Program Overview

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Master of Science in Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences

The Master of Science in Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences is a 2-year program that aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to transform energy production and address global climate challenges.

About the Programme

The program is designed to give students a comprehensive understanding of the subsurface, including geology, fluid flow in porous media, CO2 and H2 storage, increased oil recovery, energy transition, and decision-making. The program is linked to the National Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Utilisation of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS2030), offering internships, professional training, and thesis opportunities.

Why Choose this Programme?

• Innovative Curriculum: Study geology, fluid flow in porous media, CO2 and H2 storage, increased oil recovery, energy transition, and decision-making.
• Dynamic Career Opportunities: Work in oil and gas exploration, carbon capture and storage, mining, road and tunnel construction, or research and development.
• International Exposure: Prepare for a global career with a blend of geosciences and reservoir engineering.
• Join a Growing Field: Help transition to sustainable energy with integrated education in geosciences and reservoir engineering.
• Exclusive Connections and Opportunities: The master programme is linked to the National Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Utilisation of the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS2030), offering internships, professional training, and thesis opportunities.
• Be a Part of the Change: Join the MSc programme and lead the energy transition.

Career Prospects

After successfully completing this programme, candidates are qualified to work in both the public and private energy sectors, particularly where subsurface competence for both energy production and storage are required. Depending on the chosen elective courses, graduates can pursue careers in various roles, including:

• Geologist
• Geophysicist
• Petrophysicist
• Engineering Geologist
• Subsurface Data Scientist
• Reservoir Engineer

Graduates can work in sectors such as:

• Renewable energy
• Carbon capture and storage
• Mining
• Tunnel construction
• Waste and water management
• Research and development

Further Education

Graduates can qualify for admission to the PhD programme in Science and Technology with relevant specialisation at the University of Stavanger.

Learning Outcomes

After completing the masters programme in Energy, Reservoir, and Earth Sciences, students shall have acquired the following learning outcomes:

Knowledge

• K1: Advanced knowledge about the subsurface, the rocks and fluids that constitute the crust of the Earth, and the properties and structures they exhibit.
• K2: Advanced knowledge about the physical and chemical processes operating in the subsurface on geological and human time scales, and how these processes shape the subsurface as we interpret it today.
• K3: Advanced knowledge about subsurface reservoirs, the natural resources (e.g., hydrocarbons, water, geothermal) or compounds (e.g., CO2, hydrogen) they can contain or store.
• K4: Knowledge to develop, implement, and manage optimal engineering solutions for the production or storage of natural resources or energy in an environmentally responsible manner.
• K5: Ability to evaluate the applicability of innovative processes for subsurface solutions.

Skills

• S1: Ability to interpret and integrate static and dynamic subsurface data to construct geologically realistic models of the subsurface and its uncertainties.
• S2: Ability to use experiments and models to understand physical and chemical processes operating in the subsurface and predict the outcome of these processes.
• S3: Ability to integrate S1 and S2 skills to support decision-making for the optimal and environmentally responsible management of reservoirs in the energy sector.
• S4: Ability to apply relevant methods and conduct an independent, limited research or development project within the area of expertise under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.
• S5: Ability to analyse existing theories, methods, and interpretations in the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problems.

General Competence

• G1: Ability to collaborate and discuss with scientific peers on the relevance of reservoir management for energy and storage purposes.
• G2: Ability to communicate to the general public in a scientific manner the relevance of the subsurface and reservoir management for energy supply and decarbonisation.
• G3: Ability to collaborate with the industry and government sectors to design optimal and environmentally responsible solutions for the utilization of reservoirs in the subsurface.
• G4: Ability to apply knowledge and skills to solve subsurface-based problems in both academic and industry settings.
• G5: Ability to transfer knowledge and skills to subsurface problems in new, innovative, or other relevant fields than the energy or storage fields.

Study Plan and Courses

The program consists of compulsory courses and electives. Compulsory courses include:

• Subsurface Geology
• Reservoir Physics and Chemistry
• Reservoir Geophysics
• Reservoir Evaluation Technology
• Subsurface Interpretation and Modelling
• Reservoir Modelling and Simulation
• Reservoir Storage and Production
• Energy Transition and Sustainability
• Masters Thesis in Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences

Elective courses may include:

• Decision Analysis with Artificial Intelligence Support
• Modeling and Computational Engineering
• Fundaments of Machine Learning for and with Engineering Applications
• Developing Research and Presentation Skills
• Topics on Geosciences
• Depositional Systems
• Project Management
• Directional Drilling and Well Flow Engineering
• Energy, Energy Technologies, and Energy System Integration
• Practical Training in Energy, Petroleum and Geoscience

Admission Requirements

Admission to the program requires a Bachelor's degree in natural sciences, engineering, or equivalent, with at least 10 ECTS credits in mathematics. A minimum grade average comparable to a Norwegian C (according to ECTS Standards) in the Bachelor's degree is required.

Application and Admission

International and local applicants have different deadlines and application procedures. Applicants can find more information on the application process and deadlines on the university's website.

Student Life

The University of Stavanger offers a range of student organizations and clubs, including a student-run club for all students enrolled in BSc or MSc programs in the Department of Energy Resources.

Student Exchange

Students can go on exchange to one of the university's partner institutions abroad as part of their studies. The exchange semester is recommended to be taken in the 3rd semester, but it is also possible to travel on an exchange in the 2nd semester. Partner institutions include universities in Australia, Italy, Portugal, Sweden, Germany, the USA, and Austria.

Frequently Asked Questions

• What career options do I have with this degree?
• What language is the program?
• I'm an international student and interested in applying for this program. Where can I find more information related to international admissions?
• Can I work while I study?
• I dont have an engineering BSc. Can I still take this degree?
• Since this degree has a geology component, are there field trips?
• Are there student organizations or clubs?
• Is it possible to take the study as a distance student?
• Can I take courses in Svalbard as part of the degree?
• When and where can I travel on exchange?
• Can I apply for single courses at UiS?