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 Malta
Maritime activity is central to Malta's identity, with the Grand Harbour and Freeport at Marsaxlokk handling significant cargo and transhipment. Ship repair, yacht building and marine services form a important part of the sector, supported by a long tradition of shipbuilding and maritime engineering. Offshore and sports nautical activity, including yacht refit and marine leisure, provides further opportunities. Engineers typically work with shipyards, classification societies, port authorities and marine service providers.
Fees for Malta: €1,090 (Euro), with instalments and employer sponsorship available.
Relevant bodies in Malta
Typical roles
Questions from Malta
Which bodies in Malta regulate naval and offshore engineering, and how does SEIUM fit in?
Malta is a major maritime nation, with the Transport Malta authority overseeing maritime affairs and the Malta Maritime Authority regulating shipping and registration. SEIUM Institute's qualifications are private, not official state degrees, and are not accredited by any national body. Recognition for maritime roles is decided by employers or the relevant regulator, so confirm this before enrolling.
Do employers in Malta's maritime and yachting sectors value this type of training?
Malta's maritime cluster, including shipping services, ship management and yacht-related businesses, employs engineers and technical staff. Hiring in these sectors often prioritises practical experience and relevant certifications. Whether a private online qualification helps depends on the employer, so asking prospective employers in Malta is the best way to judge its value.
Can I study this part-time while working offshore or on rotation, and what is the language requirement?
Programmes are 100% online, so you can study from anywhere with internet access, and no student visa is needed to study from home. Teaching is in English, so you need a good working level of technical English. Hours range from 300 to 1,900 depending on the programme. Fees are payable in instalments and employer sponsorship is possible.
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 Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction
Online 800-hour postgraduate diploma in Riser Dynamics and Wave-Current Interaction. 8 modules covering API RP 2RD (riser design for floating structures), DNV-ST-F201 (dynamic risers) and OrcaFlex.…
Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Environmental Assessment and Marine Permitting
Online 800-hour Postgraduate Diploma in Marine Environmental Assessment and Marine Permitting. 8 modules covering Directive 2014/52/EU (environmental impact assessment), Law 21/2013 on environmental assessment and QGIS.…
Postgraduate Diploma in Control, Governors and Onboard Load Management
800-hour online Postgraduate Diploma in Control, Governors and Onboard Load Management. 8 modules covering the SOLAS Convention, Chapter II-1, Part D (electrical installations), IEC 60092-301 (electrical…
More in Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical
All Naval, Offshore & Sports Nautical programmes → · How to apply · Fees & financing · Scholarships