Petroleum Engineering, BEng

Program Overview

Petroleum Engineering, BEng

Introduction

Petroleum engineering is concerned with the design and development of front-end engineering technologies required in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas reservoirs. While oil and gas will continue to play an important role in meeting our energy needs for years to come, the knowledge and skills you will acquire as a petroleum engineer are also in high demand in the renewable energy sector, for example in geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: BEng
• Duration: 48 months
• Study Mode: Full Time
• Start Month: September
• UCAS Code: H851
• Pathway Programme Available: Undergraduate Foundation Programme

This programme covers the technical, safety and economic aspects of oil and gas field development. You will study topics such as petroleum geology, drilling and well engineering, and geomechanics to gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable solutions to ensure the safe recovery, processing, transportation, transmission, and utilisation of petroleum products often in challenging environments.

In addition to the technical petroleum engineering skills, you will also learn skills in project management, project economics and environmental impact assessment.

Our interdisciplinary approach means that you study the fundamentals of each engineering discipline before specialising in your third year. You can therefore keep your options open while gaining a wide range of perspectives and skills - something that makes Aberdeen graduates better equipped to collaborate, innovate and lead in the workplace.

Aberdeen is internationally recognised as a major international energy city and is leading the way in applying world-class technical expertise to the energy transition challenge. The School of Engineering has strong links with the energy industry, including local, national and international organisations, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.

Year 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Principles of Electronics (EG1008)
  • Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (CM1513)
  • CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (EG1010)
  • Engineering Mathematics 1 (EG1504)
  • Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (EG1510)
  • Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (EG1012)
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)

Year 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (EG2004)
  • Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (EG2501)
  • Process Engineering (EG2011)
  • Electrical and Mechanical Systems (EG2503)
  • Engineering Mathematics 2 (EG2012)

Year 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Engineer in Society (EG3505)
  • Fluid Mechanics (EM3019)
  • Engineering Analysis and Methods 1a (EG3007)
  • Drilling and Well Engineering (EP3595)
  • Heat, Mass and Momentum Transfer (EX3030)
  • Reservoir Engineering i - Fundamentals (EP3596)
  • Petroleum Geology and Reservoir Characterisation (EP3001)
  • Petroleum Engineering Design (EP3597)
  • Well Testing (EP3598)

Year 4

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Geomechanics (EP4011)
  • Petroleum Production Engineering and Technology (EP4012)
  • Reservoir Engineering II: Performance (EP4013)
  • Group Design Project (BEng) (EG4578)

Careers

Equipped with a balanced portfolio of knowledge on the full lifecycle of hydrocarbon production, graduates from this discipline are highly sought after by a range of companies; from major operators and multinational service providers to small and medium enterprise technology companies. The skills you learn as part of this programme are highly transferable and can lead to careers in the renewable energy sector.

• Recent graduate job roles have included:
  • Wellsite Engineer
  • Reservoir Engineer
  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Production Engineer
  • Drilling Engineer
  • Operations Engineer
  • Rig Engineer
  • Technical Assistant
• Recent graduates work at companies such as:
  • TOTAL
  • BP
  • Maersk Oil
  • Weatherford
  • Caspian Oil Services
  • Shell
  • ConocoPhillips
  • Stena Drilling Ltd

Accreditation

Our Petroleum Engineering degrees are accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and are your first step towards achieving Chartered Engineer status with the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Program Outline

This BEng program offers a comprehensive curriculum spanning four years.

Outline:

Year 1:

• The program begins with introductory courses in Engineering Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, CAD, and Engineering Mechanics.
• Students are also introduced to Programming and Electrical & Electronics principles.
• The focus in year 2 shifts towards specialized engineering disciplines relevant to petroleum engineering.

Year 3:

• This year is where students choose their specialization within petroleum engineering, such as drilling, reservoir, or production engineering.
• Students also undertake a project in their chosen area of specialization, further solidifying their learning and applying their skills to real-world scenarios.

Year 4:

• The final year involves a substantial individual project, allowing students to put their theoretical knowledge and practical skills into practice.
• Courses like Geomechanics and Reservoir Engineering further expand their knowledge base and prepare them to tackle complex challenges in the energy industry.
• Students also gain exposure to Field Development and Petroleum Economics, equipping them with the necessary understanding of the business and financial aspects of petroleum engineering.

Assessment:

The Petroleum Engineering program employs a combination of assessment methods to evaluate student learning:

• Coursework: Regular assignments, essays, and reports throughout the course.
• Practical Assessments: Hands-on demonstrations and evaluations of skills acquired in labs and workshops.
• Written Examinations: End-of-course exams assess students' understanding of theoretical concepts.
The specific weighting of these components can vary across different courses and years. Additionally, honors projects are typically assessed based on a dissertation submitted by the student.

Teaching:

The program utilizes a diverse range of teaching methodologies, including:

• Lectures: Traditional lectures provide foundational knowledge and introduce key concepts.
• Tutorials: Smaller group settings allow for personalized interaction, clarification of doubts, and problem-solving sessions.
• Laboratory work: Hands-on experience with equipment and experiments solidifies theoretical understanding and develops practical skills.
• Project work: Individual and group projects encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and the application of knowledge to solve specific problems.
The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers with expertise in diverse petroleum engineering sub-disciplines. They bring their industry knowledge and research experience to the classroom, ensuring students receive a well-rounded education.

Careers:

Graduates of the Petroleum Engineering program are equipped with a broad skillset that opens doors to various career paths, including:

• Wellsite Engineer
• Reservoir Engineer
• Petroleum Engineer
• Production Engineer
• Drilling Engineer
• Operations Engineer
• Rig Engineer
• Technical Assistant
With the growing demand for renewable energy solutions, the program also equips graduates to pursue careers in fields like geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage. Graduates are highly sought after by major oil and gas companies, multinational service providers, and small and medium-sized technology companies. Notable employers include:
• TOTAL
• BP
• Maersk Oil
• Weatherford
• Caspian Oil Services
• Shell
• ConocoPhillips
• Stena Drilling Ltd

Other:

• The program emphasizes project-based learning, allowing students to apply their theoretical knowledge and practical skills to real-world problems.
• Students have the opportunity to participate in the SPE Student Chapter, providing networking platform with industry professionals.
• The program is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), enhancing its reputation and value within the industry.

Conclusion:

The Petroleum Engineering program at the University of Aberdeen offers a comprehensive and well-rounded education, equipping graduates with the knowledge, skills, and industry connections to thrive in a dynamic and challenging energy sector. Whether pursuing careers in the traditional oil and gas industry or exploring the burgeoning realm of renewable energy, graduates of this program are well-positioned to leave a lasting impact on the future of the energy landscape.

Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year RUK: £9,250 EU / International students: £24,800 Home Students: £1,820