The MSc in Offshore Engineering at UTP stands as the only programme of its kind offered in Malaysia. The programme is supported by state-of-the-art facilities, including an offshore engineering lab equipped with wave tank and wave flume facilities, as well as a simulation centre.
ENGINEERS in the offshore engineering field are a critical part of the oil and gas industry, and despite the pressures faced by the industry, the skills and knowledge to design, build, install, and operate offshore equipment will continue to be sought after the world over.
More so, as the energy players look towards offshore or marine-based renewable sources of energy.
At Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), the MSc in Offshore Engineering – the only one of its kind offered in Malaysia – offers professionals the opportunity to build their technical knowledge, engage in cutting-edge research projects that contribute to the advancement of offshore engineering knowledge and practices as well as network with fellow engineers and industry players.
That UTP’s MSc in Offshore Engineering is also offered via Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode is a further advantage for career engineers – allowing them to gain the postgraduate qualification without having to leave their jobs, says chair of the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department assoc prof Dr Bashar S Mohammed.
“The ODL mode, introduced in 2020, is hosted on special learning platforms which offer self-instructional materials comprising videos of lectures and reading material developed by well-trained professionals.
“The programme also offers students the opportunity to interact with lecturers and industry specialists through live synchronous engagement sessions like webinars or adjunct lectures,” he says.
The programme, he adds, will appeal to those already exposed to the facets of offshore engineering, be it an offshore engineer, subsea engineer, structural engineer, pipeline engineer, geotechnical engineer, naval architect, safety and risk engineer, project manager, environmental engineer or operational maintenance engineer.
While pursuing MSc in Offshore Engineering programme at UTP, Chee Sze Yan secured employment at a leading subsea engineering, construction, and services company in the offshore energy industry. The Master's degree played a crucial role in justifying her passion and interest in the field during the job interview session.
UTP’s MSc in Offshore Engineering programme manager Dr Ng Cheng Yee says UTP’s postgraduate programme offers the opportunity for engineers who want to transition into the lucrative offshore engineering field.
“As a graduate of the programme, students stand a better chance of getting promoted as well as secure global employment opportunities. The flexible structure of the ODL programme is also an advantage,” she says.
For Chee Sze Yan, an Electrical Engineering graduate, pursuing the MSc in Offshore Engineering was her route into the oil and gas industry.
The 26-year-old was undaunted by her limited knowledge of the industry and saw the postgraduate programme as an opportunity to acquire comprehensive knowledge about the oil and gas industry and ultimately secure a job in this field and to someday work offshore.
And she has succeeded in that regard. While pursuing the postgraduate programme, Chee secured employment at a leading subsea engineering, construction, and services company in the offshore energy industry, adding that the Master’s degree played a crucial role in justifying her passion and interest in the industry during the job interview session.
“Despite my initial limited knowledge and a less specialised educational background compared to graduates with more relevant degrees, I was able to convey my dedication and enthusiasm for learning and pursuing a career in the oil and gas industry.
“As a result, I was offered a permanent position at the company and continue to develop as a graduate engineer. Last year, I even had the privilege of participating in an offshore project in Turkey, further expanding my practical experience in the field,” she adds.
UTP’s MSc in Offshore Engineering was developed in collaboration with oil and gas industry partners – ensuring that it is relevant to the needs and challenges of the oil and gas industry.
Bashar says the curriculum has been reviewed every five years since the programme was introduced in 2017.
The programme, he says, is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of offshore engineering, covering various aspects such as structural design, marine operations, subsea systems, and safety and management.
“The curriculum integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application – ensuring that the student develops well-rounded skills that align with industry demands,” he adds.
Dr Ng Cheng Yee (2nd from left), Dr Bashar S Mohammed (5th from left) and UTP vice chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohamed Ibrahim Abdul Mutalib (6th from left) at the recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) ceremony. UTP recently entered into an MoU with DNV Digital Solutions to enrich the learning experience for MSc in Offshore Engineering students by providing direct insights from the industry.
In keeping with the rising importance of alternative energy sources, specifically the need to transition to a cleaner alternative, UTP’s MSc in Offshore Engineering includes coursework and research opportunities in renewable energy technologies.
Ng adds that the fundamentals of offshore engineering can be applied for the exploration of renewable energy sources such as offshore wind, wave, tidal and floating solar.
In addition, the university also encourages research activities that focus on developing sustainable solutions for offshore engineering, says Bashar.
These include research on eco-friendly materials, energy efficient designs, waste management systems and innovative technologies that minimise the environmental impact of offshore operations.
“Through the research projects, which is part of the course structure, students will contribute to the development of sustainable practices and technologies that can be adopted by the oil and gas industry,” he says.
These research priorities are also in keeping with UTP’s commitment to sustainable futures and its support of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).
UTP’s MSc in Offshore Engineering also stands out thanks to the robust academic staff who are equipped with expertise in offshore engineering.
“These lecturers bring real world knowledge and insights into the classroom – enhancing the learning experience and ensuring that the students receive quality education and guidance throughout the programme,” says Bashar.
Supporting the offshore engineering programme are the facilities including offshore engineering lab equipped with wave tank and wave flume facilities, simulation centre and other research facilities.
Ng adds that the university’s collaboration with industry players is also an advantage, not only in the curriculum review but also in teaching and learning and the use of simulation software.
For example, from adjunct lectures conducted by industry players, where case studies, projects, and the fundamentals and practices of the industry are shared.
For more information on UTP’s MSc in Offshore Engineering, visit www.utp.edu.my
