Oil and Gas Chemistry, BSc
Course Overview
Overview
An oil and gas specific Chemistry degree from Europe’s oil and gas capital.
Chemistry contributes in many ways to the oil and gas industry. Geochemists are intimately involved in the exploration phase. Materials used in production such as oil well and pipeline components, chemicals to aid oil recovery, filters and other aids to product purification, corrosion inhibitors etc., are developed by synthetic chemists.
Performance monitoring is undertaken by analytical chemists. Environmental chemists deal with all of the environmental consequences of oil and gas production. Lifetime issues such as corrosion and corrosion protection also require input from chemists. The eventual decommissioning of offshore platforms, or their possible conversion to other uses such as wind farms or wave energy collectors, will raise many new problems requiring chemical solutions.
For the degree programme you will study courses in Chemistry, Physics, Geology and Environmental Science in year 1, Chemistry, Materials Science and Geology in year 2, and Chemistry in years 3 to 4. Your project work in year 4 will involve research work on some aspect of offshore chemistry.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
Compulsory Courses
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 1 (NT1021) – 15 Credit Points
- Elements of Chemistry 1 (NT1022) – 15 Credit Points
- The Earth Through Geological Time (NT1005) – 15 Credit Points
- Ecology and Environmental Science (NT1511) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (NT1513) – 15 Credit Points
- Elements of Chemistry 2 (NT1522) – 15 Credit Points
- Earth’s Materials (NT1505) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
- Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice
Compulsory Courses
- Chemical Kinetics and Thermodynamics (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Analytical Chemistry and Spectroscopy (NT2016) – 15 Credit Points
- Introduction to Materials (NT2012) – 15 Credit Points
- Petrology & Mineralogy (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT2514) – 15 Credit Points
- Inorganic Chemistry (NT2519) – 15 Credit Points
- Geophysics (NT2511) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
- Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice
Compulsory Courses
- General Chemistry (NT3032) – 5 Credit Points
- Solid State Chemistry (NT3036) – 15 Credit Points
- Environmental Chemistry (NT3038) – 15 Credit Points
- Principles of Petroleum Geology (NT3018) – 15 Credit Points
- Organic and Biological Chemistry (NT3534) – 30 Credit Points
- Molecular Structure and Reactivity (NT3536) – 30 Credit Points
- Professional Skills for Physics and Chemistry (NT30PS) – 15 Credit Points
Compulsory Courses
- Honours Chemistry Research Project (NT4028) – 45 Credit Points
- Advanced Chemistry 1 (NT4025) – 15 Credit Points
- Advanced Chemistry 2 (NT4026) – 15 Credit Points
- Advanced Chemistry 3 (NT4518) – 15 Credit Points
- Integrated Chemistry (NT4521) – 5 Credit Points
- Refinery Chemistry (NT4536) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
- Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Oil and Gas Chemistry?
- The Offshore Industry is concerned with all aspects of oil and gas exploration and production, and in the longer term also with the decommissioning of offshore facilities. The industry has an enormous economic impact on the North-East and on the UK as a whole.
- Our location at the heart of Northampton, Europe’s energy capital, and leading “World Energy City”, very much brings you closer to the industry. The city is an inspiring place for any future oil and gas and wider energy industry leader.
- Our geographic location puts us in a unique position of being able to offer a curriculum that is highly relevant to the needs of employers, alongside cutting-edge research. A degree from the Northampton University puts you in a unique position to develop crucial business links alongside your learning.
- Our close links with industry ensures that you experience lectures taught by industry professionals, get the chance to visit relevant organisations, attend industry events, and undertake MSc projects with leading firms.
- All lecturing staff are active researchers in one or more of the areas of research strength of the Department: Materials Chemistry, Biomolecular and Medicinal Chemistry, and Environmental Chemistry.
- Innovative methods for learning and teaching ensure that students develop skills in computing and IT, problem-solving, and personal skills, in addition to the core theoretical and practical principles of Chemistry.
- In the 2014 REF, our department was rated “1st in Scotland for Chemistry research impact”.
- 80% of research in Chemistry was rated as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ at 2014 REF.
Careers
You can work as a consultant chemist to the oil and gas industry or you can work for an employer to provide onshore and offshore advice starting in a graduate role and working up to managerial and consultancy roles. Other industries you could work for may include chemicals and process industries and renewables.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Graduate Chemist
- Graduate Project Manager
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
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The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions