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Oil and Gas Management MSc
Study level: Postgraduate
Oil and Gas Management MSc has been developed in collaboration with industry with input from organisations and companies such as SPE International, Cuadrilla Resources Ltd, Petromall Ltd and Subsea Engineering News, who currently sit on our Industry Advisory Board.
Year of entry
2024-25
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
EECT056
Start date
September 2024
January 2025
May 2025
Course overview
This course is designed with the specific aim of building management capacity within the petroleum industry.
- We will show you the complexities of management within the extractive industry and provide you with the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the interconnections between the different value chains within the oil and gas industry, to help to prepare you for careers with a wide range of potential employers which could include national and multinational energy companies, consultancies, energy ministries and international agencies.
- This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the processes, drivers, threats and opportunities related to the management of the energy and hydrocarbon industry in the 21st century.
- You should develop the competence to safely and effectively manage projects in the oil and gas industries within the context of increasingly stringent environmental and safety legislation.
- 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.
Rated Gold Overall
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) 2023
5 QS Stars for Teaching and Facilities
QS Stars University Ratings
Top 5 Student City in England (Coventry)
QS Best Student Cities Index 2025Why you should study this course
- Expected to remain as a major contributor to the economy of many developed and developing regions, the oil and gas industry needs effective managers who not only appreciate the financial drivers and pressures but can also understand and interpret the effects of heightened safety regulations, policy changes, trade laws and global economics.
- Our course aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to do just that; providing a comprehensive advanced-level introduction to the international operation of the upstream and downstream industry, exploring the key challenges and emerging technologies that are influencing exploration and production. So, if you are interested in a professional career in the energy and hydrocarbon industry or are already working in the industry and looking to update your skills, this professionally accredited course1 should benefit you regardless of whether you come from a technical, non-technical or commercial background.
- Course highlights include the use of industry-standard simulation facilities and software, which support real-time scenarios linked to the management of industry-related emergencies. Furthermore, you can choose to specialise in one of four routes: Quality, Health, Safety and Environment; Finance and Investment; Law and Policy; and Technology Management.
- Our current extensive industry links mean that you could benefit from technical site visits2 which have previously included the National Engineering Laboratory, Equinor (formerly Statoil), GE and Baker Hughes, as well as a range of free-to-attend expert guest lectures (subject to availability), which has previously included the former Vice President of British Petroleum.
Accreditation and professional recognition
This course is accredited1 and recognised by the following bodies:
Energy Institute (EI)
This course is fully accredited by the Energy Institute for the 2024/25 intakes. This means that, on successful completion, you will have met the entry requirement for working towards MEI chartered professional status for the Energy Institute. Course content associated with the health and safety module has also been structured to mirror the Institute of Occupational Health and Safety (IOSH) syllabus on Managing Safely. On successful completion, in addition to your degree, this will offer you an opportunity to receive (free of charge) a professional certification: Managing Safely in the Oil, Gas and Energy Industry Certificate.
Chartered Management Institute (CMI)
As part of this course you will undertake a professional development module which is currently accredited 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
We adopt a multidisciplinary approach, and all the mandatory modules incorporate various specialist areas, including petroleum contracts and economics, renewable energy, risk management and environmental management. The modules are focused on providing some of the essential skills needed in any profession, such as project management and quality control, marketing techniques, health and safety and professional development.
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
Teaching and learning methods may include:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Presentations
- Group projects
- Workshops
- Practical laboratory and simulation sessions4
Content includes a blend of technical, theoretical and practical topics designed to develop real-life skills and knowledge for new and existing practitioners. Consequently, we place considerable emphasis on the use of actual policy documents, case study material, site visits2 and the use of guest speakers (subject to availability) to provide real-life material. Interesting case studies have, for example, previously included real-life portfolio rationalisation of international oil and gas assets and petroleum contract negotiation using African and American case studies.
This course can be studied on a full-time or part-time basis. Whilst 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 (20 hours per week in the project-based semester), depending on the demands of individual modules.
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 may 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.
Fees and funding
2024/25 tuition fees.
| Student | Full-time | Part-time |
|---|---|---|
| UK, Ireland*, Channel Islands or Isle of Man | £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) | Request fee information |
| EU | £11,200 | £15,200 (with prof. experience) per year with EU Support Bursary** £20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience) per year without EU Support Bursary** |
Not available |
| International | £20,050 | £24,050 (with prof. experience) | 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.
How do you know if you need to pay UK or international tuition fees?
Facilities
Our aim is to offer you sector-leading facilities4:
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.
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.
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
Upon successful completion, you will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of:
- The theories, concepts and complexities of managing the processes, threats and challenges of the oil and gas industry in the 21st century.
- The methods and global best practices in managing health, safety and environment in exploration and production of oil and gas.
- Politics of oil and gas and threats to continued supply and renewable energy options.
- The development of effective leadership and management skills in the oil and gas sector and appropriate business policies and strategies within a changing operational and legislative context to meet stakeholders’ interest.
- The use and limitations of a range of research methods/techniques, both qualitative and quantitative for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain and changing organisational environment.
You will be able to:
- Research in detail oil and gas management issues, critically reflect on practice and experience, engaging in creative problem solving and decision making.
- Reflect, investigate and apply knowledge, which supports global best practices in the management of oil and gas activities in both upstream and downstream operations.
- Communicate and work effectively within teams.
- Develop strategies and policies in response to the challenges of the oil and gas industry in the 21st century.
- Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in planning and executing project work.
This course was developed to create graduates capable of demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, managing risk and adding value to a business. As such, upon successful completion of the course, you should have access to a wide range of potential careers in the ‘downstream’ side of the sector, as planning managers, project managers, risk analysts and senior inspection managers.
Our course is accredited by the Energy Institute1, which is the leading chartered professional membership body for the energy industry, supporting over 20,000 individuals working or studying within the energy sector worldwide. All students benefit from free membership of the Institute for the duration of their studies, providing access to extensive learning and networking opportunities to support professional, management, technical and scientific career development within the industry.
Successful completion of this course provides a possible route into many careers within the global oil and gas industry, where demand for qualified staff is high. Roles 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 past graduates have gone on to work for well-known companies like Shell, Chevron, Saudi Aramco, GNPC, SINOPEC, NNPC, TPDC, HIS and CNOOC, for universities both here in the UK and abroad, various international consultancies and the Petroleum Ministries of Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Oman, UAE, Nigeria and Angola, to name just a few.
How to apply
UK students
International students
Disclaimers
