Petroleum Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme

The Master's programme in petroleum engineering at UiS is open to Norwegian and international students. A Master's degree in petroleum engineering qualifies students for the most challenging and interesting work opportunities within the field. Engineers is mainly educated for work in the petroleum sector, but a master's degree in petroleum engineering also provides excellent opportunities in other sectors. The study provides a broad platform in petroleum engineering, with options to take various kinds of specialisation modules in drilling, natural gas and reservoir engineering. 

The general goal is to educate competent engineers with theoretical and technical knowledge, giving them the ability to work independently and take responsibility for the interaction between technology, the environment and society. The programme is research-based and provides a foundation for lifelong learning. The study programme also gives students the option to continue to PhD studies.

 Programme content, structure and composition

Of the programme's 120 ECTS, 30 ECTS come from common courses that ensure a broad and common basis in key topics within petroleum engineering, and supplement and expand subjects from the Bachelor programme. The remaining 90 ECTS consist of 60 ECTS from specialisation courses and a master's thesis of 30 ECTS. The master's thesis is a large, independent project completed in the final semester, often in close co-operation with an external company.

All teaching is in English. This is a plus for any students who are planning to work in an international company where English is the language of business. 

UiS Committed to offer all programmes according to plans, but emphasises that this is subject to the availability of recources and/ or students. Over time, the academic content and choice of topics may change due to genreal developments in the subject field, the use of new technology, and wider societal changes. All Courses and programmes are revised annually. 

A description of each individual course is provided, detailing:

- Working and teaching methods

- Course literature

- Evaluation methods

- Assessment methods

- Learning outcomes

Specialisation: Drilling and Well Engineering

The specialisation in drilling and well engineering provides in-depth knowledge about the design and planning of different types of wells and well operations. The programme prepares the students for analysing and solving various well issues and provides basic knowledge about technology development, as well as managing and implementing processes within the oil industry.

The programme, which has been developed in close co-operation with the oil industry, qualifies students for a wide range of positions within drilling and production. It also qualifies students for other industries that involve drilling, such as mining, groundwater and geothermal applications.

Specialisation: Production and Process Engineering

The specialisation in production and process engineering focuses on processes, technologies and competences over the whole oil- and gas value chain. Candidates who have completed the master's degree in production and process engineering specialization will be able to find broad job opportunities, as production engineer on platform or process engineer in gas processing plants or oil refineries. The specialisation will also qualify the students with expertise for the energy industry in general. 

Students will encounter a variety of working and teaching methods, the use of modern computer technology, practical laboratory work

Learning outcomes

Learning outcome

After having completed the master programme in petroleum engineering, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: A Master candidate in petroleum engineering has advanced knowledge within the field of petroleum engineering and specialised insight into a particular area in this field.

K2:The candidate has in-depth knowledge of scientific theories and methods connected to the subject area. The candidate is able to apply knowledge to new areas within the subject area, and analyse technical issues on the basis of the history, tradition, distinct nature and societal importance of the subject area.

K3: The candidate is able to apply this knowledge to develop, manage and implement petroleum engineering solutions within the oil and gas sector.

Skills

S1: The candidate is able to analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations within petroleum engineering, and work on practical and theoretical issues independently.

S2: The candidate is able to independently carry out a specialised research or development project within petroleum engineering under supervision and in line with current ethical norms of research.

S3: The candidate is able to solve petroleum engineering problems by integrating different types of data used in the oil industry.

S4: The candidate is able to use state-of-the art technology and manage, develop and carry out processes within petroleum engineering.

General knowledge

G1: The candidate is able to analyse relevant, professional, research and ethical issues

G2: The candidate is able to apply here/his own knowledge and skills to new areas to carry out advanced assignments and projects.

G3: The candidate is able to communicate information relating to independent work to other petroleum engineers. The candidate has an excellent command of the terminology related to the subject area.

G4: The candidate isable to communicate, not just with other petroleum engineers, but also with the general public on professional issues within the subject area, thus contributing to the innovation process with new ideas.

Career prospects

The Master program in Petroleum Engineering educates highly qualified engineers for a wide range of jobs in the oil and gas industry. This is an international industry, and Master students in petroleum enginnering will have many opportunities on the international jobs market after completing their degrees.

After completing the Master Degree in Petroleum Engineering, the candidate may qualify for phd-studies in Petroleum Engineering. 

Course assessment

Degree programmes and courses are revised annually. Evaluation is a central component of the UiS quality system. Courses in the degree are subject to student evaluation, in accordance with the University’s quality of education.