A specialised programme, the MSc in Petroleum Geoscience degree by coursework is tailored to train young graduates and professionals from the industry on approaches, methods and techniques to explore and evaluate new oil and gas fields and to characterise reservoirs for exploitation.
THE petroleum geoscience industry has made incredible strides in recent years through the research and advances in technologies that are evolving the way oil and gas resources are explored and developed.
It is precisely because of its dynamic nature that oil and gas professionals, particularly those in the upstream segment seek to develop their skills and knowledge and equip themselves with the latest advancements of this field.
As the first in the country to offer a petroleum geoscience programme, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), through its MSc in Petroleum Geoscience, introduced back in 2006, has been at the forefront of developing homegrown talent in this discipline, and has witnessed scores of its alumni moving up the ranks around the world.
A specialised programme, the MSc in Petroleum Geoscience attracts practitioners from a variety of backgrounds, including geology, geophysics and engineering.
The MSc degree by coursework is tailored to train young graduates and professionals from the industry on approaches, methods and techniques to explore and evaluate new oil and gas fields and to characterise reservoirs for exploitation.
Since 2020, the programme has also been offered via Open and Distance Learning (ODL), which supports the lifelong learning and continuous education aspirations of those employed in the oil and gas sector.
According to UTP's Geoscience Department chair Dr Khairul Arifin Mohd Noh, the goal for the majority of postgraduate students is to advance their careers in exploration and production fields, aligning with the specialised training provided by the postgraduate programme.
“The programme’s field of study is drawn from a wide range of scientific disciplines such as geology, geophysics, geochemistry, petrophysics and these are integrated with cutting-edge technology.
“It’s a field that is dynamic and constantly evolving and because it is so crucial to the oil and gas industry, those in this field need to be equipped with the latest knowledge and technology,” he says.
Frank Ogheneovo Ofowena says pursuing the MSc in Petroleum Geoscience “has been the best thing that has ever happened to me in my 21-year working career”, adding that he now has a broader view of geoscience.
The 54-year-old from Nigeria chose the postgraduate degree both for career growth and personal development. UTP was a natural choice given the experience and oil and gas background of the teaching staff.
Khairul says a combination of multiple scientific domains under the earth science field ensures that those with in-depth knowledge in petroleum geoscience will be in demand whether they are deployed in the petroleum or non-petroleum-based segments of the energy sector.
“Even if one is dealing with other subsurface sources of energy, the fundamentals, which were developed and advanced from the petroleum sector, remain the same, so these skill sets gained from petroleum geoscience will enable students to work in any industry beyond petroleum.
“For example, in unlocking opportunities in carbon capture and storage, petroleum geoscientists are called upon to evaluate the subsurface, in this case depleted reservoirs,” he shares.
Developed with input from the Institut Francais du Petrole in Paris and experts from the oil and gas industry, UTP’s MSc in Petroleum Geoscience remains robust thanks to curriculum reviews undertaken over the years. Postgraduate students in the programme also benefit from UTP’s vibrant academic force.
“The programme is delivered by experienced and knowledgeable faculty members who care about teaching and learning and are focused on ensuring that the programme addresses industry needs, skills gap as well as the fostering of the students’ lifelong learning goals.
“The experienced faculty members are also supported by software and hardware donations from the industry, which aids students in undertaking advanced interpretation, and honing their digital and critical thinking skills.
“Within the classroom, students who are mainly from the industry also have that platform to interact and engage with one another,” Khairul explains.
The MSc in Petroleum Geoscience students significantly benefit from UTP’s close linkages with the industry. In addition to gaining valuable insights through adjunct lectures, students can stay abreast of the latest industry trends and establish networks with professionals in the field.
Programme manager Dr Abdul Halim Abdul Latiff says, students also benefit from UTP’s close linkages with the industry.
“Apart from adjunct lectures, industry experts are invited to deliver selected courses. For example, an industry expert in reservoir characterisation from PETRONAS has recently delivered a two-week course at UTP,” he says.
'Apart from the laboratory facilities, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also incorporated into the MSc in Petroleum Geoscience’s curriculum. Imaging data projects from actual field data imported into the VR application allow students to visualise the seismic data and interact with fellow students on the identification of hydrocarbon prospects,' says Abdul Halim.
He adds that apart from the laboratory facilities, virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are also incorporated in the curriculum. Imaging data projects from actual field data imported into the VR application allow students to visualise the seismic data and interact with fellow students on the identification of hydrocarbon prospects, he says.
Apart from the research facilities, the department boasts a research centre, the South-east Asia Carbonate and Clastic Research Laboratory (SEACaRL). Dedicated to local and regional basin studies, SEACaRL is associated with several reputable global carbonate centres and renowned carbonate specialists.
In addition, the department also hosts the Centre of Excellence in Subsurface Imaging which focuses on geophysical studies of the earth interior for the oil and gas industry.
What is perhaps the biggest draw to UTP’s MSc in Petroleum Geoscience is that it is available via ODL mode.
“Students who are working full time, and who previously were unable to attend in-person classes can now continue their studies without having to give up their jobs.
“It is a great platform for upskilling,” Abdul Halim says, adding that the programme is also attracting students from Middle East and ASEAN regions.
For more information on UTP’s MSc in Petroleum Geoscience, visit www.utp.edu.my or https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Rd6VBQnSEQ.
