What can I study?

Petroleum Geoscience (PetGeo) MSc/Diploma

Overview

Introduction

The MSc Petroleum Geoscience programme, offered jointly by Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh University and Newcastle University, combines the expertise available at each of the three institutions to create a unique program in subsurface geoscience and exploration. The year-long program mainly focuses on petroleum geoscience, but the programme is linked closely with other MSc programs and research groups in petroleum engineering and reservoir geology at the host institute, the Institute of Petroleum Engineering, and is also applicable to non-petroleum subsurface geoscience subjects, such as CO2 storage and groundwater flow.

Students on the program are well positioned to reap the benefits of being part of a heavily research involved and industry connected institute like IPE and the world class research facilities available at Edinburgh University, and research expertise from Newcastle University.

The main objective of this MSc program is to provide a thorough training in aspects of subsurface geology, geophysics and geo-engineering, relating to the exploration, appraisal and development of subsurface resources. Although the program concentrates on exploration for hydrocarbon resources, and delineation of hydrocarbon reservoirs in the subsurface, the skills learned in this subject are applicable to all subsurface geoscience areas, including groundwater exploration, waste disposal or CO2 sequestration.

The programme is deliberately intensive, typically consisting of working a full 5 days per week of lectures and practical work, including labs or tutorial exercises designed to teach practical skills in addition to learning theory. Project work, both as groups and individually is part of the programme. Two fieldtrips are a permanent part of the course, the second as part of the Wessex Basin Team Project which aims to integrate basin scale and reservoir scale exploration tasks, similar to those that students will encounter working in Oil and Gas employment. The whole course takes 12 months to complete, running from September to August each year.

Programme Structure

The programme consists of a variety of geosciences and engineering courses addressing the concepts of petroleum exploration & appraisal. There are 8 taught courses, a team project and an individual project. The taught courses are worth 150 hours of work each, the projects are each worth 300 hours.

In Semester 1 the taught courses include background on how oilfields develop in various stratigraphic & structural settings using the north sea as an example (G11RC), how fluid flow behaves in the subsurface and what exploration methods are used (G11EM), the basic methods of formation evaluation from wireline logs (G11FE), and detailed sedimentology to reservoirs (G11RS).

In Semester 2 the courses include geophysical interpretation and basin studies (G11RB), seismic and sequence stratigraphy of clastic and carbonate reservoirs (G11BA), basin flow systems and petroleum geochemistry (G11BB) and either diagenisis, geomodelling and geomechanics (G11DG) or advanced geophysics (G11TM).

After the taught components are completed there are two research projects. Firstly is a group project designed to simulate working in an exploration section of a major oil company, including both fieldwork to the basin in question and also working on historical data to identify likely prospects for further exploration work (G11TP). The second project is an individual project (G11IP) on any aspect of geology & geophysics related to the subjects covered during the program and can be undertaken at any of the three universities or at an outside company, subject to approval of the project as suitable.

Lecture Programme

Reservoir Concepts
Formation Evaluation
Reservoir Engineering to Exploration Methods
Reservoir Sedimentology
Reservoir Geophysics and Sedimentary Basins
Diagenesis, Geomodelling and Geomechanics (Geology Option)
Timelapse Multicomponent and Exploration Seismic (Geophysics option)
Petroleum Basins 1
Petroleum Basins 2
Team Exploration Project
Individual Project
Field Work

How do I apply?

You apply via the online application process at http://www.hw.ac.uk/student-life/how-to-apply/postgraduate.htm.

It tells you the information you need to provide, including financial and English language issues. You must also complete a supplementary application form, which you can download from the Institute of Petroleum Engineering website. The course director will also arrange an interview (telephone usually) through the Residential Academic Administrator, Anne Mathers.

Entry Requirements

For MSc level entry, students must hold: a good (2:1, B average or higher) honours or BSc degree in a relevant Geoscience discipline such as Geology or Geophysics from a UK or Overseas University.

In addition to the academic qualifications, motivation, industrial experience and personality are taken into consideration.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, or your first degree was not taught in English, we�ll need to see evidence of your English language ability. The minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent. We offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme: