Petroleum Engineering - Master of Science Degree Programme

The master’s programme in Petroleum Engineering at The University of Stavanger is open to Norwegian and international students. A master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering qualifies students for a variety of positions primarily within the petroleum sector, but also provides excellent opportunities in other sectors. The study programme offers a variety of petroleum engineering topics, including drilling and well engineering, petroleum production engineering and process engineering. The general goal is to educate competent engineers with theoretical and technical knowledge, giving them the ability to work independently, and to 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 credits, 30 ECTS is common courses that ensure a broad and common basis in key topics within petroleum engineering. 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 is committed to offer all programmes according to plans but emphasises that this is subject to the availability of resources and/or students. Over time, the academic content and choice of topics may change due to general 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

Learning outcomes

Learning outcome

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

Knowledge

K1: The candidate 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 can apply this knowledge to new areas within the subject area and analyse technical issues based on the history, tradition, distinct nature, and societal importance of the subject area.

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

Skills

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

S2: The candidate can 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 can solve petroleum engineering problems by integrating different types of data used in the oil industry.

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

General Competence

G1: The candidate can analyse relevant, professional, research and ethical issues.

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

G3: The candidate can 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 can 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 programme 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 engineering will have many opportunities on the international jobs market after completing their degrees

The general goal of the programme is to provide the candidate with a broad knowledge base to help manage the world`s petroleum resources in the most profitable and sustainable way. 

A Master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering gives a solid foundation for admission to PhD studies in the areas relevant to the chosen academic specialisation. In particular, the PhD studies in energy and petroleum technology are relevant

Course assessment

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