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Master of Science in Petroleum Geoscience

JPT/BPP(R3/0532/7/0003)07/26
R3/0532/7/0003
A7175


​Introduction

Petroleum Geoscience is an interdisciplinary field that applies geoscience principles and quantitative methods in the search and development of commercial oil and gas fields. It includes interpreting, predicting and managing risks and uncertainties in exploration and exploitation of hydrocarbon resources. At Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS, the Master of Science in Petroleum Geoscience programme is tailored to train young graduates and professionals from the industry in the full range of approaches, methods and techniques to explore and evaluate new oil and gas fields and to characterise reservoirs.

The programme is designed to meet the capability requirements for oil and gas industry specialist, exploration and reservoir geoscientist which include field geologist, seismic interpreter, quantitative geophysicist as well as E&P subsurface risking leaders. 

This is achieved through 6 core technical modules, 4 specialisation electives either in subsurface imaging or reservoir geoscience, 3 non-technical modules and an industrial project. Throughout the programme, there is a high​ degree of geological fieldwork and computer programming usage, both for project and teaching-learning activities. Each of the module is being taught by established academician and industry experts within Petroleum Geoscience domain.

Why You Should Join Our MSc Petroleum Geoscience?

  • Modular based programme.
  • Petroleum system field work in Malaysia.
  • 4 months industry attachment.
  • Project-based assignment using actual data.

Course Duration and Offering

Mode
Minimum Duration Maximum Duration
Conventional 12 months
36 months

Entry Requirements
i. A bachelor’s degree with minimum CGPA of 2.50 or equivalent, or
ii. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent not meeting CGPA of 2.50, can be accepted subject to a minimum of 5 years working experience in relevant field.


Fee Structure

Local Students

International Students

Programme Curriculum Structure

The curriculum is meticulously developed with inputs drawn from the oil and gas industry experts in Malaysia and other parts of the world. The programme is also designed to accommodate working professionals who would be able to utilise their work experience in projects. For fresh graduates, there will be opportunities to work on real projects with various petroleum companies. All the modules are designed to be completed over 3 semesters period, with each technical module taking place within 2-3 weeks duration. Examinations are held at the end of the semester.

Courses Credit Hours
Compulsory Core
Basin & Structural Dynamics 3
Applied Sedimentology & Stratigraphy 3
Petroleum System & Basin Modelling 3
Applied Geophysics 3
Formation Evaluation & Petrophysics 3
Life of Field & Subsurface Risking 3
Specialisation (Cho​​ose 2)
Advance Seismic Technology 3
Quantitative & Computational Geophysics 3
Reservoir Modelling and Characterisation 3
Reservoir Engineering 3
Project
Individual Industrial Project I 2
Individual Industrial Project II 8
National Requirement
Research Methodology 2
University Requirement
Project Management 2
Data Analytic 2
Total
40


Semester 1
Course Name
Credit Hours
Basin & Structural Dynamics 3
Applied Sedimentology & Stratigraphy 3
Petroleum System & Basin Modelling 3
Applied Geophysics 3
Research Metho​dology 2
Project Management 2
Total
16


 

Semester 2
Course Name
Credit Hours
Formation Evaluatio​n & Petrophysics 3
Life of Field & Subsurface Risking 3
Course 1 of Specialisation I / II 3
Course 2 of Specialisation I / II 3
Individual Industrial Project I 2
Data Analytic 2
Total
16


 

Semester 3
Course Name​
Credit Hours
Individual Industrial Project II 8
Total
8


Programme Module Synopsis

The curriculum is meticulously developed with inputs drawn from the oil and gas industry experts in Malaysia and other parts of the world. The programme is also designed to accommodate working professionals who would be able to utilise their work experience in projects. For fresh graduates, there will be opportunities to work on real projects with various petroleum companies. All the modules are designed to be completed over 3 semesters period, with each technical module taking place within 2-3 weeks duration. Examinations are held at the end of the semester.


Cours​​e Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5013

Basin Structures and Dynamics

3 credits

This course provides the skeleton of basin formation and structuration and the basis for identifying hydrocarbon plays at a basin scale. Prepare the students for the advanced MSc Petroleum Geoscience courses by providing them the fundamentals and up to date technical skills in the structural geology related to basins formation and their geodynamic evolution with time. This course aims at enhancing the students’ technical strengths upon commencing the programme properly.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5​023

Applied Sedimentology and Stratigraphy

3 credits

This module covers selected central topics within sedimentology and stratigraphy - such as a detailed analysis of various sedimentary palaeoenvironments, interpretation of sediment petrography and geochemistry, understanding of trace fossils, practical use of sequence stratigraphic.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM50​33

Petroleum System Analysis & Basin Modelling

3 credits

Petroleum system analysis is a key step in assessing the risk profile of each prospect in terms of the seven key elements required for hydrocarbon entrapment / accumulation - trap, reservoir, seal, charge (source rock, maturation, timing, migration). Petroleum system analysis and basin modelling integrates practically all geoscientific disciplines. It enhances & deepens the intelligent interpretation of geological data acquired by geophysical, geological & geochemical methods & thus converts static info into dynamic process understanding. It can detect quickly inconsistencies or uncertainties in our knowledge base. This is a key component towards enhancing exploration success.

Course Code​

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5043

Applied Geophysics

3 credits

This course imparts knowledge on the application of geophysical techniques for hydrocarbon resource exploration. Theoretical background, fundamental principles, routine applications as well as the latest advances of each of the geophysical techniques will be presented. The techniques discussed are seismic, gravity, magnetics and electromagnetics.  

Course ​​Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5053

Formation Evaluation & Petrophysics

3 credits

This course focuses on the study of the physical properties of rocks focusing on the storage and flow of the fluids contained within them. It also provides the fundamental basics of coring, well site geology and the conventional geological and petrophysical log interpretation. Log data acquisition for some advanced tools will be presented in order to highlight the significance of the recorded parameters and the impact of uncertainties on the evaluation results. The student will get some basic knowledge on core analysis, will understand methodology used to carry out different petrophysical property measurements in lab and using logs, and will become familiar with qualitative and quantitative well log interpretations and core-log calibration. He should be able to prepare and use this information for integrated geological workflows in flow units, basin analysis and reservoir characterization.

Course Co​de

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5063

Life of Field & Subsurface Risking

3 credits

Common core module required for MSc in Petroleum Geosciences programme covering different stages of hydrocarbon resources evaluation, subsurface risking, contractual arrangement, economic commerciality and decision making from frontier basin prospecting to making a discovery. The case study subsurface data provided include key petroleum systems elements, to enable sensitivity analysis of subsurface risks and evaluation of volumetrics uncertainties. The ensuing techno-commercial exploration proposal will be negotiated to satisfy the stakeholders contractual requirements and management approval.  

Cour​se Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5073

A​dvance Seismic Technology

3 credits

The course deals with imaging the distribution and shape of the reservoirs which are of paramount importance in exploration for and development of oil and gas resources.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5083

Quantitative & Computational Geophysics

3 credits

An important proficiency that students in geophysics need to acquire is the ability to recognise numerical solutions for addressing both fundamental and practical problems of interest in geophysical data processing, analysis, and modelling. This course also provides thorough understanding of quantitative seismic interpretation for hydrocarbon prediction in oil and gas exploration and development.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

Q​BM5093

Reservoir Modelling & Characterization

3 credits

The reservoir static model is part of reservoir assessment for development of the reservoir and field. The course is essentially required in imparting integration know-how of geological, geophysical and petrophysical and engineering data.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM51​03

Reservoir Engineering

3 credits

The course deals with reservoir rock and fluids types and its essential conditions (Pressure & Temperature) to understand how reservoir properties influence the reservoir performance.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

SNB5052​

Project Management

2 credits

The module addresses the basin analysis/basin evaluation as a tool for the choice of the acreage in the exploration process. It integrates data from structural geology, geochemistry, basin modelling, seen in previous modules and stratigraphic aspects seen within this module. Each chapter is illustrated by some examples and exercises. 

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

SNB5052​

Project Management

2 credits

In today’s environment, certainty of change is without precedent. As such, managers in the contemporary organis​ations have to embrace project management in enhancing organizational effectiveness and success of their energy management. Energy projects have to be delivered on schedule, within budget, with the required performance capability, and compliant with quality, environmental, safety and health standards. The need to place energy management in the context of the design, strategies, and execution of project management is compelling.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

DAM536​​​2

Data Analytics

2 credits

The course provides thorough understand process, content, concepts, techniques, issues and challenges involved in big data analytics, prepare students to be technically competent in analysing data and prepare students to improve management decision making using data analytics tools.

Course Code

Module

Credit Hour

QBM5112 & QB​M5128

Individu​​al Industrial Project I & II

10 credits

The students will acquire specific skills to conduct a research industrial project related to hydrocarbon exploration and production area. Subsequently the students shall gain experiences in developing and running actual industry-based project.

 

Career Opportunities

Graduates with an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience degree will enhance their employment and career prospects in the global oil and gas industry. The degree is also a good starting point for a career in research and academia.

 

CONTACT

Programme Manager

Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Latiff

Email: abdulhalim.alatiff@utp.edu.my

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Last updated on 20 ​​November 2024



FAQs

1. What are the entry requirements for an MSc in Petroleum Geoscience in Malaysia?

  • Candidates must hold a BSc Degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.50/4.00 or equivalent qualifications in the relevant field from a recognized university.
  • Candidates with a BSc Degree with a minimum CGPA of 2.00 but below 2.50 can be admitted and must have 5 years of working experience and pass UTP's internal rigorous assessment.

2. What are the scholarship opportunities available for MSc in Petroleum Geoscience in Malaysia?

The university will assist students in applying for financial aids, sponsorships, and educational loans for their studies from various sources, including PTPTN, MARA, JPA, state foundations, and corporate companies. Further inquiries on financial aids can be directed to Sponsorship, Scholarship & Marketing Unit of Admission, Records & Marketing Department, Registry Division.

Click here and browse through Postgraduate Assistantship for available scholarship opportunities.

3. What are the skills required for a career in petroleum geoscience?

  • Extensive knowledge of geology and other geosciences.
  • Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Proficiency with geographic information systems (GIS) and global positioning system (GPS) software and equipment.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

4. What are the salary ranges for petroleum geoscientists in Malaysia?

The average salary range for a Petroleum Geoscientist is between MYR 119,038 and MYR 213,953.

5. How much does it cost to study MSc in Petroleum Geoscience in Malaysia?

Conventional:

Malaysian: RM 28,800

International: RM 37,600

Open Distance Learning:

Malaysian: RM 23,100

International: RM 30,000