Heriot-Watt University

MSc Subsurface Energy Systems

Heriot-Watt University

Course overview

The MSc Subsurface Energy Systems at Heriot-Watt University is a 1-year programme designed to equip you with specialised knowledge in the responsible development and management of subsurface geoenergy resources. This course focuses on areas such as CO₂ storage, geothermal energy, reservoir modelling, and subsurface energy transition.

You will learn through traditional lectures, seminars, project work, and real-world case studies, and conduct an individual research project along with a collaborative group project.

By the end of this programme, you will have covered areas like fluid flow in porous media, environmental risk management, and energy systems modelling, and developed skills such as data analysis, field evaluation, and subsurface characterisation. This, coupled with access to world-class research facilities and industry-led projects, will provide you with an all-around education.

Entry requirements

Here are the standard entry requirements to study the MSc Subsurface Energy Systems at Heriot-Watt University:

Grade Requirements

You should have at least a 2:2 honours degree (or international equivalent) in engineering or a physical/earth sciences discipline such as geology, physics, chemistry, environmental science, or maths. Applicants with relevant industry experience may also be considered.

English Proficiency

Non-native English speakers may need to demonstrate proficiency in the language, typically through an IELTS score of at least 6.0. TOEFL or other equivalents are also allowed.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Career opportunities

Here are some of the career options you have with an MSc Subsurface Energy Systems at Heriot-Watt University:

  • Reservoir Engineer
  • Geothermal Energy Specialist
  • CO₂ Storage Analyst
  • Energy Sector Consultant
  • Technical Advisor
  • Academic Researcher

Cost of study

The tuition fee (2025/2026 session) to study MSc Subsurface Energy Systems at Heriot-Watt University is  £29,960.

Admission

To find out more about the application process, speak to one of our trained counsellors.

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