Postgraduate Diploma in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control
Online Postgraduate Diploma of 800 h in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control. 8 modules covering API 17A / ISO 13628-1 (design and operation of subsea production systems), API 17D (subsea wellhead and Christmas tree equipment) and OLGA. Assigned tutor and open enrolment.
Postgraduate Diploma in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control — studying from Ireland
Ireland's maritime sector spans shipping services, offshore energy, marine research and sports boating, with ports such as Dublin, Cork and Shannon Foynes supporting trade and logistics. The offshore wind and marine renewables sector is growing, creating demand for engineers in structures, marine systems and subsea technology. Marine research institutions such as the Marine Institute contribute to ocean science and offshore technology. Oversight is provided by the Irish Maritime Administration within the Department of Transport and by classification and safety bodies.
Fees for Ireland: €1,090 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Ireland
Typical roles
Questions from Ireland
Which bodies in Ireland regulate or recognise marine and offshore engineering professionals?
In Ireland, marine matters fall under the Irish Maritime Development Office and the Irish Maritime Administration, while the Marine Survey Office handles vessel safety. Professional engineering membership is usually sought through Engineers Ireland. SEIUM's qualifications are private and not accredited by these bodies, so they do not grant certificates of competency or professional status.
How do employers in Ireland's marine and offshore sectors view private online qualifications?
Employers in Ireland's offshore energy, shipping and nautical industries generally prioritise certified competencies and sea-going or project experience. A private online qualification may complement your background but is judged at each employer's discretion. There is no guarantee it will be accepted for any particular role.
Can I study this online from Ireland and do I need a visa or to relocate?
You can study from home in Ireland, as the programme is fully online and taught in English, so no student visa is needed to study from home. Programme lengths are 300, 800 or 1,900 hours depending on the course. Fees can be paid in instalments, and employer sponsorship is possible. Each student is assigned a technical tutor.
Take the controls.
Run a real engineering trade-off from this field. Move the sliders, watch the model react in real time and beat the challenge.
What you will be able to do
Describe the architecture of a subsea production system.
Analyse the configuration and functions of subsea Christmas trees.
Design manifolds and subsea structures.
Specify subsea electro-hydraulic control systems.
Select umbilicals and communication systems.
Apply safety and flow assurance criteria.
Plan the installation, intervention and decommissioning of subsea equipment.
Who it's for
- Subsea systems engineer looking to specialise in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control.
- Subsea controls engineer looking to specialise in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control.
- Flow assurance engineer looking to specialise in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control.
- Umbilicals engineer looking to specialise in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control.
- Subsea installation engineer looking to specialise in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control.
- Subsea asset integrity engineer looking to specialise in Christmas Trees, Manifolds and Subsea Control.
- Graduates in engineering or sciences seeking to enter the offshore oil and gas industry.
What you'll work with
- API 17A / ISO 13628-1 (design and operation of subsea production systems)
- API 17D (subsea wellhead and Christmas tree equipment)
- API 17F (subsea production control systems)
- API 17E (subsea umbilicals)
- API 6A (wellhead and Christmas tree equipment)
- NORSOK U-001 (subsea production systems)
- API RP 17N (subsea reliability and technical risk management)
8 modules · 800 h
1.1Architecture of a subsea field1.2Satellite wells and templates1.3Tiebacks to platforms and FPSOs1.4Components: trees, manifolds and umbilicals1.5Water depth and challenges1.6API 17A and ISO 13628 standard1.7Flow assurance1.8Development lifecycle1.9Reference fields in the North Sea1.10Case study: tieback architecture
2.1Vertical and horizontal trees2.2Wellheads and hangers2.3Master and wing valves2.4Subsea chokes2.5Pressure and temperature sensors2.6API 17D standard2.7Installation and intervention2.8Trees for water and gas injection2.9Pressure and temperature rating2.10Workshop: valve diagram of a tree
3.1Manifold functions3.2Header and valve design3.3PLET and PLEM3.4Rigid and flexible jumpers3.5Collar and clamp connectors3.6Protection structures against fishing3.7Foundations and mudmats3.8Pigging and subsea launchers3.9Design for installation3.10Practice: layout of a four-well manifold
4.1Direct hydraulic control4.2Multiplexed electro-hydraulic4.3All-electric systems4.4Subsea control module SCM4.5Hydraulic power unit HPU4.6Master control station MCS4.7Subsea distribution unit SDU4.8API 17F and ISO 13628-6 standards4.9Reliability and redundancy4.10Laboratory: closing logic of an SCM
5.1Umbilical composition5.2Thermoplastic hoses and steel tubes5.3Electrical and fibre cables5.4API 17E standard5.5Dynamic analysis of umbilicals5.6Carrier and fibre communication5.7SIIS protocols levels 1 to 35.8Wet-mate connectors5.9Typical faults and diagnosis5.10Case study: umbilical specification
6.1Emergency shutdown systems6.2Subsurface safety valves SCSSV6.3SIL functions and IEC 615116.4Hydrates and their prevention6.5MEG and methanol injection6.6Waxes and asphaltenes6.7Cold start-up and shutdown6.8Integrity monitoring6.9Subsea leak detection6.10Workshop: hydrate prevention strategy
7.1Installation vessels and ROVs7.2FAT, EFAT and SIT tests7.3Subsea commissioning7.4Light and heavy intervention7.5Workover and module repair7.6Spares management7.7Decommissioning and OSPAR 98/37.8Life extension of mature fields7.9Digitalisation and digital twins7.10Practice: intervention plan for an SCM
8.1Field definition and requirements8.2Subsea architecture8.3Selection of trees and manifolds8.4Control system design8.5Umbilical specification8.6Safety and flow analysis8.7Installation and testing plan8.8Costs and schedule8.9Report and presentation8.10Final review with the tutor
How you'll learn
100 % online training on the SEIUM campus, with downloadable material, recorded classes and an assigned technical tutor. No fixed timetable: students progress at their own pace within the intake, which makes it possible to combine study with work.
Each module combines theory, guided reading of the original standard and applied exercises. The working software is OLGA, PIPESIM, OrcaFlex, ANSYS Mechanical, SolidWorks, in free, academic or evaluation versions. Tests are studied using real factory acceptance test (FAT) procedures, system integration test (SIT) procedures and flow assurance analysis. Assessment is continuous per module plus the final integrating project.
Build it end to end
Your final project follows the real engineering workflow, step by step, reviewed by your tutor.
Describe the architecture of a subsea production system.
Analyse the configuration and functions of subsea Christmas trees.
Design manifolds and subsea structures.
Specify subsea electro-hydraulic control systems.
Select umbilicals and communication systems.
Where this takes you
Requirements
- Prior technical training or professional experience in the sector. A university degree is not required.
- Internet connection and a computer capable of running the programme's software.
- Sufficient level of Spanish to follow the reading of technical standards.
Ready to start?
Send your application today. Our admissions team replies within 72 hours with your study plan and funding options.
Frequently asked questions
The programme totals 800 hours spread over 6 to 8 months. That is an average of 10 to 15 hours per week, compatible with a full-time job.
The programme works with OLGA, PIPESIM, OrcaFlex, ANSYS Mechanical, SolidWorks. Free, academic or evaluation versions are used, and the tutor indicates the free alternative where one exists.
An SEIUM Institute diploma upon passing continuous assessment and the integrating project. It is in-house training, not an official qualification from the Ministry.
Yes. Modules passed in a course or postgraduate diploma in the same area are recognised in the advanced programme. Check the recognition policy when enrolling.
Related programmes
Postgraduate Diploma in RCD Requirements, Testing and CE Marking
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in RCD Requirements, Testing and CE Marking. 8 modules covering Directive 2013/53/EU (recreational craft and personal watercraft), ISO 12215 (hull construction and…
Postgraduate Diploma in Infrastructure and Slipway Maintenance
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Infrastructure and Slipway Maintenance. 8 modules covering ROM 0.0-01 (Recommendations for Maritime Works: general procedure), EN 1504 (concrete protection and repair)…
Postgraduate Diploma in Evaluation of Facilities and Security Plans
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Evaluation of Facilities and Security Plans. 8 modules covering the PBIP/ISPS Code, SOLAS Chapter XI-2 and ArcGIS. Assigned tutor and open…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships