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Students
Tuition Fee
GBP 14,820
Start Date
2025-09-01
Medium of studying
Fully Online
Duration
27 months
Program Facts
Program Details
Degree
Masters
Major
Energy Management | Petroleum Engineering | Petroleum Technology
Area of study
Engineering
Education type
Fully Online
Timing
Part time
Course Language
English
Tuition Fee
Average International Tuition Fee
GBP 14,820
Intakes
Program start dateApplication deadline
2025-09-01-
2026-01-01-
About Program

Program Overview


MSc Petroleum Engineering

Overview

The MSc Petroleum Engineering is an accredited online degree designed in partnership with industry. It prepares students for a career as a world-class petroleum engineer, with skills in delivering viable oil and gas field development plans, appraising and selecting technologies for safe production recovery of hydrocarbon oil and gas, and training using industry-standard simulation software.


Key Information

  • Learning Mode: Online
  • Study Level: Postgraduate SCQF Level 11
  • Credits: 180
  • Typical Duration: 27 - 30 months
  • Start Month: September or January
  • Indicative Cost: £14,820

What You'll Study

  • Fundamentals of Petroleum Geoscience
  • Reservoir Engineering
  • AI, Machine Learning and Data Science for the Petroleum Industry
  • Well and Production Engineering
  • Petrophysics, Core Analysis and Formation Evaluation
  • Well Testing: Analysis and Design
  • Enhanced Oil Recovery
  • Field Development, Petroleum Economics and Simulation
  • MSc Individual Project

How You'll Study

  • Online Learning: 100% online, with flexible hours and 24/7 study access
  • Teaching: Delivered through MyAberdeen, our online Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
  • Tutors: Internationally experienced engineers, academics, and professionals working within the oil and gas industry
  • Assessment: Online, with a range of methods including written coursework, online tests, reports, and projects

Support

  • Careers and Employability Service: Including one-to-one advice sessions
  • Disability Support
  • IT Support
  • Library Support
  • Student Support Service: Help with finances, stress, wellbeing, and non-academic issues
  • Student Learning Service: Study support, with advice sessions available via phone or Skype
  • Aberdeen University Students' Association (AUSA): Run by students for students
  • Toolkit: Clever apps and free training that can make your study life easier

Fees and Funding

  • Master of Science: 180 credits, £14,820
  • Pay as You Go: Control your costs and workload, term by term
  • Additional Costs: Learning resources, printing, and software
  • Funding Your Studies: Employer sponsorship, student loans, scholarships, and discounts

Entry Requirements

  • MSc: 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering or Applied Mathematics, or 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Physics, or Chemistry and at least two years' relevant experience
  • International Students: Equivalent qualifications from your country, visa requirements, and English language requirements
  • English Language Requirements: IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge English, LanguageCert Academic, Oxford ELLT Digital, PTE Academic, Skills for English, and University of Aberdeen English Pre-sessional Programme

IT Requirements

  • Computer: PC, laptop, or Mac with an up-to-date operating system
  • Internet Access: Reliable internet access, with a minimum download speed of 2 Mbps
  • Speakers or Headphones: Recommended for interactive sessions
  • Software: Office365 applications, with access to online versions of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneDrive

Apply for This Programme

  • Start Month: September or January
  • Indicative Cost: £14,820
  • Apply via Our Applicant Portal: Upload relevant qualifications and documents, with a step-by-step guide to help you through the application process.

Program Outline


MSc Petroleum Engineering - Online Masters Degree


Degree Overview:

The University of Aberdeen offers a fully online, part-time MSc Petroleum Engineering degree, designed for professionals seeking to advance their careers in the oil and gas industry. This accredited program, delivered in partnership with industry experts, equips graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in roles such as drilling engineer, reservoir engineer, and production engineer. The key objectives of the MSc Petroleum Engineering program are:

  • To equip graduates with the ability to deliver viable oil and gas field development plans.
  • To develop strong analytical and problem-solving skills through industry-standard simulation software training.

Outline:


Program Content:

The online MSc Petroleum Engineering program covers a wide range of topics across the petroleum engineering field, including:

  • Fundamentals of Petroleum Geoscience
  • Formation Evaluation
  • Well Drilling and Production
  • Reservoir Engineering
  • Reservoir Simulation

Structure:

  • The program is offered on a part-time basis, allowing students to study flexibly around existing commitments.
  • Students can choose to study for a full MSc (180 credits) or exit early with a Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits) or Postgraduate Certificate (60 credits).
  • The program can be completed in 27-30 months, depending on the pace of study chosen.

Course Schedule:

  • The program comprises eight 15-credit courses and a 60-credit project.
  • Students can choose to start their studies in September or January and progress at their own pace.
  • Individual courses are offered in September or January, allowing for flexible scheduling.

Modules:


Fundamentals of Petroleum Geoscience:

  • Introduction to the Earth's structure and composition
  • Principles of hydrocarbon generation and migration
  • Petroleum reservoir types and characteristics
  • Geological methods for reservoir exploration and appraisal

Petrophysics, Core Analysis and Formation Evaluation:

  • Petrophysical properties of reservoir rocks and fluids
  • Core analysis techniques for reservoir characterization
  • Formation evaluation methods for reservoir pressure, fluid saturation, and permeability estimation

Reservoir Engineering:

  • Reservoir fluid properties and behavior
  • Darcy's Law and fluid flow in porous media
  • Reservoir drive mechanisms and production forecasting
  • Material balance and analytical methods for reservoir analysis

Well and Production Engineering:

  • Well design and construction
  • Production optimization and artificial lift methods
  • Well completion and intervention techniques
  • Flow assurance and sand management

Reservoir Simulation:

  • Numerical methods for reservoir modeling
  • Reservoir simulation software applications
  • History matching and production optimization using simulation
  • Enhanced oil recovery techniques simulation

Well Testing: Analysis and Design:

  • Pressure transient analysis for well testing
  • Well test design and interpretation
  • Reservoir characterization and performance prediction using well test data

Field Development and Petroleum Economics:

  • Integrated reservoir development planning
  • Reservoir simulation for field development optimization
  • Petroleum economics and project evaluation

Enhanced Oil Recovery:

  • Principles and techniques for enhanced oil recovery
  • Chemical flooding, gas injection, and thermal recovery methods
  • Reservoir simulation for EOR applications

Assessment:

The program uses a combination of online assessments and written exams to evaluate student learning. Online assessments include coursework, quizzes, and timed open-book assessments. Written exams are conducted at designated exam centers.


Teaching:

The online program utilizes MyAberdeen, the university's virtual learning environment. Students have access to all necessary materials, including lecture notes, assignments, and online resources. The program is delivered by a team of experienced academics and industry professionals, ensuring students receive up-to-date knowledge and industry-relevant skills.


Careers:

The MSc Petroleum Engineering program prepares graduates for diverse career opportunities in the global oil and gas industry. Potential career paths include:

  • Drilling Engineer
  • Operations Engineer
  • Piping Specification Engineer
  • Production Engineer
  • Reservoir Engineer
  • Reservoir Simulation Engineer
  • Subsurface Engineer
  • Wellhead Engineer
  • Graduates are equipped to work for major oil and gas companies, service providers, and consultancies.

Other:

  • The program is accredited by the Energy Institute (EI), a globally recognized professional body for the energy sector.
  • The University of Aberdeen offers a 20% discount on tuition fees for alumni pursuing this online degree.
  • The program provides dedicated support services for students, including careers guidance, disability support, and IT assistance.
  • The indicative cost of the program is £14,100 for 180 credits of study over three years, starting in September 2024.
  • Students can apply for various scholarships and funding options to support their studies.
  • The entry requirements for the program include a 2:1 UK honors degree in engineering, applied mathematics, geology, physics, or chemistry, and relevant experience.
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About University
PhD
Masters
Bachelors
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Courses

University of Aberdeen


Overview:

The University of Aberdeen is a renowned institution of higher learning located in Aberdeen, Scotland. It boasts a rich history, having been established in 1495, making it one of the oldest universities in the UK. The university is known for its commitment to research and teaching, offering a wide range of academic programs across various disciplines.


Services Offered:

The university provides a comprehensive range of services to support students in their academic journey. These include:

    Academic Support:

    Access to libraries, study resources, and academic advisors.

    Student Life:

    Opportunities for extracurricular activities, clubs, societies, and sports.

    Accommodation:

    On-campus and off-campus housing options for students.

    Career Services:

    Guidance and support for career planning and job hunting.

    Financial Aid:

    Scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance programs.

    International Student Support:

    Dedicated services for international students, including visa assistance and cultural integration programs.

Student Life and Campus Experience:

Students at the University of Aberdeen can expect a vibrant and engaging campus experience. The university offers a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved in extracurricular activities, including:

    Sports:

    Participation in various sports teams and leagues.

    Societies and Clubs:

    Joining student-led clubs and societies based on interests.

    Events and Activities:

    Attending social events, concerts, and cultural performances.

    Student Union:

    Engaging with the student union for representation and advocacy.

Key Reasons to Study There:

    Academic Excellence:

    The university is recognized for its high-quality teaching and research.

    Global Reputation:

    It holds a strong international reputation, attracting students from around the world.

    Beautiful Campus:

    The university is situated on a picturesque campus with historic buildings and modern facilities.

    Vibrant City:

    Aberdeen offers a lively city environment with a rich cultural scene.

    Strong Research Focus:

    The university is a leading research institution, with a focus on innovation and impact.

Academic Programs:

The University of Aberdeen offers a wide range of academic programs, including:

    Undergraduate Degrees:

    Bachelor's degrees in various disciplines, including Arts, Science, Engineering, Medicine, and Law.

    Postgraduate Taught Degrees:

    Master's degrees and postgraduate diplomas in specialized fields.

    Postgraduate Research Degrees:

    PhD programs and research opportunities in various research areas.

    Online Learning:

    Flexible online programs for students who prefer distance learning.

Other:

The university is committed to sustainability and has been recognized for its efforts in this area. It is also a member of the Russell Group, a group of leading research-intensive universities in the UK.

    Student Life and Campus Experience:

    While the context mentions some aspects of student life, it does not provide a detailed description of the campus experience.

    Key Reasons to Study There:

    The context mentions some advantages, but it does not explicitly highlight the main reasons to study at the University of Aberdeen.

Total programs
653
Average ranking globally
#341
Average ranking in the country
#32
Admission Requirements

Entry Requirements:


For UK and EU applicants:

  • A 2:1 (upper-second) UK honours degree (or equivalent) in any branch of Engineering or Applied Mathematics.
  • Applicants with a high 2:2 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Engineering or Applied Mathematics and at least two years' relevant experience may also be considered.
  • Individuals with a 2:1 UK honours degree (or equivalent) in Geology, Physics or Chemistry and at least two years' relevant experience can also apply.
  • All applicants, regardless of background, must have covered Mathematics and Physics as part of their undergraduate studies.

Language Proficiency Requirements:

  • Teaching for this MSc program is delivered in English.
  • If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence of your English language skills.
  • Accepted tests and minimum scores:
  • IELTS Academic:
  • 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).
  • TOEFL iBT: 90 overall, with a minimum of 17 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 20 in writing.
  • Cambridge English: B2 First, C1 Advanced, or C2 Proficiency with a minimum overall score of 176 and 162 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 169 in writing.
  • LanguageCert Academic: 70 overall, with a minimum of 60 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 65 in writing.
  • LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator: Overall High Pass, with a minimum of 33 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 38 in writing.
  • Oxford ELLT Digital: 7.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.0 in listening, reading, and speaking, and 6.0 in writing.
  • PTE Academic: 62 overall, with a minimum of 59 in all four skills (listening, reading, speaking, and writing).
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