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Master of Science in Drilling Engineering

(JPT/BPP(N-DL/0724/7/0002)07/27) (MQA/PSA15252)





Introduction

A master programme in Drilling Engineering deals with the application of recent advances in drilling technologies and analysis techniques such as well constructions, geomechanics, drilling fluid and cementing, well completion, casing design, hydraulics, project management and economics, well engineering and well intervention in order to understand and optimise the drilling technique with technical knowledge and safety in place.

The MSc in Drilling Engineering programme in UTP is unique as it is the only programme of its kind offered in Malaysia. In addition, being affiliated to PETRONAS, UTP has good access to supports of the program through the practical training in land rig and IWCF certification. This programme has industrial based project that students will have the opportunity to work with competent drilling engineer.

The programme would provide the MSc in Drilling Engineering graduate with enhanced knowledge and skills that meets oil and gas industrial demand in the area of Drilling Engineering, R&D scientific bodies and further studies.



Programme Objectives

The programme educational objective of the programme is to produce drilling Engineering specialists with insights to articulate complex industry problems and solutions. The programme also aims to produce industry leaders with integrity towards sustainable development through continuous improvement and innovation for the betterment of society.



Programme Outcomes

  1. ​Demonstrate continuing and advanced knowledge in drilling engineering and have the capabilities to further develop or use these in new situations or multidisciplinary context.
  2. Analyse and evaluate critically problems in drilling engineering, particularly in situations with limited information and to provide solutions through application of appropriate tools and techniques.
  3. Appraise available information and research evidence in drilling engineering and apply it in the engineering context.
  4. Plan and perform research undertakings professionally, ethically and responsibly.
  5. Report technical findings in both written and oral forms.
  6. Recognise the needs for continuing professional development in drilling engineering.


What is ODL & How it is Conducted in UTP

ODL stands for Open and Distance Learning, a way of studying remotely that offers flexibility for learning from anywhere, anytime, and anyhow with self-directed learning strategies.

In UTP, ODL is conducted as below:

  • 100% online with self-instructional materials (SIMS)
  • 8 hours minimum of online live class session for each course in one semester
  • Classes after working hours/over the weekend
  • Online open-book final exam

Programme Highlights

  • Discover the Exclusive Opportunity: Be part of the ONLY programme of its kind offered in Malaysia and the region! Embrace an exceptional learning journey that sets you apart in the industry.
  • Elevate Your Skills through Rig Training: Experience a transformative land rig training, equipping you with vital knowledge on Rig equipment, technical limits, Drilling hazards, and HSE & on-site risk management. Witness firsthand the intricacies of real-time well-drilling activities, amplifying your industry preparedness.
  • Attain IWCF Level-4 Certification: Stand out in the industry with an internationally recognized IWCF Level-4 training and certification. This prestigious certification, valid for 2 years, solidifies your expertise in well control, opening doors to global career opportunities.​

  • Drilling related software is included in the course module and an optional specialised training to gain certification for beginner level.

Programme Curriculum Structure and Programme Module Synopsis

Each student is required to complete 41 credit hours drives from 12 state-of-the-art courses. The programme curriculum structure is shown as below:
​Course Code​​​​
​Course Name
Credit Hours
​Course Type
​​Semester 1
​DCM5013
DCM5024
DCM5033
SCN5032
DCM5043
​Geomechanics
Well Engineering
Drilling Flu​ids & Cementing
​Research Methodology
Well Completion
Total (Semester 1)
​3
4
3
2
3
1​5
​Core
Core​​​​
Core
National Requirement
Core
Semester 2
​SCU5013
DCM5053
DCM5063
DCM5073
DCM5084
DCM5093
​Data Analytics
Project Management & Economics​
Well Intervention and Abandonment
Advanced Well Design and Operation
Well Construction
Individual Research Project 1
Total (Semester 2)
​3
3
3
3
4
3
19
​University Requirement
Core
Core
Core
Core
Project
Semester 3
D​CM5107
​Individual Research Project 2
Total
​7
7
​Project
​​​Total Credit Hours
​41



Programme Module Synopsis

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5013
​Geomechanics​
​​3 credits

​This module plays a major role in understanding the wellbore stability, formation pressure, structural geology and stress analysis. The presence of the wellbore and the pressure of the drilling fluid induce changes in the stress state or in the rock. As a result, the rock around the borehole may fail if the redistributed stresses are greater than the rock strength. This course addressed subject on structural geology, formation rock, leak off test, application of geomechanics in unconventional hydrocarbon, formation pressure, wellbore stability, fracture gradient and stress analysis.n understanding the wellbore stability, formation pressure, structural geology and stress analysis. 

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5024
Well Engineering
​​4 credits

This module focuses on imparting theory and knowledge of functions, materials and design of casing and tubulars that enables the students to have the skills to analyze the drilling window and kick tolerance. This course also evaluates the conformance to safety factors under applied external and internal loadings using both manual and computer simulation to select the optimum casing design taking into consideration all API standards. Additionally, students will be able to design drill string and bits to prevent drill string failure Landmark software is a key tool used in this course. Students will also be able to evaluate torque and drag associated with each trajectory, operating limits to prevent buckling, and pressure drops for different pipe sizes to select the best drill pipe option​.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5033
Drilling Fluids & Cementing
​​​​​​3 credits

​Drilling fluids are critical to maintaining well control and wellbore stability throughout the drilling operation. This course provides an overview of the various types of drilling and completion fluids, mud circulating system, and common drilling fluid properties and measurements. Drilling fluid performance evaluation as well as the fluid requirements for deviated wells & HTHP wells are presented. The second part of this course presents the fundamentals of cementing rheology and cementing basis of design to allow students to design cement slurry that satisfies well requirements and API standards. Finally, cementing challenges, liner cementing design considerations and cement evaluation steps & tools are discussed.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5043
Well Completion
3 credits

This course covered most of the well completion system such as, type of well completion (upper and lower completion equipment and design), sand control, fracturing, formation damage and treatment solutions, intelligent completion, subsea completion (including Deepwater), well testing design and operation, well head tree and artificial lift (ESP, Gas lift, Rod pump,...etc).

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5053
Project Management & Economics
​​3 credits

The student will learn project management economics and management principles and able to apply this knowledge in managing upstream project.  Student will learn on how to apply the critical project and risk management concepts that are required to run drilling projects in a safe, efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally-friendly manner.  This course will also be provide an overview of exploration and production project economic evaluation, risks and uncertainty and how to manage them.  The student will also learn concepts of project finance and administration, and supply chain management.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5063
Well Intervention and Abandonment ​​
​​3 credits

This course provides a comprehensive overview of the Well Intervention techniques, tools and technology used as part of the wells operation in production and abandonment phases.  The conveyance included in this course are not limited to wireline, Coil Tubing and new technologies in well intervention. The design phase for well intevention operation is covered to give exposure to students on planning and execution of work. The concept  and philosophy of well integrity and the applicable industry guidelines and standards in production and abandonment phases are also shared. An overview of the Subsea component and Subsea  intervention concepts are outlined. Hydraulic workover unit (HWU) as conveyance to perform workover and recompletion is also included in the content inclusive the design, selection and concept of the operation. Students will also be able to discuss the concept of Plug & Abandonment together with the industry regulations and standards.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5073
Advanced Well Design and Operation
​​3 credits

This course presents the main principles and considerations for designing HPHT, Extended Reach Drilling and deepwater wells. The course also describes in detail the operation challenges of the drilling practices related to HPHT, Extended Reach Drilling and deepwater wells along with explaining the technologies involved.  Mechanism of stuck pipe prevention and procedure are taking part of this course. Managed Pressure Drilling (MPD) techniques is incorporated as key enabers to design and execute narrow margin and carbonate wells​.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5084
Well Construction
​​3 credits

This module provides a broad understanding of the essential principles of Well Construction and Well Systems through the medium of classes and Land Rig Hands-on Practices. During the land rig training, students will be able to gain knowledge on the area of HSE in drilling and drilling equipment and operation. Key themes include Drilling and Operations Management, logistics, Rig types & BOP equipment as well as the HSE & Risk management. Drilling Technical Limit which describes a theoretical maximum in safety, efficiency, and production during drilling operations is also part of this module. This module also exposes students to Real-time monitoring & optimization for drilling operations as well as the well control Equipment and procedure.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
SCU5013
Data Analytics
​​3 credits

In this course we explore key data analysis techniques, which can be applied to massive datasets to enable real-time decision making. In particular, we examine the software tools that make possible the efficient analysis of data in near real time. Students are expected to make use of said tools to design highly scalable systems that can process and analyze big data for a variety of scientific, social, and environmental challenges.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
SCN5032
Research Methodology
​​​​2 credits

The course covers Fundamentals of Research Methodology and Applied Sciences.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DCM5093​
DCM5107
Individual Research Project 1
Individual Research Project 2​
3 credits
7 credits

The module introduces the principles and techniques involved in managing well engineering and construction operations by developing the students’ knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of drilling and well engineering operations.



Contact Information

Programme Manager
Dr Dzeti Farhah Mohshim
Email: dzetifarhah.mohshim@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053687372

Academic Executive
Ms Nini Nabila Razman
Email: nini.razman@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053687090

General Inquiries
Ms Nurul Asmira Sulaiman
Email: asmira.sulaiman@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053688192