MSc Mature Field Management

Program Overview

The MSc in Mature Field Management at Heriot-Watt University is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to manage mature oil and gas fields, which account for most of the world's hydrocarbon production. The program emphasizes real-world application, decision-making, and a broad understanding of reservoir, well, and surface engineering, preparing graduates for successful careers in the petroleum industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The MSc in Mature Field Management is a program designed to address the needs of the modern petroleum industry, with a focus on managing mature fields, which are responsible for most of the world's hydrocarbon production.

Objectives:

• Equip students with the knowledge and skills to make value-based decisions in mature fields through iterative working of real-world data.
• Provide a strong understanding of the underlying components of reservoir, wells, and surface engineering, allowing students to manage the entire producing system.
• Develop expertise in key areas including reservoir management, well engineering, production optimization, and asset management.
• Enable students to make informed decisions in mature fields by considering incremental project economics and risk analysis.
Students also gain a strong understanding of incremental project economics, risk analysis, and decision-making in mature fields. Additionally, the program explores the potential uses of reservoirs in the post-carbon era.

Highlights:

• Developed with experienced industry advisors.
• Addresses the critical needs of the mature field management sector.
• Offers a broad curriculum covering essential aspects of the field.
• Emphasizes real-world application and decision-making through data analysis.
• Prepares graduates for a successful career in the petroleum industry.

Outline:

Year 1:

Semester 1:

• Managing the Surface: This course introduces the concept of value-based decision making in mature fields and explores relevant economic and risk analysis methodologies.
• Optimising Recovery: This course delves into the fundamentals of fluid dynamics, recovery mechanisms, and enhanced oil recovery (EOR) techniques.
• Producing Field Practices: This module provides practical insights into real-world challenges and solutions within mature fields, covering topics like well control, hydraulic fracturing, and surface facility modification.

Semester 2:

• Cessation of Production?
: This module explores options for extending field life and delves into the potential use of reservoirs beyond the carbon era, covering decommissioning, recommissioning, and post-carbon utilization.
• Managing the Wells: This module dives deep into the technical aspects of well construction and performance, offering a shared experience with students in the Petroleum Engineering MSc program.
• Individual Project (Dissertation): Students conduct independent research on a relevant topic, applying acquired knowledge and skills to a real-world problem or area of interest.

Semester 3:

• Field Management Project: Students participate in a team-based project, using actual data from a mature field to analyze the reservoir, assess various development options, and present their findings to a panel of industry experts.

Delivery:

• On-campus
• Full-time

Duration:

• 1 year

Qualification:

• Students have access to state-of-the-art computer technology and industry-standard software.

Assessment:

Assessment Methods:

• Written examinations
• Individual and group projects
• Presentations
• Research论文
• Active participation in class discussions

Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of key concepts and theories
• Effective application of knowledge to real-world scenarios
• Problem-solving abilities
• Analytical and critical thinking skills
• Clear and concise communication of findings
• Teamwork and collaboration

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Hands-on tutorials and laboratory sessions
• Group projects
• Case studies
• Guest lectures from industry experts
• Field trips

Faculty:

The program is delivered by experienced faculty members and researchers in the fields of petroleum engineering, reservoir engineering, well engineering, and economics. The faculty brings real-world expertise and a passion for knowledge sharing to the classroom.

Careers:

Potential Career Paths:

• Production Engineer
• Reservoir Engineer
• Well Engineer
• Petroleum Economist
• Asset Manager
• Field Development Planner
• Consultant

Career Opportunities:

The program prepares graduates for a wide range of careers within the petroleum industry, particularly in the area of mature field management. Graduates can find employment in oil and gas companies, service companies, consultancies, and government agencies.

Career Outcomes:

Graduates of the program are highly sought after by employers in the industry due to their specialized knowledge and practical experience. With its industry-focused curriculum, experienced faculty, and opportunities for real-world application, the program equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to excel in the management of mature fields.

Tuition fees Status [footnote 1] Full-time UK £15,112 Overseas [footnote 2] £29,960 Footnotes Your residency 'status' is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course. Overseas includes applications from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in the UK. Read more about the application process for EU nationals. All course costs are covered by the tuition fee. This includes full electronic versions of the course notes, core text books, field trips and any day trips arranged as part of the course. Students should budget additional funds sufficient to cover living expenses such as accommodation, travel to and from the university, food, clothing and leisure pursuits.