The University of Aberdeen has launched four new degree programmes to meet the skills demands of the booming and ever evolving energy, electronic and photonics industries.

Degrees in Electronics and Photonics, Electronic Engineering with Oceanic Instrumentation, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with Energy Studies and Electrical Engineering with Sustainable Energy have been introduced to the University's portfolio of energy programmes.

Created in direct response to industry demand for skilled professionals within these rapidly growing industry areas, the programmes will receive the first intake of students in September 2009.

Equipping graduates for entry into the substantial UK and Scottish photonics industry, which plays a crucial role in sectors including communications, medical and defence, the Electronics with Photonics degree programme is available as either a five year Master or four year Batchelor degree.


The Mechanical and Electrical Engineering with Energy Studies and Electrical with Sustainable Energy degrees will focus on various aspects of the energy industry including current mainstream energy production.

Renewable energy technologies will also be a key component of both degree programmes in recognition of the increasing prominence given in the industry to alternative fuel and energy sources.

Focusing on the skills required within the increasingly important area of ocean science, the degree in Electronics and Oceanic Instrumentation has been designed to meet the current and future demands of the oceanology and oil and gas sector where greater emphasis is being placed on subsea exploration. The degree is available as either a five year Master degree or four year Batchelor degree.

Dr David Hendry, School of Engineering, University of Aberdeen said: "Creating industry focused degrees which are tailored towards the current and future needs of the energy sector is a core objective for the University of Aberdeen and this is reflected in the introduction of these four new programmes.

"These degrees will breed a fresh generation of talent to meet the requirements of the buoyant energy and electronic sectors, where developments into new technologies are continuing to drive the need for skilled professionals within diverse new areas of expertise."

For more information on these degree programmes and the full portfolio of degree programmes offered by the School of Engineering at the University visit www.eng.abdn.ac.uk

(GK/JM)