| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience program at the University of Aberdeen is a globally renowned program that provides vocational training in the energy industry. The program focuses on all aspects of upstream geoscience, including exploration, field appraisal, development, and carbon storage. Graduates have a high employment rate in the oil and gas, energy, and applied industries, with many holding senior positions in major oil and gas companies.
Program Outline
Integrated Petroleum Geoscience, MSc
Degree Overview:
The MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience (IPG) program, established in 1973, is a globally renowned program offering vocational training in the energy industry. Hosted in the heart of the UK's energy sector, the program provides world-class training in the practical and technical skills required for the global hydrocarbon exploration and production industry. The program benefits from significant input and support from major oil and gas operators.
Objectives:
- Equip students with the knowledge and skills to understand the subsurface and the hydrocarbons stored there.
- Remain current and relevant, particularly in the transition towards net-zero.
- Focus on all aspects of upstream geoscience, including exploration, field appraisal, development, maximizing recovery from mature fields, and repurposing depleted fields for carbon storage.
- Offer hands-on field-based study through UK and international field trips to apply and develop subsurface analysis and core logging skills.
- Facilitate industry training and projects, professional mentorship, and career networking opportunities through collaborations with companies like Equinor, Harbour Energy, Neo Energy, Baker Hughes, Hess, and Shell.
- Enhance teamwork and communication skills through a teaching approach that parallels the energy industry's work style.
Program Description:
The IPG program is designed for students with diverse geological backgrounds, filling any gaps in their geological knowledge and emphasizing numeracy skills.
- Professional Skills Incorporating International Field Trip (GL5013): This course focuses on teamwork, communication, diversity, and organization. Students learn to communicate technical interpretations and utilize knowledge gained in field and classroom to complete industry-facing tasks based on real-life scenarios.
- Applied Sedimentology and Structural Geology (GL5044): This course focuses on practical geological skills applicable to fluid extraction and sequestration, including tectonics, structural geology, clastic and carbonate sedimentology, stratigraphy, diagenesis, basin-forming processes, and structural styles. It also covers the impact of deformation on reservoir behavior and trapping mechanisms.
Stage 2:
- Production Geology (GL5511): This course focuses on the role of geologists in development planning and driving production throughout a field's life, with emphasis on interaction with reservoir and well engineering, operations, and commercial disciplines.
- Regional Exploration (GL5568): This course demonstrates the stages in a hydrocarbon exploration project, from initial basin screening to economic assessment. It covers components of structural geology, tectonics, organic geochemistry, and basin modeling.
- Subsurface Storage and Sequestration (GL5572): This course prepares students for the safe and long-term storage and sequestration of CO2 through lectures and practical exercises. It covers the storage of energy (compressed air and hydrogen) in porous rocks, evaporites, and volcanics.
Stage 3:
- Projects in Energy Geoscience (GL5913): This final project allows students to undertake and complete a study of a subsurface problem applicable to the energy industry. The project emphasizes independent research, report writing, and integration and reinforcement of course materials.
- The program may be subject to change.
Assessment:
An oral examination and a final report on a relevant and approved major topic are also required.
Teaching:
Faculty:
A diverse group of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows, and postgraduate tutors are involved in the teaching.
Teaching Approach:
The program emphasizes a real-world approach, incorporating industry-standard software and equipment, offering a dedicated teaching and computing room, and providing opportunities for learning through projects, fieldwork, and seminars.
Careers:
Career Opportunities:
- Exploration Geologist
- Exploration Geoscientist
- Petrophysicist
- Project Geoscientist
- Regional Exploration Geoscientist
- Senior Geologist
Other:
EU / International students:
£31,000
UK:
£11,900
