Petroleum Geosciences Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme

The Master’s programme in Petroleum Geosciences Engineering educates petroleum geoscientists With the theoretical and technical knowledge required in oil and gas exploration and production.

The study programme is research-based and provides a foundation for a lifelong career. The programme prepares students for multinational offshore and onshore industrial companies affiliated with the oil and gas sector, service industry and government agencies. The master‘s degree also gives students the possibility to continue with PhD studies.

This programme has for several years in a row been ranked as the best geosciences programme in Norway by students in the national student survery “Studiebarometeret”. The study programme is a post-graduate programme that runs over four semesters and covers 120 ECTS, resulting in a Master‘s degree in Petroleum Geosciences Engineering.

The programme includes 90 ECTS from elective courses related to geosciences, engineering, and decision-making in connection with petroleum exploration and production. The master’s thesis constitutes 30 ECTS and is a large, independent project completed in the final semester, often in close cooperation with an external company. Students must take at least 60 ECTS from the elective courses listed in the study plan. Up to 30 ECTS that are not listed as electives within the study plan may be included in the student’s individual education plan. These must be related to the field of study or be directly related to the master’s thesis. Deviations from the program study plan must be applied for in the Digital Student Service Desk, and approved by the Department.

All teaching is in English. This is an advantage for students planning to work in an international environment where English is the language of business. Students will encounter a variety of working and teaching methods, the use of modern computer technology, practical laboratory work, and projects with associated training in writing and presentations. A description of each course is provided, detailing: Working and teaching Methods, Course literature, Evaluation Methods and Assessment methods

Learning outcomes

After having completed the master’s programme in Petroleum Geosciences Engineering, the student shall have acquired the following learning outcomes, in terms of knowledge, skills and general competences:

Knowledge

K1: The candidate will have advanced knowledge within the field of petroleum geosciences and specialized insight into a particular area of geosciences.

K2: The candidate will have in-depth knowledge of scientific theories and methods connected to the subject area.

K3: The candidate will be able to apply knowledge to new areas within the subject area, and analyze professional issues based on the history, tradition, distinct nature and societal importance of the subject area. The candidate can use this fundamental knowledge to develop, manage and implement geoscience technology within the petroleum sector.

Skills

S1: The candidate will be able to analyse existing theories, methods and interpretations within petroleum geosciences, and work independently to solve practical and theoretical problems.

S2: The candidate will be able to solve petroleum geoscience problems by integrating different types of data used in the petroleum industry, including surface and subsurface data.

S3: The candidate will be able to independently carry out specialized research or development projects within petroleum geosciences under supervision and in line with current ethical norms of research.

S4: The candidate will be able to evaluate and solve problems on hydrocarbon exploration and production, from a regional to reservoir scale, by interpreting and integrating geological, geophysical and engineering data.

S5: The candidate will be able to optimise hydrocarbon exploration and production by using state-ofthe- art technology and decision making.

General Competence

G1: The candidate will be able to analyze relevant professional, research and ethical issues related to hydrocarbon exploration and production.

G2: The candidate will be able to apply her/his own knowledge and skills to new exploration areas, in order to carry out advanced assignments and projects.

G3: The candidate will be able to communicate information relating to her/his work to other petroleum geoscientists and engineers. The candidate will have an excellent command of the terminology related to the subject area.

G4: The candidate will be able to communicate with the general public, petroleum geoscience issues, analyses and conclusions, thus contributing society with new ideas.

Career prospects

The Master’s programme in Petroleum Geosciences Engineering educates highly qualified geoscientists for a wide range of jobs in the oil and gas industry. This is an international industry, and master’s students in petroleum geosciences will have many opportunities on the international job market after completing their degree.

Petroleum geoscientists are an important professional group within several business areas and sectors. These include the petroleum or mining industries, the construction sector, the environmental sector, technical organisations, education and research. Today's research and professional careers are characterised by a multidisciplinary approach.

Petroleum geoscientists have the knowledge and background required to work with specialists from other subject areas to solve important tasks for the benefit of society.

A completed Master of Science can qualify for admission to doctoral studies within Petroleum Engineering/Petroleum Geosciences Engineering at the University of Stavanger.

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