| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MSc | Full-time | 12 months | September | GBP 5360 | GBP 18120 |
| PG Dip | Full-time | 9 months | September | GBP 5360 | GBP 18120 |
The oil and gas industry faces several challenges in the supply of oil and gas, both as energy and sources of chemical raw materials. There are a large number of areas in the world where reservoirs are in decline and a number of new reservoirs that are more challenging to produce from. Both present major technical challenges to the oil and gas operators. Of equal difficulty is maintaining the number of engineers within the industry who have the necessary skills and knowledge needed to produce oil and gas. This programme was developed to provide engineers entering the oil and gas industry with the background and knowledge of these challenges.
Traditionally in the UK, the vast majority of engineers enter the industry through two routes; either as facilities or surface engineers or through the petroleum engineering or sub-surface engineering route.
This programme was been designed with the help of the industry to provide a cross over between surface and sub-surface engineering functions with the intent that future oil and gas operations can be better optimised to enhance recovery of the reserves. In order to maximise recovery, surface engineers in an operating company must communicate effectively with the reservoir and production engineers within their own company as well as develop relationships with and assess the work of contractors and vendors when designing and constructing facilities. Therefore, surface engineers need to be competent not only in the areas of process design, pipeline engineering, but also be familiar with reservoir engineering, production technology and a variety of other engineering and management subjects, such as safety and control, management of projects, economics and planning, etc.
The programme is organised and managed through the School of Engineering and Physical Sciences and offers courses in process, mechanical and petroleum engineering. It is suitable for those with a background in chemical and process engineering, mechanical engineering and related engineering disciplines. Taught courses cover topics in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, pipeline engineering, materials, corrosion, process engineering, reservoir engineering, economics and petroleum production technology.
Programme duration
* If you are unsure which category you fall in to, you should complete a fee status enquiry form, which allows us to assess your fees.
** Fee per course
Scholarships and bursaries
We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.
View our full range of postgraduate taught scholarships.
The entry requirements are a good Honours degree (2.1) in Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering or Physics, or a closely related subject. Equivalent overseas qualifications will be considered.
Alternative backgrounds, such as vocational training complemented with sufficient relevant industrial experience and continued professional development will be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
English language requirements
If you are not from a UKBA recognised English speaking country, we will need to see evidence of your English language ability. If your first degree was taught in English a letter from them confirming this will be sufficient. Otherwise the minimum requirement for English language is IELTS 6.5 or equivalent, with a minimum of 5.5 in each skill.
The University offers a range English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement prior to starting your masters programme:
Below are some suggested courses at other providers that you may also be interested in:
If you do not meet the entry requirements for this course then consider one of these postgraduate preparation courses from another institution:
There are 332 other courses listed from Heriot-Watt University. A selection of these are displayed below:
Actuarial Management MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Heriot-Watt University
Find out more Actuarial Science MSc, Postgraduate Diploma, Postgraduate Certificate
Heriot-Watt University
Find out more Actuarial Science and Diploma in Industrial Training BSc (Hons)
Heriot-Watt University
Find out moreSee other universities in Edinburgh
Find out more about studying in the United Kingdom
As an international student you may require a valid visa to study at Heriot-Watt University. Read more about the requirements in our Guide to the United Kingdom International Student Visa Requirements.
