Petroleum Production Engineering
At Robert Gordon University, the MSc Petroleum Production Engineering degree will enhance your employability by moving your career forward in the field of production engineering and production technology.
The course has been developed and is supported by experienced industry professionals. It combines academic study with talks from energy experts, industrial visits and practical training in the use of petroleum engineering software applications. This course fulfils the demand from employers for graduates with industry relevant, problem-solving and practical skills that can be applied immediately in the workplace.
The core modules provide a solid understanding of the whole petroleum production process, from the reservoir to the process facility. After looking at the subsurface aspects of a system, you will learn how wells are drilled and completed, followed by the surface facilities where the hydrocarbons are processed.
The specialist modules that come later in the programme are very relevant to the every-day work of the Production Engineer/Production Technologist, where you will have the opportunity to work with design, optimisation and modelling software, as well as analyse data and solve problems.
Term 1
In Term 1, you will study topics such as Subsurface, Wells, Facilities, and Business Essentials. On completion, you could exit this stage with a Pg Cert Oil and Gas Engineering.
Term 2
In Term 2 you will study; Production System Modelling, Production Operations, Well Completions and Subsea Systems, Petroleum Economics & Asset Management. On completion you could exit this stage with a Pg Dip Petroleum Production Engineering.
Term 3
Term 3 is the final term, where you will focus on the Individual Project Report. Successful completion will award the MSc Petroleum Production Engineering.
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
You can study for this course full-time at our campus in Aberdeen or part-time online via the university's virtual learning environment CampusMoodle. Each module comprises up to 52 hours of lectures and tutorials.
Activity summary
- Lectures: 23 hours per module
- Project supervision: 600 hours
- Independent study 127 hours per term
How long is a Petroleum Production Engineering course?
The duration of the MSc Petroleum Production Engineering course is between 1 year (on campus), to 3 years 9 months (online).
Independent Study
Significant additional private study is expected during each module. You’ll work autonomously and take responsibility for your own learning and professional and academic development. The suggested hours-of-study-per-week and other information is detailed in each Module Descriptor.
Staff Delivering on This Course
As we’re located in the oil and gas capital of Europe, on-campus students can benefit from the knowledge and skills of industry specialists and a number of industrial visits.
Assessment
Term 1
- 4 written exams, 2-2,5 hours each
- 4 written assignments, including essays
Term 2
- 3 written exams, 2-2.5 hours each
- 3 written assignments, including essays
Term 3
- 1 dissertation
- 1 oral assessment
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Job Prospects
Course links to the oil and gas industry have enabled us to develop a course which provides our graduates with excellent opportunities for employment and we attract students from all over the world.
Is Petroleum Production Engineering a good career choice?
Our graduates hold positions as Petroleum Engineers and Managers in the upstream oil and gas industry, specialising in the productions discipline.
What is needed for MSc Petroleum Production Engineering?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in Engineering or a relevant discipline such as Geology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics.
- Applicants with a lower degree classification and / or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.
Alternative Qualifications
There are courses and topics delivered by Baobab LMS which may be considered for entry to the MSc Petroleum Production Engineering. Eligible applicants may request module exemption under Robert Gordon University’s Recognition of Certified Prior Learning (RPCL) when applying for entry. Please contact the Course Leader, Eduardo Galvis – Garcia for more information on e.a.galvis-garcia1@rgu.ac.uk.
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
Our Pre-Sessional English Programme (PSP) is available for students who have not yet reached the required English level and those who would like to improve their language competency.
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Tuition fees for this MSc Petroleum Production Engineering course are as follows:
For Academic Year 2021/2022
Per entire course (full-time)
- Scottish students - £5,500
- EU students - £5,640
- Rest of UK students - £5,640
- International students - £17,700
For Academic Year 2020/2021
Per entire course (full-time)
- Scottish and EU students - £5,500
- Rest of UK students - £5,640
- International students - £17,700
Additional costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with your placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
There are also sources of funding that are applicable to categories of student.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may also qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% loyalty discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
Have a question about the course? Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.