BEng Petroleum Engineering: The University of Manchester

Course description

This 3 year B.Eng programme provides students with the necessary geoscience and engineering skills to understand how the petrophysical properties of different rock types in the subsurface vary and with this information how fluid flow can be managed both within as well as to and from reservoirs in the sub-surface.

The availability of oil and gas resources underpins the world's economy. It is vitally important for the well-being of humanity that these resources are exploited efficiently. Exploiting these resources is a complicated process and involves the interaction of specialists from a variety of backgrounds. As the petroleum industry reaches maturity new hydrocarbon resources are becoming increasingly difficult to find. In addition, the worldwide demand for oil is increasing rapidly. The decline in new discoveries, coupled with increased demand, has resulted in a rising oil price, and so oil companies are placing more emphasis on efficient recovery to maintain production and meet increasing demands. Petroleum Engineers works at the interface between geology and engineering and plays a pivotal role in the efficient exploitation and long-term recovery of hydrocarbons. Their expertise is used to manage fluid-flow by the application of new technologies. To perform this task they need a diverse set of skills and knowledge, including the ability to think laterally.

The course at The University of Manchester covers all aspects of Petroleum Engineering, teaching students how to:

• characterise rocks in the subsurface using both geological and petrophysical techniques,
• predict multi-phase fluid flow through variably porous natural media,
• understand 3-D geometries of rock formations,
• develop an understanding of the likely interactions that might occur between the fluids and the rocks in the subsurface and well-bore environments.

The programme also gives students an appreciation of how drilling and production might affect the petroleum system. At Manchester students are taught using the latest 3-D visualisation technology, equipping students with the ability to visualize and model the 3-D architecture of reservoirs. The Programme provides a challenging and stimulating educational experience where students are encouraged to develop and communicate their ideas and strategies from an early stage.

Career opportunities

The future for petroleum engineering is very buoyant as there is a worldwide shortage of people trained in this subject area.

Entry requirements

• A level: Grades AAB. This should include 2 science subjects, one of which must be Mathematics or Physics. General Studies is welcomed but not normally included as part of the standard offer.
• Scottish: Highers: Contact us for further information. Advanced Highers: AAB including Mathematics, Chemistry and one other science subject.
• International baccalaureate: A minimum of 34 points with at least 16 at higher level. Higher level must include 6 in Mathematics and at least 5 in one other science subject.
• GCSE: English Language, Mathematics and at least one science required at grades C or above.
• English language requirements: 6.5 in IELTS or equivalent English qualification.