Oil and Gas Engineering MSc

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

Year of entry

2023-24

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

September 2023
January 2024
May 2024

How to apply
Book an Open Day
Download a prospectus
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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.
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Joint Top Modern University for Career Prospects

Guardian University Guide 2021 and 2022
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5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities

QS Stars University Ratings
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Top 5 UK Student City (Coventry)

QS Best Student Cities Index 2023

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 2023-24 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

  • This module focuses on oilfield drilling practices, well design, construction and completion processes. It aims to adapt these practices to a range of well types and encourage a strategic approach to well planning. The module will also provide a better understanding of the drilling technology, types of drilling and drilling fluids, as well as to assess all operating variables.

    Compulsory

  • The module is designed to provide you with the fundamental practice of oil and gas platforms decommissioning, and related opportunities and costs (financial and environmental). This module will assess these complex issues in line with the technical, financial, environmental and legal dimensions of decommissioning within the wider context of sustainability in the energy industry.

    Compulsory

  • The main aim of this module is to provide 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 introduced.

    Compulsory

  • This module provides you with the ability to identify, justify and apply techniques for effective engineering materials essential to meet the in-service performance demands of the energy, oil and gas challenges/applications with particular emphasis on corrosion, and other relevant material damage mechanisms/failure modes and their control strategies.

    Compulsory

  • The module is designed to provide you with the fundamental understanding and practice of oil and gas flow assurance and subsea processing systems, with a particular focus on multiphase flows, control systems, instrumentations, communication and power supply requirements. You will identify the challenges and requirements for subsea long step-out operations as regards power transmission, control systems, instrumentations, communications technologies and awareness of relevant regulations with the aim to develop an understanding of the operations and design of the subsea field process facilities.

    Compulsory

  • The aim of this module is to introduce you to the application of traditional oil and gas technology to exploitation of sustainable energy systems, such as hydrogen production and storage mechanisms, geothermal systems, and carbon capture and storage of CO2 in depleted oil/gas reservoirs or saline aquifers. Each system will be technically analysed and the overall viability of a proposed field development assessed.

    Compulsory

  • This module will examine the oil and gas exploration and production industry and look at the changing dynamics of this industry. It will provide an introduction to the geology, geophysics and tectonics that underpin the successful exploitation of oil and gas and will offer a detailed understanding of the essential elements of a working petroleum system.

    Compulsory

  • The module aims to extend your experience in independent investigative work with a view to enhancing your ability to solve technical and environmental problems. Research methods for technical and scientific investigations are included. Written presentation skills are developed as an integral part of the project.

    Compulsory

  • This module aims to provide students with a framework of knowledge and understanding of how to effectively lead and develop people in a strategically diverse and inclusive way. You will be given the opportunity to develop strategic priorities for leadership, equality, diversity and inclusion.

    Compulsory

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.

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are prepared for courses due to start in or after the 2023/2024 academic year to be delivered in a variety of forms. The form of delivery will be determined in accordance with Government and Public Health guidance. 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 2023/24 entry.

Applicants should hold a minimum of a second-class honour’s 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.

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Select your region to find detailed information about entry requirements:

Europe

Americas

Middle East

South Asia

South East Asia

East Asia

Africa

Russia and Central Asia

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 honour’s 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.

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Fees and funding

2023/24 tuition fees.

Student Full-time Part-time
UK £11,200 | £4,000 (Work placement option additional fee)   Request fee information  
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).

  • We carry out an initial fee status assessment based on the information you provide in your application. Your fee status determines your tuition fees, and what financial support and scholarships may be available to you. The rules about who pays UK (home) or international (overseas) fees for higher education courses in England are set by the government's Department for Education. The regulations identify all the different categories of student who can insist on paying the home rate. The regulations can be difficult to understand, so the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) has provided fee status guidance to help you identify whether you are eligible to pay the home or overseas rate.

    If you meet all the criteria required by any one category, including any residence requirements, your institution must charge you the home rate. You only need to find one category that you fit into.

Facilities

Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4.

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The Library

The Lanchester Library is open 24/7, 364 days a year and has 1,400 study spaces, including group and silent areas. It also currently offers more than 550 computers and an additional 120 free-to-loan laptops within the library.

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Jaguar Centre

Our refurbished 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.

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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, The Careers 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

  • Coventry University together with Coventry University London Campus, CU Coventry, CU London, CU Scarborough and Coventry University Online come together to form part of the Coventry University Group (the “University”) with all degrees awarded by Coventry University. 

    1Accreditations

    The majority of our courses have been formally recognised by professional bodies, which means the courses have been reviewed and tested to ensure they reach a set standard. In some instances, studying on an accredited course can give you additional benefits such as exemptions from professional exams (subject to availability, fees may apply). Accreditations, partnerships, exemptions and memberships shall be renewed in accordance with the relevant bodies’ standard review process and subject to the university maintaining the same high standards of course delivery.

    2UK and international opportunities

    Please note that we are unable to guarantee any UK or International opportunities (whether required or optional) such as internships, work experience, field trips, conferences, placements or study abroad opportunities and that all such opportunities may be subject to additional costs (which could include, but is not limited to, equipment, materials, bench fees, studio or facilities hire, travel, accommodation and visas), competitive application, availability and/or meeting any applicable travel COVID and visa requirements. To ensure that you fully understand the visa requirements, please contact the International Office.

    3Tuition fees

    The University will charge the tuition fees that are stated in the above table for the first Academic Year of study. The University will review tuition fees each year. For UK (home) students, if Parliament permit an increase in tuition fees, the University may increase fees for each subsequent year of study in line with any such changes. Note that any increase is expected to be in line with inflation.

    For International Students, we may increase fees each year but such increases will be no more than 5% above inflation. If you defer your course start date or have to extend your studies beyond the normal duration of the course (e.g. to repeat a year or resit examinations) the University reserves the right to charge you fees at a higher rate and/or in accordance with any legislative changes during the additional period of study.

    4Facilities

    Due to COVID-19, some facilities (including some teaching and learning spaces) and some non-academic offerings (particularly in relation to international experiences), may vary from those advertised and may have reduced availability or restrictions on their use.

    Student Contract

    By accepting your offer of a place and enrolling with us, a Student Contract will be formed between you and the university. The 2023/24 Contract is currently being updated so please revisit this page before submitting your application. The Contract details your rights and the obligations you will be bound by during your time as a student and contains the obligations that the university will owe to you. You should read the Contract before you accept an offer of a place and before you enrol at the university.

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