Study petroleum engineering abroad

Petroleum engineering describes the extraction of oil and gas from below the Earth’s crust. As the global demand for energy supplies continues to grow, it's the responsibility of petroleum engineers to meet this need in a safe and sustainable manner.

You’ll develop a strong grasp of the entire extraction process, from exploration and drilling to recovery and transportation. You’ll learn how to harness energy in the most efficient ways, and consider how the negative environmental effects of mining could be reduced.

Due to the uneven distribution of petroleum reserves around the world, lots of jobs in the sector are based overseas. Studying abroad is the perfect way to demonstrate your ability to work with people from different cultures to future employers.

Bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering are offered as three or four-year BEng programs. The length of your program will depend on where you study and whether you complete an industrial placement as part of your course.

Spending a year in industry is a worthwhile experience that could give you the upper hand when it comes to applying for graduate jobs. You’ll put what you’ve learned into practice and build professional connections.

Those looking to seamlessly transition from an undergraduate to a postgraduate course might consider enrolling in a four-year integrated MEng program. Otherwise, you can take a master’s degree separately over one or two years.

If you’re hoping to contribute to cutting-edge research in the sector, a PhD might be for you. Doctorate level degrees generally add a further four to six years on top of your studies.

Petroleum engineering programs combine theoretical lectures, seminars, and tutorials with practical laboratories, group workshops, and field trips. Below are some of the core units you can look forward to studying as part of your degree:

• Petroleum fundamentals and chemistry
• Petroleum geology
• Reservoir behavior
• Fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
• Mathematics for engineering
• Fundamentals of engineering materials
• Fundamentals of engineering mechanics
• Mass and energy balances

As a petroleum engineering graduate, you’ll have the knowledge and skills needed to spark up a lucrative career in the energy sector and beyond.

With people and businesses around the world depending on the supply of petroleum for their daily activities, your degree will open up several international career paths. Here are some of the job prospects you could explore:

• Petroleum engineer
• Petroleum geologist
• Reservoir engineer
• Production engineer
• Drilling engineer
• Production technologist
• Environmental advisor
• Field engineer

If you’re hoping to get a headstart in the graduate job market, it’s important to look for relevant work experience opportunities. Speak to your university’s career service about the benefits of internships and how best to secure one.