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Master of Science in Petroleum Engineering

(JPT/BPP(R3/0724/7/0003)05/30) (A11414)​



​Introduction​

Petroleum engineering is a multidisciplinary field that integrates engineering principles and quantitative methods to explore, develop, and manage the extraction of oil and gas from beneath the Earth's surface. As the backbone of the global energy industry, it drives innovation and efficiency in meeting the world's growing energy demands. This dynamic field encompasses areas such as reservoir engineering, drilling technologies, production optimization, and project management, providing exciting career opportunities in one of the most vital industries worldwide. The MSc in Petroleum Engineering at Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP) is tailored for individuals seeking an immersive, on-campus learning experience. This mode emphasizes direct interaction with expert faculty, collaborative learning with peers, and hands-on training in advanced laboratory facilities. Students benefit from access to state-of-the-art computational tools and physical resources, fostering an environment that bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application. Designed to address real-world challenges in the energy industry, the program equips graduates with technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and professional network to excel in the global petroleum sector or pursue further academic research.​

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Programme Objectives

The objective of the programme is to produce: 
  1. Corrosion Engineering specialists with insights to ​articulate complex industry problems and solutions.
  2. Industry leaders with integrity towards sustainable future development Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) through continuous improvement and innovation for the betterment of society.

Programme Outcomes

​At the end of the program, graduates should be able to:

  1. Demonstrate in-depth and frontier knowledge and understanding in Corrosion Engineering field or practice.
  2. Critically and creatively apply knowledge in Corrosion Engineering or more fields to resolve complex disciplinary and practical problems.
  3. Conduct credible problem solving or investigation to resolve complex issues and questions in the Corrosion Engineering field or practice.
  4. Conduct research or investigation with minimal supervision. adhering to legal, ethical, professional and sustainable practice
  5. Demonstrate leadership qualities through collaboration with peers and others.
  6. Communicate and interact effectively with peers in corrosion fields as well as general audience.
  7. Select and use suitable digital and analytical tool techniques to resolve problems; and
  8. Demonstrate commitment to lifelong learning and personal development.​


Programme Highlights

  1. One-of-a-kind programme in the South East Asia 
  2. Modular-based courses specially tailored for industry needs
  3. Upskilling programme for career advancement in corrosion field 
  4. Leverage our vast industry network and boost your industry readiness  
  5. Access to state-of-the-art in-campus corrosion laboratory facilities 


Programme Details

​Department: Department of Mechanical Engineering

Intakes: January, May, and September

Mode of Deliverance: 

Full Time Conventional
Full Time ODL
Minimum study duration:  12 months Maximum study duration: 36 months

Entry Requirements
  • ​Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognised university with a CGPA of 2.50 - 2.74 or its equivalent OR;
  • Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field from a recognised university with a CGPA of 2.00 - 2.49 or its equivalent will require 5 years of working experience and internal rigorous assessment


Apel.A field:
Petroleum Engineering

English Requirements

A minimum TOEFL score of 500 or equivalent
A minimum IELTS score of 5.0 or equivalent
Native English speakers or holding a degree with English as the medium of instruction may be exempted from this requirement


Pre-requisite courses
Bachelor’s Degree from non-engineering relevant will have to take pre-requisite courses as below:
Reservoir Engineering I
Fundamental of Petroleum Exploration Engineering 
It will be conducted 100% online

Estimated Total Cost Fee
  • RM 23,100 (Malaysian)
  • RM 30,000 (International)

Career Prospects
Reservoir Engineer, Production Engineer, Petroleum Geologist, Reservoir Simulation Engineer, Energy Transition Specialist and etc.

Programme Curriculum Structure and Programme Module Synopsis

Each student is required to complete seven core modules, two university requirement course (Data Analytics & Project Management), one individual Project and Research Methodology. The programme curriculum structure is shown below :

Module
Credit Hours
Semester 1
PB​M​​​ ​5123 - ​Reserv​oir Engineering
3
PB​M​​ ​5144 - Formation Evaluation
4
PBM 5134 - Drilling Engi​neerin​g
4
SNB 5032​ - ​Research Method​ology
2
DAM ​536​2​ - Data Analytics
2
Semester 2
PBM5153​ - Well Test Analysis
3
​PBM 5164 - ​Production Engineering
4
PBM 5173 - ​Reservoir Simulation
3
​PBM 5183 - Petroleum Economics
3
​SNB 5052 - Project Management
2
Semester 3
PBM 522A - ​Research Project
10

Programme Module Synopsis

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5144
​Formation Evaluation
4 credits

​The module introduces geological concepts, Petroleum System and geophysics to the students, then concentrates on the material closely associated with petroleum reservoir rocks, including the environment of deposition. The primary focus of this module is formation evaluation by well-logging data. It will cover an overview of the techniques and operations, followed by a discussion of main attributes for reservoir description and performance monitoring.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5123​​​
Reservoir Engineering
​​3 credits

The course goal is to expand and further build up student knowledge and background in reservoir engineering. It starts with discussing rock and fluid properties of oil and gas reservoirs. It examines oil and gas reservoirs performance. The course puts more focus on fluid flow in porous media through analysing reservoir performance using analytical techniques such as material balance, decline curve analysis and water influx calculations. Introduction to the EOR and its environmental impacts will be explained. A brief introduction to reservoir simulation will be covered. The topics discussed in this course will be useful in well testing applications, well placement, water flooding planning and management, and reservoir modelling. Upon completion of the course, the student should have mastered the various analytical techniques for handling oil and gas reservoirs.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5153​​​
Well Test Analysis
​​3 credits

This course will focus on the different types of tests and techniques, both analytical and graphical, for data representation and analysis of well tests. This will include analysis of semi-log plot, Cartesian plot and diagnostic-derivative log-log plot for different flow regimes during draw-down, and build-up tests and also using type curve matching technique. Students will also learn about the interpretation of complex data, such as those from well test in naturally fractured reservoirs and hydraulically fractured wells. Students should also learn about the interpretation and analysis of RFT data.​

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5173​​​
Reservoir Simulation
​​3 credits

The course gives the theoretical basis for numerical simulation of fluid flow in petroleum reservoirs. The derivation of partial differential equations required for multiphase fluid flow in porous media are covered, as well as numerical methods for solving the equations using finite difference methods. Input data requirements and applications of simulation models for history matching and prediction of field performance are ​discussed. It also covers the identification of reservoir parameters concerning the analysis of parameters' impact on simulation output by sensitivity and uncertainty analysis.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5164
Production Engineering
4 credits

This module introduces the production system from reservoir to surface as a series of pressure drops and discusses the theoretical background to the flow regimes found in each section. The completion practices and equipment are developed along with perforating techniques and methods of determining well / reservoir problems. Remedial solutions are developed along with the techniques of delivering these solutions. The use of artificial lift (including gas lift) is discussed, and the design requirements worked through. The main areas concerning the reservoir are formation damage, acidising and hydraulic fracturing. The module also discusses problems associated with production chemistry and flow assurance.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5133
Drilling Engineering
4 credits

Apart from reservoir engineering, drilling engineering holds its importance as a part of petroleum engineering. The course begins with an overview of drilling operations. Then, the students will be introduced to drilling equipment and accessories; rig components, casing, drill string, drilling bits and drilling fluids. The course also covers concepts of formation pressures, drilling fluid and wellbore stability. Students will also be exposed to some of the components of well design, including well planning, surveying program, drill string design, casing seat selection, casing program, mud and cementing program. Additionally, the students will also be exposed to well control simulation using drill-sim 500.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 5183
Petroleum Economics
​​3 credits

The subject consists of discussing and examining the concepts of the field development plan, studying different types of the agreement made between operators and service company and also fiscal arrangement and performing economic analysis on oil and gas projects.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
SNB 5052
Project Management
​​2 credits

This course is designed to equip students with the tools and techniques in project management. This course will allow students to understand and apply the components in project management, i.e. integration, scope, time, cost, quality, resource, risk, procurement and HSE. Students will also be able to apply relevant tools and techniques to manage projects cost-effectively.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
SNB 5032
Research Methodology
2 credits

To equip new post-graduate students with the philosophy and methodology of conducting research to maximise their success in proposing and managing their graduate research study plan for successful completion of the objectives by taking into consideration factors such as HSE, ethical conducts and intellectual property protections.

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
DAM 5362
Data Analytics
2 credits

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

Course Code
Module
Credit Hour
PBM 522A
Individual Research Project
10 credits

Students are required to carry out a detailed investigation of some topics related to petroleum engineering. Projects are offered both by Petroleum Engineering and by the industry, and typically include a wide choice of experimental research, computer modelling and real oilfield problems. Assessment is through both thesis and oral presentation.​​


Contact

Programme Manager
Ts Dr Berihun Mamo Negash
Email: bmamo.negash@utp.edu.my
Direct Line: +6053687109

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


FAQ

Q1. Is the ODL program suitable for working professionals. 
A1. Yes, the ODL (Open and Distance Learning) program is designed to be flexible, making it suitable for working professionals. It is based on self-study, allowing students to learn at their own pace using the provided self-instructional materials.

Q2. Do I need to attend regular classes as ODL student. 
A2. No, regular classes are not required for ODL students. The program emphasizes self-study, with the course coordinator engaging with students for only up to 20% of the program duration. These engagements are typically allocated for specific interactive sessions to help and guide students. Assessment dates are fixed with some flexibility at the beginning of each semester so students can plan accordingly. 

Q3. Do you offer scholarship? 
Currently, scholarships are not available for our program. However, if you plan to apply for external scholarships or fundings, we are happy to support your application by providing the necessary recommendation letters and documentation.​