Direct answer
The University of Aberdeen’s official 2026/27 entry for the programme previously known as MSc Decommissioning is now titled Energy Transition Systems and Technologies. Specific Chinese qualification equivalences are not listed on the programme page; the university directs applicants to a country/territory selector that requires a live lookup. The page confirms a £26,250 international tuition fee, reduced to £18,250 for self-funded students through the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Programme identity and structure
The programme is a 12-month, full-time, on-campus MSc based in Aberdeen. It is also available part-time online. Two start months are offered: September and January. The curriculum addresses the restructuring of energy infrastructure for net zero, covering low-carbon technologies, systems thinking, and non-technical dimensions such as economics and policy. The degree is delivered by the School of Engineering with contributions from Geosciences, Business, and Law.
Academic entry requirements
The official page states a minimum entry requirement of a UK 2:2 Honours degree, or an equivalent non-UK qualification judged by the university, in Engineering or a related field such as natural sciences, physical sciences, or mathematics. The page contains a country/territory selector that includes China, but the specific Chinese qualification equivalences are not displayed in the static page content. To view the exact Chinese entry requirements, a live recheck using the selector on the official programme page is necessary. The university explicitly notes that the information provided is a guide only and does not guarantee entry.
English language requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following minimum scores. The programme page lists four accepted tests:
- IELTS Academic: Overall 6.5, with Listening 5.5, Reading 5.5, Speaking 5.5, Writing 6.0.
- TOEFL iBT: Overall 90, with Listening 17, Reading 18, Speaking 20, Writing 21.
- PTE Academic: Overall 62, with Listening 59, Reading 59, Speaking 59, Writing 59.
- Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Overall 176, with Listening 162, Reading 162, Speaking 162, Writing 169.
ATAS clearance requirement
This degree falls under CAH3 code CAH10-01-09. Any student who requires a visa to live or study in the UK must obtain an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) clearance certificate before applying for a visa. The official page directs applicants to the UK government’s ATAS guidance page to confirm individual eligibility.
Fees and the Aberdeen Global Scholarship
The published 2026/27 international tuition fee is £26,250. The official page states that self-funded international students receive an £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship, reducing the payable fee to £18,250. The page notes that full terms and conditions apply. UK fees are £11,100, with a reduced alumni rate of £7,000.
Document requirements
Applicants must submit a full degree transcript with an official English translation and a detailed personal statement explaining their motivation for the programme. If a degree is not yet completed, the degree certificate can be supplied later.
What the official page does not establish
The static programme page does not publish a fixed Chinese percentage or grade equivalent. The country-specific selector requires a live interaction to retrieve the current Chinese qualification mapping. The page also does not guarantee admission for any applicant meeting the listed minimums. The ATAS requirement is stated as mandatory for visa nationals, but the page does not assess individual visa circumstances.
FAQ
What is the exact Chinese qualification equivalent for entry?
The programme page includes a country selector for China, but the specific equivalences are not embedded in the static text. You must visit the official page and use the selector to retrieve the current Chinese entry requirements.
Is the £8,000 scholarship automatically applied?
The official page states that all eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship. The reduced fee of £18,250 is listed as the self-funded international fee. Full terms and conditions apply, so you should review the scholarship page for eligibility details.
Do I need an ATAS certificate for this programme?
Yes, if you need a visa to live or study in the UK. The CAH3 code for this degree is CAH10-01-09, and the ATAS clearance certificate must be valid when you apply for your visa.
Can I start this programme in January?
Yes. The official page lists both September and January start months for the full-time, on-campus MSc.
Is this the same programme as the former MSc Decommissioning?
The current official title is Energy Transition Systems and Technologies. The page does not use the name “Decommissioning,” but the programme covers the energy transition from fossil fuels to renewables, including carbon capture, utilisation and storage, and the integration of low-carbon technologies.
Further reading
Official sources
- Energy Transition Systems and Technologies programme page
- Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) guidance
- University of Aberdeen Aberdeen Global Scholarship
- University of Aberdeen English Language Requirements
For broader context on international study preparation, see our guides on New Zealand student insurance, OVHC shortfall comparisons, and admissions processes at other institutions. If you are evaluating support options, you may also find our agency comparison resource useful.
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