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Petroleum and Environmental Technology MSc 2018/19 entry

Apply for this course Order a prospectus Book an Open Day
Course code:

BEST095

Study options:

1 year full-time
2 years part-time

How to Apply

Full time
Part time

Location:

Coventry University

Starting:

September 2018
January 2019

Fees:

£15,050

Find out more

Faculty:

Faculty of Engineering, Environment and Computing

Get in touch

For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:


+44 (0) 24 7765 2152


Overview

You can learn how to safely manage projects in this rigorously reviewed industry, by studying a Petroleum and Environmental Technology MSc.

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This course aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the technical operation of the petroleum industry, together with some of the sector’s most important environmental issues – such as oil spillages, climate change and renewable energies. You can also obtain a NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) accredited Managing Safely Certificate/ NEBOSH International Technical Certificate in Oil and Gas Operational Safety in addition to your degree.

Course content has been developed in collaboration with our Industry Liaison Panel, which includes long-standing members of the Society of Petroleum Engineers. Our extensive links enable us to offer an exciting programme of expert speakers through the oil and gas seminar series, which has previously featured the former Vice President of BP (Engineering), Honorary Guests from Imperial College London and a former President of SPE International. Our connections have also led to the donation by Schlumberger of industry standard PETREL and ECLIPSE reservoir simulation software, worth US$15 million, giving you access to the same technology used by big multinational oil companies like Shell, BP and ExxonMobil. 

Why Coventry University?

An award-winning university, we are committed to providing our students with the best possible experience. We continue to invest in both our facilities and our innovative approach to education. Our students benefit from industry-relevant teaching, and resources and support designed to help them succeed. These range from our modern library and computing facilities to dedicated careers advice and our impressive Students’ Union activities.

Global ready

An international outlook, with global opportunities

Employability

Career-ready graduates, with the skills to succeed

Student experience

All the support you need, in a top student city

Accreditation & Professional Recognition

This course is accredited and recognised by the following bodies:

Energy Institute

Accredited by the Energy Institute, the leading chartered professional body for the global energy industry.

What our students say...

“The time spent completing my MSc was one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. Employers have been impressed with the content and range of modules offered on the course, and I’ve recently secured a 12-month postgraduate internship with Chevron Nigeria Limited.”

Anne Adagiri, MSc Petroleum and Environmental Technology MSc, studied in 2013/14

Course information

Petroleum technology specialists with environmental skills and competencies are increasingly valued by the global oil and gas industry in the 21st century; our programme will enable you to gain an integrated understanding of the core petroleum engineering and environmental science strategies within the modern-day petroleum industry. You’ll develop the competence to safely and effectively manage projects in the petroleum industry within the context of increasingly stringent environmental and safety legislation.

Our excellent industry links provide an opportunity for you to hear from current professionals and practitioners, who will share their experiences and challenges, with past speakers covering topics such as ‘Oil and Gas Discovery, Development and Demise’, ‘The Shale Gas Revolution’ and ‘See the World, Stretch Your Brain’. Our industry-based liaison panel includes members affiliated with British Petroleum, SPE International, Cuadrilla Resources Ltd, Petromall Ltd and Subsea Engineering News, to name but a few. They also provide input to ensure course content is up-to-date and relevant to current industry needs. 

During the course of your studies, you can strengthen your understanding of the fundamentals of petroleum and environmental science and engineering. Depending on your interests or career aspirations, you also have the opportunity to tailor your studies by choosing from a range of modules on areas, such as impacts of petroleum exploration and production; environmental monitoring; wastewater treatment processes; and laboratory etiquette. For example, if you choose to explore climate change issues, you will examine the consequences of climate change for businesses and society – physical effects, social responses and technology-policy debates. We will place an emphasis on issues of the sustainable growth of low carbon economies, considering the sources of renewable energy and carbon management. Assessing and managing the risks posed by climate change is now a major driver of national policy and international diplomacy and provides a backdrop against which new social movements, business strategies and public policies are, and have, emerged.

Modules

Overview

In your final semester, you will use the knowledge gained to conduct an in-depth piece of research, supervised by a member of staff.

Past students have covered a range of exciting topics, such as: a critical analysis of the environmental impact of oil and gas activities of the Deep Water Tano License area in Ghana; simulation of low salinity waterflooding in a synthetic reservoir model; assessing the fate and trajectory of crude oil in Clair field of Faroe in the Shetland; designing a Process Safety Management Framework for the oil and gas industry; and safety assessment of Europe Offshore Operations based on major accidents analysis and structural equation modelling.

One student worked on flow metering regulations in the UK and the Netherlands in conjunction with the National Engineering Laboratory.

Modules

  • Semester 1

    • Drilling Engineering
    • Petroleum Processing and Gas Technologies 
    • Oil Spills Science, Response and Remediation 
    • Health and Safety in the Oil and Gas Industry
  • Semester 2

    • Petroleum Contracts and Economics
    • Reservoir Engineering 
    • Plus

    Optional modules (any TWO of the following):

    • Impacts of Petroleum Exploration,
    • Production and Transport
    • Environmental Monitoring 
    • Water and Wastewater Treatment
    • Clean Energy, Climate and Carbon 
    • Reservoir Simulation 
    • Project and Quality Management in the Energy Industry (only available in Semester 1). 
  • Semester 3

    • Project Thesis research and write-up

In more detail...

  • You may get support to attend and present your work at SPE student paper contests at national, regional and international levels.
  • Opportunity to obtain a NEBOSH (National Examination Board in Occupational Safety and Health) accredited Certificate in addition to your degree.
  • Successful completion of this course can set you on the path to gaining chartered professional status, meeting the entry requirements towards becoming a Member of the Energy Institute (MEI).
  • Other accessible software includes ADIOS-2, GNOME, OSCAR, Amarile RE-Studio, CMG, IHS Kingdom, Petroleum Experts IPM, Weatherford WellFlo, Pansystem and Honeywell Unisim Design Suite.
  • Inspirational expert guest lecture programme, which in the past has featured the former Vice President of BP (Engineering), former President of SPE International and industry professionals from StatOil in Norway.
  • Join the vibrant Student Chapter of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG), which organise several student-led activities and events, such as field trip to Wytch Farm oil field in Dorset, Schlumberger Gould Research center in Cambridge, Weatherford Drilling Evaluation Centre in Aberdeen - Scotland, and inter-university competition (PetrolBowl) at SPE meetings around the world.
  • Course team includes members of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Petroleum Exploration of Great Britain (PEXGB), Society for Sedimentary Geology, The Reservoir Engineer Network, Chartered Institute of Water and Environmental Management, Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment, British Hydrological Society with the Institution of Civil Engineers, Remote Sensing and Photogrammetry Society, British Society for Geomorphology.
Study themes

Your main study themes are:

  • Drilling and well completion: Focuses on oilfield drilling practices, well construction and completion processes. It adapts these practices to a range of well types and encourages a strategic approach to well planning. You will learn about drilling technology, types of drilling and drilling fluids, as well as how to assess all operating variables.

  • Properties of reservoir fluids and gas technology: Provides an understanding of the physical properties of typical reservoir fluids, and the workflow, design, and operating characteristics of fundamental oil and gas processing units. Technologies and economics of natural gas processing and transport are also covered.

  • Field development planning and reservoir engineering (RE) calculations: Covers in-depth reservoir technology and engineering (RE) skills to enable you to perform relevant RE calculations and make appropriate decisions. Various engineering and technological practices are covered, ranging from rock properties, through fluid flow and field development planning, to the practicalities of well testing, core analysis and fluid sampling.

  • Oil spill science and response: You will gain insights into the law of improbable incidents and the stochastic nature of oil spill occurrence. We will cover oil fate and trajectory simulation, as well as the governing processes that support the interpretation of output. For example, we look at spill trajectory analysis to help decision-making designed to facilitate the best possible outcome to protect environmental resources and direct clean-up operations. We also address different remediation methods.

  • Managing Health and Safety (H&S) issues:  Develops the skills, knowledge and technical expertise to efficiently and effectively identify, assess, evaluate and manage the various risk and hazards associated with activities within the oil and gas industry in a safe and legally acceptable way. Oil and gas managers and technicians require the technical expertise in managing and controlling the H&S risks associated with different operations and activities in both upstream and downstream aspects of the industry.

  • Operating contracts and economics: All global upstream operations are governed by contracts entered into by national petroleum resource holders (host governments) and oil and gas companies involved in exploration, development and production (investors). Therefore, you will learn about contract structures and the impacts on project viability posed by rising capital and operating costs, volatile oil and gas prices and government ‘take’ through taxes, royalties and levies.
How you'll be taught

This course is available for study on either a part-time or full-time basis and you may also be able to switch your mode of study part-way through. The full-time mode takes one year to complete, while part-time typically takes three to five years to complete. You will take six mandatory modules, two optional modules and the project/dissertation module. 

The structure and content of the award reflect a range of practical interests, such as the need to develop the generic skill of practitioners, familiarity with industry standard software and thematic understanding of ideas and principles associated alongside environmental science. As a result, it features a blend of technical, theoretical, and practical modules designed to develop real-life skills and knowledge for new and existing practitioners.

Considerable emphasis is placed on the use of case study materials, in-class exercises and the use of industry professionals as guest speakers in direct teaching of students. Previous students have considered case studies including: drilling and well integrity in the Ghawar Oilfield; field optimisation and enhanced oil recovery in mature oilfields; the 2010 BP Macondo oil spill disaster in the Gulf of Mexico; and process safety and accident records in European, African, American, Australian and Asian Oilfields, amongst others. Students have also debated issues like the implications of volatile crude oil prices and the glut in oil production/supply vis-à-vis upstream engineering project investments by multinational oil companies. 

You will be taught by a highly experienced team with research and academic excellence in the fields of: Hydrocarbon Extraction, Carbonate Geology and Oil Habitat; Reservoir Simulation and Engineering; Formation Evaluation; Drilling, Well Testing, Completion, Workover and Cementation; Health, Safety, Security and Environment; Oil Spill, Response and Remediation; Water and Waste Water treatment; Environmental Impact Assessment; Clean and Renewable Energy; Improved Oil and Gas Recovery; Oilfield Chemistry.

How you'll be assessed

The learning outcomes in all of the taught modules are assessed by a combination of coursework assignments, presentations, individual written assignments and formative group work, which vary by module. The full range of assessments for the course allows students to demonstrate critical and analytical thinking, application of theory, understanding of knowledge and original work. Whilst most modules include group working, the majority of summative assessment is individual.

On completion

On completion, you should be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of the theories, concepts and processes in petroleum science and engineering.   
  • Apply relevant processes and technologies, including subsurface facilities plan and development, renewable energy options and environmental considerations. 
  • Appreciate the methods and global best practices in managing health, safety and environment in exploration and production of oil and gas.  
  • Articulate strategies to assess environmental impacts of oil and gas projects and link these to project-level or companywide ISO 14001:EMS 
  • Develop policies in response to the environmental challenges of petroleum production and operation processes.
  • Identify and provide innovative design solutions to complex oil and gas engineering problems.
  • Use a range of research methods and techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, to provide information and evaluate options when problem-solving in an uncertain and changing organisational environment.  
  • Apply effective leadership and technical skills in the oil and gas sector and appropriate business policies and strategies within a changing operational and legislative context to meet stakeholders’ interests.
Teaching contact hours

In a typical teaching week, you will have a maximum of 18 ‘contact’ hours of teaching.

In addition, you will be expected to undertake a further estimated 20-24 hours of self-directed study each week, e.g. working on course assignments, reading up articles on your own etc.

International experience opportunities

You will be taught by internationally experienced staff with several years of industry project experience with multinational oil companies and national oil companies alike. Throughout your studies, we will refer to issues and case studies from around the world, such as the Shale Gas Revolution in the US and UK or environmental sustainability, climate change and the Paris Agreement.

Global ready

Did you know we help more students travel internationally than any other UK university according to data from the experts in higher education data and analysis, HESA?

In 2014/15, we were able to provide a total of 2,264 student experiences abroad that lasted at least five days, 73% of which were our own organised trips for undergraduates and 27% from postgraduate travel. Plus, we've been able to help more than 5,000 students spend time in other countries, from America to China, India and beyond.

Much of this travel is made possible through our Global Leaders Programme, which enables students to prepare for the challenges of the global employment market, as well as strengthening and developing their broader personal and professional skills.

Explore our international experiences

1st for

international experiences

Sending more students overseas than any other UK uni (HESA)

2,264

Student experiences

The number of student trips abroad for at least 5 days in 2014/15

12,000

and counting

The number of students we’ve helped travel internationally so far

21

global programmes

As well as trips, we offer other opportunities like language courses

What our students say...

“The time spent completing my MSc was one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. Employers have been impressed with the content and range of modules offered on the course, and I’ve recently secured a 12-month postgraduate internship with Chevron Nigeria Limited.”

Anne Adagiri, MSc Petroleum and Environmental Technology MSc, studied in 2013/14

Entry Requirements

Upper second class or above in engineering (Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering etc); numerate Physical Sciences, Geosciences or Applied Mathematics. 

Candidates with an equivalent of a good lower second class degree in any of the above subject areas may be considered. HND holders with at least five years working experience in the oil and gas industry may also be considered.

Upper second class or above in engineering (Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering etc); numerate Physical Sciences, Geosciences or Applied Mathematics. 

Candidates with an equivalent of a good lower second class degree in any of the above subject areas may be considered. HND holders with at least five years working experience in the oil and gas industry may also be considered.

 

English as a Foreign Language This course requires IELTS 6.5.

Pre-Sessional English

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

More detail

Upper second class or above in engineering (Petroleum Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Geological Engineering, Petrochemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering etc); numerate Physical Sciences, Geosciences or Applied Mathematics. 

Candidates with an equivalent of a good lower second class degree in any of the above subject areas may be considered. HND holders with at least five years working experience in the oil and gas industry may also be considered.

English as a Foreign Language This course requires IELTS 6.5.

Pre-Sessional English

Our International Student Hub offers information on entry requirements for your country, as well as contact details for agents and representatives should you need more advice.

More detail

What our students say...

“The time spent completing my MSc was one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. Employers have been impressed with the content and range of modules offered on the course, and I’ve recently secured a 12-month postgraduate internship with Chevron Nigeria Limited.”

Anne Adagiri, MSc Petroleum and Environmental Technology MSc, studied in 2013/14

Tuition Fees

We pride ourselves on offering competitive tuition fees which we review on an annual basis and offer a wide range of scholarships to support students with their studies. Course fees are calculated on the basis of what it costs to teach each course and we aim for total financial transparency.

Starts

Fee

September 2018

£10,650 (per year)

January 2019

£10,650 (per year)

Scholarships

If you're a truly outstanding undergraduate candidate we may be able to offer you a Coventry University Scholarship. Coventry University Scholarships are awarded to recognise truly exceptional sports achievement and academic excellence.

Find out more

Starts

Fee

September 2018

£10,650 (per year)

January 2019

£10,650 (per year)

Scholarships

For the September 2017 and January 2018 intakes, we're investing £1 million into scholarships for high achieving and enterprising students.

Our scholarships are worth up to £10,000 and every student that applies will be considered. Fulfil your potential this academic year with Coventry University!

Find out more

Starts

Fee

September 2018

£15,050 (per year)

January 2019

£15,050 (per year)

Scholarships

For the September 2017 and January 2018 intakes, we're investing £1 million into scholarships for high achieving and enterprising students.

Our scholarships are worth up to £10,000 and every student that applies will be considered. Fulfil your potential this academic year with Coventry University!

Find out more

What our students say...

“The time spent completing my MSc was one of the most challenging yet rewarding years of my life. Employers have been impressed with the content and range of modules offered on the course, and I’ve recently secured a 12-month postgraduate internship with Chevron Nigeria Limited.”

Anne Adagiri, MSc Petroleum and Environmental Technology MSc, studied in 2013/14

Career prospects

Technical specialists with environmental skills and competencies are increasingly valued by the global oil and gas industry in the 21st century.

The course aims to equip graduates with the expertise required to confront the technological and environmental challenges facing the oil and gas industry in the 21st century. Membership of the Energy Institute throughout the course provides access to extensive learning and networking opportunities to support professional, management, technical and scientific career development within the industry. 

As a postgraduate student, you also receive support from our award-winning Faculty careers service, EC Futures, which won the ‘Best Placement Service in the UK’ award at the National Undergraduate Employability Awards in 2015 and 2016.

Successful graduates could find employment in areas within the upstream technical oil and gas industry, and related fields in the chemical, environmental and energy sector.

Coventry University is committed to preparing you for your future career and giving you a competitive edge in the graduate job market. The University’s Careers and Employability team provides a wide range of support services to help you plan and prepare for your career.

Where our graduates work

Many of our graduates have gone on to work for Shell, Chevron, Exxon-Mobil/Service companies, as well as a range of national oil companies.

Visit Coventry University on LinkedIn | LinkedIn for Education

What our alumni say

Going to Coventry University for my master’s Degree in Petroleum and Environmental Technology was one of the best decisions of my life. The multicultural learning environment and the vastly experienced staff made the entire period worthwhile.

Members of staff were ever willing to render assistance at every given opportunity and this made an indelible impact on me that will last forever. The synergy between the school and major players in the oil and gas industry exposed me to certain cutting-edge technologies that have translated my career millions of miles beyond my wildest dreams.

Samsonesla Bitrus, MSc Petroleum and Environmental Technology, graduated in 2014, now an Oilfield Engineer
Disclaimer

By accepting your offer of a place with us, a Student Contract (“the Contract”) will be formed between you and the University. The Contract will detail all of your rights and also the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and will also contain all of the obligations that the University owes to you.  We would encourage you to read the Student Contract before you accept any offer of a place at the University. A copy of the Contract can be found here.

The tuition fees stated on the course webpage, prospectus and your offer letter will apply for the duration of your course, subject only to changes to the law or government requirement. Please note that we set fees for individual courses, and fees from previous years are no indication of fees for future years.