of 30 ECTS (M). 

Recommended semester abroad is 3rd semester. This semester has 25 ECTS specialization courses and 5 ECTS elective courses. When studying abroad, these 30 ECTS can be replaced by other courses, which must be approved before leaving. 

The faculty will offer a list of recommended courses. The students themselves must check that they have the necessary basic knowledge to be able to handle these courses. Other courses must be approved by the Department, but the students will have considerable freedom in putting together their own study plans depending on personal interests and qualities. 

The master thesis may be prepared either at the faculty or in cooperation with industry. The Department has good contacts with offshore companies in the region. In order to be assigned a topic for a master thesis, satisfactory progression must be demonstrated as cited in Regulations for Bachelor - and Master's thesis.

Marine and Offshore Technology focuses on systems and operations in offshore field developments. The programme combines general mechanical and structural engineering subjects within marine and offshore technology. Knowledge of systems and operations related to installation, operation and maintenance is covered. 

UiS has the goal to offer all courses as planned subjected to the availability of teaching resources and sufficient student enrolments. In addition, the contents and scopes of all study courses are continuously improved to include new technological development and industrial trends.

The course work consists of lectures, project assignments, exercises and laboratory work. The course descriptions provide further information on:

• Course outline
• Course material and exercises
• Continuous assessment
• Exams

Learning outcomes

After having completed the master’s programme in Marine and Offshore Technology, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: The candidate has advanced knowledge within marine and offshore technology. The candidate has specialized insight in systems and operations by combining mechanical and structural engineering subjects and marine technology.

K2: The candidate has thorough knowledge about safety and environmental aspects related to his/her academic field, and knows how to implement this knowledge in his/her professional work by developing technical solutions suited to the best for society and individuals.

K3: The candidate can apply knowledge to new areas within the academic field.

K4: The candidate can analyze academic problems based on the history, traditions, distinctive character and place in society of the academic field.

K5: The candidate has knowledge about general ethical aspects in the engineering discipline.

Skills

S1: The candidate can analyze and use existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problems.

S2: The candidate can use relevant methods for research and scholarly work in an independent manner.

S3: The candidate can analyze and deal critically with various sources of information and use them to structure and formulate scholarly arguments. The candidate can identify state of the art for the technology as well as relevant national and international standards within relevant disciplines.

S4: The candidate can carry out an independent, limited research or development project under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics. 

General Competence

G1: The candidate can analyse relevant academic problems and be qualified to participate in developing and implementing new technology, methods and principles for the marine, offshore and subsea industries.

G2: The candidate can apply knowledge and skills in new areas in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects, the knowledge is also relevant for marine, offshore and subsea projects in general.

G3: The candidate can communicate extensive independent work, and master language and terminology of the academic field.

G4: The candidate can communicate about academic issues, analyses, and conclusions in the field, both with specialists and general public.

G5: The candidate can contribute to new thinking and innovation processes.

Syllabus

Career prospects

The Marine and Offshore Technology master programme at UiS prepares its graduates holistically for challenging and rewarding careers in all activities in the marine, offshore and subsea industries.  The supply of marine, offshore and subsea equipment and services is currently Norway’s second largest industry after the sale of oil and gas. There are more than 1 250 companies supplying goods and services for all stages of the value chain. This includes floating offshore structures, drilling rig equipment, equipment for the shipyard industry, advanced offshore supply and service vessels as well as subsea technology. Norwegian companies are key industrial players in all international markets for subsea and deep-water technologies. The offshore activities off the Norwegian coast and in the arctic regions are also expected to significantly grow in the future. 

Our graduates are highly sought after in a broad spectrum of companies covering:

• Oil and gas exploration and production companies
• Ship and offshore structures construction companies
• Subsea production equipment manufacturers
• Subsea installation service providers
• Specialized design houses
• Classification societies
• Research institutes

Candidates can also work at research institutes.

This master’s degree with an average grade of B and above fulfils one of the entry requirements for a PhD degree programme in Norway.

Course assessment

Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in Quality system for education