MSc Applied Petroleum Geoscience

Program Overview

Delivered online, the program emphasizes project-based learning, field trips, and industry partnerships, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge to pursue careers in petroleum exploration, research, and consulting.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overall Objective:

The program provides students with a profound understanding of subsurface geology, geophysics, and geo-engineering with a focus on exploration, appraisal, and development of subsurface resources. The curriculum caters primarily to hydrocarbon exploration and delineating reservoir systems, but the knowledge can be extended to diverse subsurface exploration scenarios such as groundwater, waste disposal, or even CO2 sequestration.

Key Features:

• Intensive coursework:
Students can expect a full week of intensive learning with lectures and practicals to solidify theoretical and practical understanding.
• Project-based:
Individual and group projects form a crucial aspect of the assessment process and foster critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Integrated field trips:
Two fieldtrips are included, one specifically focused on integrating basin and reservoir scale exploration similar to real-world challenges faced in the field.

Learning Outcomes:

• Students gain expertise in fundamental geological principles and theories, along with the analytical tools required for exploration.
• They are trained in utilizing cutting-edge software for static reservoir and basin modeling.
• Graduates can leverage geological and seismic data, along with statistical and modeling techniques, to effectively characterize and evaluate complex geological systems.
• The program equips students with an integrative multi-disciplinary approach to solve intricate issues related to resource exploration.

Outline:

Duration:

The program can be completed within a timeframe ranging from 3 to 8 years, offering flexibility for diverse needs.

Mode of Delivery:

The MSc in Applied Petroleum Geoscience is offered entirely online, providing accessibility to students across geographic boundaries.

Structure:

The first year is designed to equip students with essential geological and engineering principles necessary for petroleum exploration and appraisal. It features 8 core courses, a collaborative team project, and an individual research project. Each taught course holds 150 hours of work, while the individual and team projects demand a hefty 300 hours each.

Core Courses:

Formation Evaluation Applied Petroleum Geophysics Geomechanics and Flow Mechanics Operations, Appraisal and Development Petroleum Basins Play and Prospect Evaluation Petroleum Systems Reservoir Sedimentology Individual Project Field Exploration Project The program aims to develop:

Understanding:

Equip students with essential concepts, principles, and theories in the relevant Geoscience and Engineering fields.

Analytical Skills:

Train students to apply advanced analytical tools for subsurface exploration and evaluation.

Software Proficiency:

Impart expertise in operating leading software tools used in basin and reservoir modeling.

Problem Solving Ability:

Prepare students to utilize geological knowledge, seismic and modeling tools, and data integration techniques to solve challenging scenarios.

Integration:

Encourage an interdisciplinary approach to tackle multi-faceted issues effectively.

Data Interpretation:

Train graduates to analyze imperfect datasets to characterize complex geological structures and generate effective development strategies.

Reservoir Characterization:

Enhance understanding of basin analysis, its relation to fluid flow properties, and application in field studies using real core and outcrop observations.

Assessment:

Combination of Examination, Project, and Coursework:

The overall evaluation is conducted through a blend of exam performance, project submissions, and coursework completion. Projects are assessed based on oral and written presentations along with peer reviews for group projects.

Teaching:

Emphasis on Student Engagement:

• Course notes, presentation slides, and other learning materials are readily provided.
• Active learning is fostered through classroom exercises and project work, solidifying theoretical understanding through practical application.
• Regular assessment opportunities through exercises and coursework provide feedback and guide learning progress.
• Past exams, responses, and recommended reading lists are accessible, enabling comprehensive preparation and independent study.
• Each course is supported by a dedicated Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) page, providing seamless access to essential resources.

Careers:

Potential Pathways:

Graduates of the MSc program typically pursue diverse careers related to petroleum exploration, including:

Researchers:

Furthering their studies in the domain by pursuing PhD degrees in various universities.

Geoscience Professionals:

Joining geoscience teams within major Oil & Gas companies, industry service organizations, and contracting entities.

Independent Consultants:

Establishing their consulting firms to cater to the needs of exploration companies.

Other:

Industry Partnerships:

The MSc benefits from strong industry collaborations which open up access to potential scholarship funding opportunities for students through various companies such as: Nigerian Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) Bolahak (Kazakhstan) Commonwealth Scholarships Chevening scholarships Scholarships offered by Major Oil companies like BP, Chevron, Shell, Exxon, and Mobil.

Tuition fees Status Per course [footnote 1] Dissertation/Project [footnote 1] UK / EU / Overseas £1,315 £1,220