Oil and Gas Engineering MSc

Study level: Postgraduate
Three workers in construction gear on platform above water

With a broad-ranging Oil and Gas Engineering MSc, you could work across the world in the oil and gas industry.

Year of entry

Location

Coventry University (Coventry)

Study mode

Full-time
Part-time
Sandwich

Duration

1 year full-time
2 years part-time
2 years sandwich

Course code

EECT058

Start date

January 2025
May 2025


Course overview

This comprehensive course has been designed and delivered in collaboration with highly experienced oil and gas professionals.

  • This course aims to equip you with the advanced sector-specific knowledge and skills required to succeed in the competitive, ever-evolving energy industry.
  • You will study the engineering theory, technology, systems and practice associated with the full oil and gas life cycle, examining upstream, midstream and downstream operations from exploration and production, right through to refining and marketing.
  • Upon successful completion, this course will prepare you for a global career as a graduate engineer in the oil and gas industry, furnishing you with a solid foundation in fluid flow systems, oil and gas production engineering and process control, based on international environmental operational frameworks.
  • You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity2, designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.
Five stars in a speech bubble.

5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings

A hand clicks a button with a person on

Ranked 11th Modern University in UK by the Times

The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Icon of person sharing information with three others

Ranked 8th for Overall Satisfaction in PTES

Postgraduate Taught Experience Survey (PTES) 2024

Why you should study this course

  • Encouraging advanced problem-solving skills, you will explore how to tackle complex engineering problems with shifting baselines and varying degrees of resources and information.
  • You will be provided the opportunity to gain practical experience in a wide range of engineering and technology disciplines, and you should learn how to design appropriate components, systems or processes to improve the quality and functionality of equipment and plant within individual and complex environments.
  • You could also further your understanding of the concepts surrounding corrosion, life cycle, mechanical principles, control, fluid flow and its combined importance in the continuation of an operational facility.
  • Our currently extensive industry links can enable you to benefit from technical site visits2 which have previously included the National Engineering Laboratory, as well as a range of expert guest lectures, such as the former Vice President of British Petroleum.
  • You will have free access to sector-leading software (subject to availability) used by over 500 international oil and gas companies across the world, such as standard PETREL and ECLIPSE reservoir simulation software worth US$12.5million (donated by Schlumberger), Petex Integrated Product Modelling (IPM) software worth over £1million (donated by Petex), Weatherford’s PanSystem and WellFlo, Honeywell’s UniSims Design Suite, NSI Technologies’ StimPlan and IHS Kingdom GeoSyn.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:

Chartered Management Institute

Chartered Management Institute (CMI)

As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited1 by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) for the 2024-25 intake. Upon successful completion of the module, you will gain the CMI Level 7 Certificate in Strategic Management and Leadership Practice at no additional cost. Further details can be found under the modules and on the Professional Development module page.

Coventry University’s accreditation with CMI is currently ongoing for the relevant modules and is regularly reviewed and monitored by the CMI through their quality systems.


Memberships

This course enables you to become student members1 of the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) at no extra cost, and the European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers (EAGE), which is currently free for students under 29 years old (additional fees apply for those above this age).


What you'll study

Our broad range of module subjects aim to develop your practical and technical knowledge of drilling and well engineering, multiphase flow systems, production and reservoir engineering, crude processing, gas technologies, engineering materials durability and sustainability, as well as health, safety and environmental management.

Modules

With work placement pathway

The ‘With work placement’ opportunity2 enables you to apply in semester 1 for an optional work placement of up to 12 months, extending the duration of your master’s to 24 months. The placement provides an opportunity for you to develop expertise and experience in your chosen field with the aim of enhancing your employability upon graduation. The work placement would take place in semesters 3, 4 and 5.

Please note that the optional placement modules incur an additional tuition fee of £4,000. Placement opportunities may also be subject to additional costs, visa requirements being met, subject to availability and/or competitive application. Work placements are not guaranteed but you will benefit from the support of our Talent Team in trying to find and secure an opportunity. Find out more about the work placement option.

We regularly review our course content, to make it relevant and current for the benefit of our students. For these reasons, course modules may be updated.


How you'll learn

The course has been developed in collaboration with industry and leading professional bodies; there are also several elements which are currently delivered by petroleum processing engineering experts, who will lead discussion and debate on current oilfield processing case studies.

Teaching and learning methods may include:

  • Lectures
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Presentations
  • Group projects
  • Workshops
  • Practical laboratory and simulation sessions

This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. While we would like to give you all the information about our part-time offering here, it is tailored for each course each year depending on the number of part-time applicants. Therefore, the part-time teaching arrangements vary. Please request information about studying this course part-time.


Teaching contact hours

The number of contact hours may vary from semester to semester, however, on average, it is likely to be around 20 contact hours per week in the taught semesters. Additionally, you will be expected to undertake significant self-directed study of approximately 35 hours each week, depending on the demands of individual modules.

Your project-based semester will be supervisor supported, self-directed study in the region of 20 hours per week.

As an innovative and enterprising institution, the university may seek to utilise emerging technologies within the student experience. For all courses (whether on-campus, blended, or distance learning), the university may deliver certain contact hours and assessments via online technologies and methods.

Since COVID-19, we have delivered our courses in a variety of forms, in line with public authority guidance, decisions, or orders and we will continue to adapt our delivery as appropriate. Whether on campus or online, our key priority is staff and student safety.


Assessment

This course will be assessed using a variety of methods which will vary depending upon the module.

Assessment methods include:

  • Tests
  • Essays
  • Presentations
  • Coursework

The Coventry University assessment strategy aims to ensure that our courses are fairly assessed and allows us to monitor student progression towards achieving the intended learning outcomes.


International experience opportunities

Our current strong relationship with industrial collaborators may provide you with access to a wide range of national and international workshops and conferences run by the many professional bodies2.

We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities to try and build your technical capacity, establish networks and meet potential collaborators and employers.

In the past, our students have attended the International Petroleum Conference and Exhibition in the United Arab Emirates, the Artificial Lift Conference and Exhibition in North America, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) Intelligent Energy Conference here in the UK and the SPE International Conference and Exhibition on Health, Safety, Security, Environment and Social Responsibility in Norway.


Entry requirements

Typical offer for 2024/25 entry.

Applicants should hold a minimum of a second-class honours degree in a petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, geological engineering, petrochemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, numerate physical sciences, geosciences or mathematics related subject.

We recognise a breadth of qualifications; speak to one of our advisers today to find out how we can help you.

Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:


You can view our full list of country specific entry requirements on our Entry requirements page.

Alternatively, visit our International hub for further advice and guidance on finding in-country agents and representatives, joining our in-country events and how to apply.

Typical entry requirements

Applicants should hold a minimum of a second-class honours degree in a petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, geological engineering, petrochemical engineering, mechanical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, numerate physical sciences, geosciences or mathematics related subject.

Some international students may require an ATAS certificate to study this course. For further information see our ATAS certificates page.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5

If you don't meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

For more information on our approved English language tests visit our English language requirements page.


Fees and funding

2024/25 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)   Request fee information  
EU £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year with EU Support Bursary**
£20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee) per year without EU Support Bursary**
Not available
International £20,050 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)   Not available

For advice and guidance on tuition fees3 and student loans visit our Postgraduate Finance page and see the university's Tuition Fee and Refund Terms and Conditions.

We offer a range of International scholarships to students all over the world. For more information, visit our International Scholarships page.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching, assessments, facilities and support services. There may be additional costs not covered by this fee such as accommodation and living costs, recommended reading books, stationery, printing and re-assessments should you need them.

The following are additional costs not included in the tuition fees:

  • Any optional overseas field trips or visits: £400+ per trip.
  • Any costs associated with securing, attending or completing a placement (whether in the UK or abroad).

*Irish student fees

The rights of Irish residents to study in the UK are preserved under the Common Travel Area arrangement. If you are an Irish student and meet the residency criteria, you can study in England, pay the same level of tuition fees as English students and utilise the Tuition Fee Loan.

**EU Support Bursary

Following the UK's exit from the European Union, we are offering financial support to all eligible EU students who wish to study an undergraduate or a postgraduate degree with us full-time. This bursary will be used to offset the cost of your tuition fees to bring them in line with that of UK students. Students studying a degree with a foundation year with us are not eligible for the bursary.


Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

People walking in front of a building which has a big library sign

The Library

You will benefit from our support designed to help you succeed and our industry-relevant teaching and resources. These include our modern library and computing facilities, dedicated careers advice and Your Students’ Union.

Beautiful building surrounded by trees on a sunny day

Jaguar Centre

The Jaguar Centre has been specifically designed to provide facilities and services to support our postgraduate students including social spaces, computer suites and separate areas for small group study.

Glass modern building with a spire in the background

The Hub

The Hub is the centre of student campus life. It's also home to the Health and Wellbeing Centre, the Spirituality and Faith Centre, the Tank Studio, Student Success Coaches and the Enterprise Hub.


Careers and opportunities

On successful completion, you will be able to:

  • Demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of appropriate technology selection, process engagement and the relationship between engineering responses and project needs in an oil and gas engineering context.
  • Appreciate relevant global constraints, such as health and safety, assessing the impact of current engineering forces and technological change upon the effectiveness and efficiency of equipment and plant within the oil and gas industry.
  • Identify and provide innovative design solutions to complex oil and gas engineering problems.
  • Implement appropriate engineering and design solutions relevant to materials, drilling, production, processing, fluid flow, control systems, instrumentation, durability and reliability in relation to real-world oil and gas engineering situations, and reservoir simulation.
  • Conceptualise, devise and critically appraise detailed engineering and technological solutions to oil and gas problems utilising materials and processes available in a sustainable manner.
  • Synthesise developments around new technologies, processes and advanced systems from a broad range of engineering disciplines and to adapt and apply them to oil and gas problems.
  • Critically review engineering imperfections, preconditions and technical elements, evaluating engineering and technological solutions.
  • Integrate a detailed and rational manufacturing, technological and IT perspective into a cross-functional system when faced with an oil and gas problem.

This course has been developed with industry experts, and is aimed at providing you with technical capability, alongside analytical and creative skills to have a successful career in the oil and gas industry.

Throughout the course, you could find yourself working on current oilfield and industry-based problems, providing you with the opportunity to gain additional skills and experience. The course aims to keep you up to date with current events and the latest, leading-edge industry innovations through opportunities to visit facilities and hear from leading industry figures2. These visits are a great way to interact with oilfield experts and network with potential employers.

This master’s degree provides just one route into many possible careers with the global oil and gas industry, where demand for qualified staff is high. Roles may include engineers and drill crew, experienced geoscientists and exploration engineers, exploration and appraisal specialists, senior planners and contract managers, HSE advisors, subsea engineers, subsea filters and flow assurance engineers, operators, technicians, reservoir engineers and senior drilling engineers, as well as senior commercial roles, such as head of business development managers, country managers and sales managers.

Where our graduates work

Many of our previous graduates have gone on to work in international oil and gas companies in roles such as petroleum engineers, process or facilities engineers and energy analysts, in companies such as Shell, Chevron, ExxonMobil/Service companies, as well as a range of national and other international oil companies.


How to apply

You may also like

Coventry University (Coventry) Energy platforms in the sea.

Oil and Gas Management MSc