Petroleum Engineering, BEng

Course content

The first two years of the course will give you a good grounding in the fundamental science and mathematics behind key engineering and geological concepts. You'll learn the basics of geophysics, the mechanisms that create sedimentary basins and reservoir simulation techniques, as well as core topics like process modelling and thermodynamics.

Year 3 gives you the chance to build on this knowledge with a set of specialised modules on topics such as drilling and production technology and interpreting seismic activity. You'll also explore wider strategic issues in the energy industries, such as climate change, environmental policy and the debate around shale gas extraction. The major team project will give you the chance to design an oil or gas reservoir or a production or processing facility.

If you continue to Year 4 for the MEng qualification, you'll study Masters-level modules informed by the research of staff within both Schools. The topics you'll study include oilfield corrosion, refinery chemistry and advanced drilling and production technology. You'll also apply what you've learned to an individual research project on a topic relevant to the petroleum industry.

Every year of the course gives you hands-on experience of project work. This gives you the opportunity to explore your subject further as well as developing valuable skills in problem solving, communication and teamwork.

Find out more about our Projects

You'll study engineering ethics as part of your course, with lectures and/or seminars in each year of your study. Visit our engineering ethics webpage to find out more.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Entry requirements, fees and applying

  Entry requirements

  A-level: AAA including Mathematics and Physics or Chemistry.

  Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

  Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

  Extended Project Qualification - Whilst we recognise the value, effort and enthusiasm applicants make in the Extended Project, we do not currently include this as part of our offer making. We do however encourage you to provide further information on your project in your personal statement and if invited, at interview.

  GCSE: English Language at grade C or above, or an appropriate English language qualification.

  • Career opportunities

    Demand for hydrocarbon production is growing as the global economy grows, and the oil and gas sector is truly international. As a result, you can look forward to a variety of exciting career prospects.

    Typical areas include petroleum geology, oil and gas exploration, reservoir modelling, drilling and production, refinery operations, product marketing, operational management, equipment manufacture and supply, consultancy and regulatory authorities.

    Recent graduates have gone on to find roles as thermal reservoir engineers, production, drilling and process engineers and oil and gas production technologists at companies including Shell, Total, Schlumberger, Saudi Aramco, Baker Hughes and Kuwait Gulf Oil Company.

    Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working

    Careers support

    You'll have access to our dedicated Employability team, located centrally in our Employability Suite, who will provide you with specialist face-to-face support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and year-in-industry placements, as well as graduate positions.

    You'll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, ongoing support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers. The team also works closely with the University's Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

    Find out more about careers support and employability

  • Study abroad and work placements

    Study abroad

    On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. The University has partnerships with more than 400 universities worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America. 

    Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

    With the help and support of our faculty Employability Team, you can choose to undertake a placement at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your degree by 12 months and on successful completion, you will be awarded the 'industrial' variant in your degree title to demonstrate your unique expertise to future employers.

    Find out more about work placements