Study programme description for students

Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences - Master

Facts

Studyprogram code M-ENRGEO

Credits (ECTS) 120

Level Master's degree (2 years)

Leads to degree Master in Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences (energi, reservoar og geovitenskap)

Full-/Part-time Full-time

Duration 4 semesters

Undergraduate No

Language of instruction English

Graduates with an MSc degree in Energy, Reservoir, and Earth Sciences are qualified for working within the energy industry addressing subsurface and climate challenges. The program integrates concepts from geology, petroleum exploration, reservoir engineering, carbon storage, and data modelling. Graduates have solid competence related to visualizing and interpreting subsurface structures and using state-of-the-art technology for project development and modelling of subsurface strategies.

Objectives, content, and organisation of the study programme

This is an international master’s programme, where both Norwegian and international students study together with various forms of teaching methods to maximize learning outcomes. The programme is 100 % in English and includes a total of 120 ECTS. The first year (60 ECTS) focuses on the fundamental background of subsurface knowledge, fluid flow in porous media, and methodologies necessary for understanding and characterizing the subsurface and its potential as a reservoir for production and storage of energy. The 3rd semester includes 30 ECTS courses, where the student can choose specialized courses, for example, subsurface optimization, modelling, or economics. Alternatively, students may participate in a semester abroad at one of our partner institutions or take courses at UNIS in Svalbard. Finally, the 4th semester consists of a thesis project, where the student applies all the knowledge from the programme. The project can be theoretical or practical depending on the student’s interest.

Students experience different types of working and teaching methodologies, including usage of leading-edge technology, practical laboratory work, and hands-on projects using real data. Course evaluation methods are designed to maximize the learning outcomes and promote student learning and active participation. Evaluations range from traditional exams to semester projects and may include oral presentations or written reports. Details on teaching and learning methods, required literature, evaluation methods, and assessment criteria are provided in each course description.

The MSc in Energy, Reservoir, and Earth Sciences is advantageously connected to the National Centre for Sustainable Subsurface Utilisation of the Norwegian Continental Shelf - NCS2030. One major focus of the NCS2030 is education, which provides thesis opportunities with project partners.

Learning outcome

A graduate should have the following learning outcomes defined in terms of knowledge, skills and general competence:

Knowledge

K1: The candidate has advanced knowledge about the subsurface, the rocks and fluids that constitute the crust of the Earth, and the properties and structures they exhibit.

K2: The candidate has advanced knowledge about the physical and chemical processes operating in the subsurface on geological and human time scales, and how these processes shape the subsurface as we interpret it today.

K3: The candidate has advanced knowledge about subsurface reservoirs, the natural resources (e.g. hydrocarbons, water, geothermal) or compounds (e.g. CO2, hydrogen) they can contain or store.

K4: The candidate has the knowledge to develop, implement and manage optimal engineering solutions for the production or storage of natural resources or energy in an environmentally responsible manner.

K5: The candidate can evaluate the applicability of innovative processes for subsurface solutions.

Skills

S1: The candidate is able to interpret and integrate static and dynamic subsurface data to construct geologically realistic models of the subsurface and its uncertainties.

S2: The candidate is able to use experiments and models to understand physical and chemical processes operating in the subsurface and predict the outcome of these processes.

S3: The candidate is able to integrate the S1 and S2 skills to support decision-making for the optimal and environmentally responsible management of reservoirs in the energy sector.

S4: The candidate can apply relevant methods and conduct an independent, limited research or development project within the area of expertise under supervision and in accordance with applicable norms for research ethics.

S5: The candidate can analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations in the field and work independently on practical and theoretical problems.

General competence

G1: The candidate can collaborate and discuss with their scientific peers on the relevance of reservoir management for energy and storage purposes.

G2: The candidate is able to communicate to the general public in a scientific manner the relevance of the subsurface and reservoir management for energy supply and decarbonisation.

G3: The candidate is able to collaborate with the industry and government sectors to design optimal and environmentally responsible solutions for the utilization of reservoirs in the subsurface.

G4: The candidate is able to apply their knowledge and skills to solve subsurface-based problems in both academic and industry settings.

G5: The candidate is able to transfer knowledge and skills to subsurface problems in new, innovative, and other relevant fields than the energy or storage fields.


Career prospects

After successfully completing this programme, the candidate is qualified to work both in the public and private energy sectors, particularly where subsurface competence for both energy production and storage are required. The present and future energy mix scenarios and climate challenges demand professionals with a holistic understanding of the subsurface to achieve sustainability in the coming decades.

Depending on the chosen elective courses, graduates of the programme can pursue a career in a range of different roles including:

  • geologist
  • geophysicist
  • petrophysicist
  • engineering geologist
  • subsurface data scientist
  • reservoir engineer

While most graduates are traditionally employed in the oil and gas industry, a growing number are working in other sectors with:

  • renewable energy
  • carbon capture and storage
  • mining
  • tunnel construction
  • waste and water management
  • research and development
Graduates can qualify for admission to the PhD programme in Science and Technology with relevant specialisation at the University of Stavanger.

Course assessment

Schemes for quality assurance and evaluation of studies are stipulated in the Quality system for education

Studyplan with courses

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Student exchange

Schedule for the exchange

Students can go on a study abroad experience during the 3rd semester of the master's programme in Energy, Reservoir and Earth Sciences.

The 3rd semester consists of 30 ECTS credits of flexible courses and electives. During the exchange semester you can choose courses relevant to the master program, and also depending on personal interests and career opportunities. The courses you want to study abroad must be approved by the department. It is important that the courses from abroad not overlap with courses you have already completed. An advice is to think about your professional career and your fields of specific interest.

More opportunities

In addition to the recommended universities listed below, UiS has a number of agreements with universities outside Europe that are applicable to all students at UiS, provided that they find relevant courses. Within the Nordic region, all students can use the Nordlys and Nordtek networks.

Find out more

Svalbard
Students may choose to take courses at UNIS in Svalbard. More information here.

Contact your student adviser at the Faculty if you have questions about guidance and pre-approval of courses Vivian Lynghjem

General questions about exchange: Go to the exchange guide in the Digital student service desk

Contact information

Faculty of Science and Technology, tel: +47 51 83 17 00, email: post-tn@uis.no.

Study Adviser: Veronica Løken