Learn to evaluate, test and design a range of riser systems.
Riser systems play a key part in the offshore oil and gas industry. They allow us to bring hydrocarbon from the seabed to the offshore installation.
A core part of our Masters in Subsea Engineering, this course gives you a thorough grounding in riser and mooring design, including the effect of dynamic motions.
Enjoy the expertise of our academics, experienced engineers and industry specialists, who we bring in to share their knowledge and the latest technological developments with you.
Advance your career as a graduate engineer with a university at the heart of the UK energy sector. Access our training and support wherever you’re based, with part-time hours to fit around your existing commitments.
You can use the credits you earn on this course towards our MSc Subsea Engineering.
What will I study?
You’ll start the course with an overview of various riser systems, including:
- flexible
- steel catenary
- hybrid
- top-tensioned.
You’ll examine where these systems are applicable, their components, the service life of these components, and the service life of the entire system.
You’ll then explore the fundamentals of ocean hydrodynamics, measuring stresses in the subsea environment and interactions between vessel, mooring and riser systems.
You’ll focus on the hydrodynamic loads on risers. Deriving equations of motion to describe each system, you’ll calculate displacement and stresses to work out how long a riser system will last in different configurations.
You’ll learn how all of this knowledge informs and impacts on riser and mooring design, and discover the latest design trends in riser technologies.
Other important topics you’ll cover include:
- effective tension
- vessel response characterisation
- regular and irregular wave loading analysis
- time and frequency domain solution techniques
- riser ancillary equipment.
By the end of this course, you will understand…
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Different riser designs and their application.
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The mechanics of riser systems, and the role of tension, stress, and fatigue.
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External dynamic forces and their impact on riser and mooring system design.
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The dynamic motion of floating surface facilities and their consequences for riser design.
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The methods of riser-installation engineering and planning.
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The design and application of ancillary riser technology, including interconnectors, joints and buoyancy aids.
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The latest design trends in riser technologies.
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The application of riser technologies in deep water.
How will I study?
Our Riser Systems and Hydrodynamics course is delivered part-time online. You can study with us anywhere in the world and manage your study hours to suit you.
Part of our MSc in Subsea Engineering, this course is taught at Masters level.
Online learning
Your teaching is delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). It holds all the materials, tools and support you’ll need in your studies. Take a look around MyAberdeen.
You can access your learning materials on computer, smartphone and laptop, 24 hours a day. You’ll find a range of resources at your fingertips, including:
- online lectures and tutorials
- reading materials
- the online resources of our award-winning Sir Duncan Rice Library
- discussion boards with colleagues, tutors and professional subsea engineers.
Your tutors
You’ll learn from highly experienced academics and engineers from our School of Engineering, alongside experts from industry brought in to share their knowledge and experience with you.
Industry input
You’ll also benefit from direct input from an Industry Advisory Board. It constantly reviews the course content to ensure you’re gaining the latest industry knowledge and are up to speed with emerging trends, technologies and career opportunities.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed entirely online.
This course usually combines online assessment with a written exam that you attend in person. However, due to Covid-19, in-person exams will not take place until January 2022 at the earliest.
Where will this take me?
Towards a Masters
You’ll earn 15 credits at Masters level (SCQF Level 11) with this course. You can use these credits towards further study, including our:
- Accredited by The Institute of Marine Engineering, Science & Technology (IMarEST), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE) and the Energy Institute.
- Prepares you to make an immediate impact in your chosen career in the subsea industry.
- Available to study online or on campus.
Build your learning
We offer a range of specialist online Engineering courses you can use to build your skills.
Many carry credits you can build up into postgraduate qualifications, including Masters degrees:
Careers
This course is designed to develop your career as a graduate engineer already working in, or with ambitions to work in, the subsea engineering sector.
Your employer or professional institute may recognise this course for Continuing Professional Development (CPD). Talk to your employer or institute to find out more.
Free careers advice
We’ll help you explore your career potential and connect with job opportunities around the world.
You can access our free careers service while you study.
From interview training to CV clinics, we’re here with tailored, impartial and professional advice.
Applicants for this course are expected to hold a relevant degree. However, alternative/lower qualifications, combined with an appropriate level of relevant experience, may also be considered for entry.
For this course, you’ll apply through our Applicant Portal. It allows you to upload relevant qualifications and documents. Our admissions team will then review these and get back to you. Read How to apply through our Applicant Portal for all you need to know.
You need to apply by the course start date to ensure you are enrolled in time.
