Petroleum Engineering, BEng
Course Overview
Overview
Petroleum Engineers are at the forefront of ensuring that we have an abundant supply of oil and gas, in a safe and environmentally sustainable manner. With continued worldwide demand for energy, there is no better time to be a Petroleum Engineer.
We are the only University in Scotland that offers an undergraduate Petroleum Engineering degree and also a general engineering curriculum.
Petroleum Engineering is concerned with the exploration for and extraction of hydrocarbons, e.g. crude oil and natural gas. Petroleum Engineers use creative and imaginative knowledge of petroleum geology, reservoir behaviour as well as fundamental engineering principles to develop effective and safe solutions for the exploration, recovery and transportation of hydrocarbon products trapped underground, onshore or offshore, and in very challenging environments.
Located in the heart of the energy industry in Europe, Northampton is an International Centre of Excellence for exploration and production of oil and gas, providing services for not only the North Sea but also many provinces worldwide. The distinctiveness of the Petroleum Engineering degree programme is provided by its combination of excellence in both engineering and in petroleum geoscience. With engineering at its heart, the programme draws upon well-established expertise in petroleum exploration and geoscience within the University, and the local oil and gas industry, to provide students with a multidisciplinary approach to addressing the challenges faced by petroleum engineers and the petroleum energy industry sector.
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BEng |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
What You'll Study
The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.
It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.
In year 1 you can study topics such as Engineering Mathematics, Principles of Electronics, Electronics Design, Fundamental Engineering Mechanics, Fundamentals of Engineering Materials and Computer Aided Design & Communication.
Compulsory Courses
- Principles of Electronics (NT1008) – 15 Credit Points
- Chemistry for the Physical Sciences 2 (NT1513) – 15 Credit Points
- CAD and Communication in Engineering Practice (NT1010) – 15 Credit Points
- Engineering Mathematics 1 (NT1504) – 15 Credit Points
- Fundamental Engineering Mechanics (NT1510) – 15 Credit Points
- Fundamentals of Engineering Materials (NT1012) – 15 Credit Points
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
Optional Courses
Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics (NT2004) – 15 Credit Points
- Design and Computing in Engineering Practice (NT2501) – 15 Credit Points
- Process Engineering (NT2011) – 15 Credit Points
- Solids and Structures (NT2502) – 15 Credit Points
- Electrical and Mechanical Systems (NT2503) – 15 Credit Points
- Introduction to Geology for Petroleum Engineers (NT2512) – 15 Credit Points
- Engineering Mathematics 2 (NT2012) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.
You have the opportunity to study from a range of courses leading to specialisation in your chosen discipline. The opportunity exists to study a European language to support this study. Formal courses continue to develop your specialist interests.
Compulsory Courses
- Engineering Analysis and Methods 1 (NT3007) – 15 Credit Points
- Project and Safety Management (NT3599) – 10 Credit Points
- Fluid Mechanics (NT3019) – 15 Credit Points
- Drilling and Well Engineeering (NT3595) – 15 Credit Points
- Heat, Mass & Momentum Transfer (NT3030) – 15 Credit Points
- Reservoir Engineering 1 – Fundamentals (NT3596) – 15 Credit Points
- Petroleum Geology and Reservoir Characterisation (NT3029) – 15 Credit Points
- Petroleum Engineering Design (3597) – 10 Credit Points
- Well Testing (NT3598) – 10 Credit Points
The major feature is the individual project in the area of your specialisation. The project occupies half of your study time and can be undertaken in Northampton or abroad. The opportunity exists to study a European language to support this study.
Compulsory Courses
- Geomechanics (NT4015) – 10 Credit Points
- Reservoir Engineering II: Performance (NT4019) – 10 Credit Points
- Petroleum Production Engineering and Technology (NT4018) – 10 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select one of the following options:
Option 1
- BEng Individual Project (NT4014)
- Group Design Project (BEng) (NT4578)
- Field Development and Petroleum Economics (NT4531)
- Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice
Option 2
- Engineering Project Abroad (BEng) (NT4011)
- Select a further 30 credit points from courses of choice
- BEng Individual Project (NT4014) – 30 Credit Points
- Group Design Project (BEng) (NT4578) – 15 Credit Points
- Field Development and Petroleum Economics (NT4531) – 15 Credit Points
- Engineering Project Abroad (BEng) (NT4011) – 60 Credit Points
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 Petroleum Engineering?
- We are the only University in Scotland that offers an undergraduate Petroleum Engineering degree and also a general engineering curriculum.
- With Engineering at its heart, our Petroleum Engineering programme draws upon well-established expertise in Petroleum Geology within the University, and the local oil and gas industry.
- The first two years of our engineering programmes cover general engineering. This means you develop vital knowledge in all engineering areas – making you far more adaptable in employment.
- We deliver teaching in world class facilities, including laboratories dedicated to particular areas of work such as satellite communications, computer aided design, electrical machines, materials testing, laser welding, hydraulics and fluids, large structures and geotechnics.
- The School has produced thousands of world-class graduates over the decades, many who have progressed into Managing Director and Chief Executive roles in the oil and gas and wider energy industries.
- Across a number of our programmes, we work closely with colleagues within geology, chemistry and business disciplines to ensure the teaching is fit-for purpose.
- We are well connected with local, national and international industry, particularly in the oil/gas/energy industry where you get the chance to experience real-life industry challenges and projects, through guest lectures, company visits and networking events.
- All of our degrees have been accredited by the relevant professional engineering institutions, providing you with your first step into becoming a Chartered Engineer. Undergraduate Engineers intending to follow a professional engineering career should consider student membership of the appropriate Engineering Institution.
- Our award winning Society of Petroleum Engineers Student Chapter is one of the 230 student chapters around the world. We build strong relationships with members and non-members alike, and help you gain insight into the oil and gas industry.
- Hands-on experience of laboratory experiments and of industry-standard software is used to enhance your learning. Group design exercises based on real case field data and supervised by practising professionals from industry prepares you for work.
- Opportunities exist for industry sponsored scholarships and bursaries, final year individual projects undertaken with industry, and study abroad opportunities.
Careers
Equipped with a balanced portfolio of knowledge on the full lifecycle of hydrocarbon production, graduates from this discipline are highly sought after by a range of companies; from major operators and multinational service providers to small and medium enterprise technology companies.
A degree in Petroleum Engineering allows graduates to function effectively in a complex environment and to work across the disciplines of petroleum geology, drilling, production and process engineering. In addition, the underlying attributes, such as logical analysis, problem solving, management and communication, allow them to develop a career in a range of other sectors including finance and management. If you are interested in applying the knowledge of geology and physics in creating engineering systems for safe and sustainable harnessing of the primary source of energy used by the modern society, then you should consider Petroleum Engineering.​
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Design Engineer
- Environmental Adviser
- Field Engineer
- Graduate Engineer
- Petroleum Engineer
- Production Technologist
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: ABBB (Mathematics and Physics or Engineering Science required*)
Applicants who achieve the Standard entry requirements over S4 and S5 will be made either an unconditional or conditional offer of admission.
Minimum: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics and Physics*)
Applicants who achieve our Minimum entry requirements over S4 and S5 are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics*)
Applicants who meet one or more of our Widening Participation criteria and who achieve good performance in Maths and one other subject may be made an adjusted offer of entry. Good performance in additional Highers / Advanced Highers maybe required in order to receive an offer of admission.
* These subjects can be either held at the time of application or be achieved during the appropriate admissions cycle.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Standard entry requirements are encouraged to apply and may be made an offer of admission.
Minimum: BBC (Good performance required in Mathematics, plus at least one from Physics, Design & Technology, Engineering or Chemistry). Applicants who are predicted to achieve the Minimum entry requirements are encouraged to apply and will be considered.
Adjusted: BB (Good performance required in Mathematics)
Applicants who meet one or more Widening Participation criteria and who are predicted to achieve a good performance in Mathematics and one other subject may be made an Adjusted offer of entry.
FOR CHEMICAL AND PETROLEUM ENGINEERING PROGRAMMES
Please note: for entry to Chemical and Petroleum Engineering an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to year 1, in addition to the general Engineering requirements.
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
-
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