Study Petroleum Engineering Abroad!

Introduction to Petroleum Engineering

This program is a treat if you love Maths, Science and Geography! This field requires engineers to be present in the entire process of petroleum extraction such as hydrocarbon, oil, and natural gas through design, evaluation, and extraction. Petroleum Engineering is supposedly a sub-course under Chemical Engineering. However, it has become a specialised field with the increasing demand for petroleum all around the globe.  

Petroleum is found thousands of feet deep into the ground, which means engineers will collaborate with geologists to estimate and design an intricate plan to safely and productively extract petroleum. Petroleum engineering provides many career pathways. You can focus your career in drilling, production, reservoir engineering, or even petrophysical engineering.  

Petroleum is used in various industries (transportation, energy generation, chemicals production). As extraction activities increase over the years, petroleum sources are also declining. Engineers are now seeking environmentally responsible ways to draw out petroleum to ensure that the supply is still available for many decades to come. This is one of the reasons why the industry needs more petroleum engineers!  

Fields of Petroleum Engineering

There are four major fields of Petroleum Engineering that you can choose from as your major. You can pick from these specializations:

Drilling Engineering

As one of the oldest technologies in extraction practices, drilling engineering involves complicated earth-penetration methods with many factors to be considered (well performance, treatments, production stimulation, corrosion prevention). Drilling can pose a threat to the safety of people on-site, so engineers in this field must have strong knowledge of geology to understand the nature of rocks before deciding on a drilling technique.

Reservoir Engineering

This field focuses on analyzing the rock-fluid system. Engineers devise strategies for maximum efficient production and well-drainage. Oil and gas reservoirs are also examined thoroughly to predict the extraction availability of these resources. Besides that, reservoir engineers also calculate recovery factors to help manage a drilling site.

Production Engineering

After drilling an oil well, there is a thorough process of bringing petroleum to the surface. This process falls under production engineering, where engineers will liaise with geoscientists and fellow petroleum engineers to design field developments and maintain existing oil wells in order to safely and efficiently extract petroleum. You get to work on drilling sites and also in the office.

Petrophysical Engineering

Petrophysical engineering is vital for the search and recovery of oil and gas reserves. Engineers in this area are skilled at analyzing properties of oil, gas, soil, and also rocks. They also manage mineral resources, analyzing extraction potentials, and studying the porousness of rocks.

What are the skills needed?

Adaptable – This industry requires you to have a strong knowledge in various subjects, like Maths, Science, and also Computing. You should know how to apply this knowledge appropriately in order to devise strategies and to solve issues using complex computer software and programs.

Analytical – Data is important to a petroleum engineer. You must be proficient at reading data and to be good with numbers. These skills help you to be strategic at pinpointing resource locations and planning extractions.

Problem-solving – You must be a quick-thinker when it comes to handling crisis in this field. Petroleum extraction is a risky business. Drilling underground causes immense atmospheric pressure which could result in accidents and even big disasters.

How long will I study this program?

The study duration could vary from one institute to another. However, as a general estimate, we have compiled a general estimate of the duration according to the study levels and qualifications.

  • Foundation/Diploma: 1 – 2 Years
  • Bachelor’s Degree: 3 Years
  • Master’s: 2 – 4 Years
  • PhD: 1 Year

What are the entry requirements for this qualification?

  • Degree:  
    • STPM: Minimum 2 passes including Mathematics and Physics 
    • A-Levels: 2 principal passes including Mathematics and Physics 
    • SAM: ATAR 75 including Mathematics, Chemistry, and preferably Physics 
    • CPU: Average of 75% including Mathematics, Chemistry, and preferably Physics 
    • UEC: Grade A in Mathematics, Chemistry, and preferably Physics 
  • Master’s: 
    • A relevant Bachelor’s Degree (CGPA 2.5) with honours or equivalent
  • PhD:
    • A Master’s Degree in relevant field with evidence of adequate research or work experiences to satisfaction of Senate 
  • English proficiency:
    • Minimum score of 600 in TOEFL and minimum score of 6 in IELTS 

What are the job opportunities?

  • Industrial Engineer 
  • Drilling Engineer 
  • Production Engineer 
  • Reservoir Engineer 
  • Seismic Engineer 
  • Quality Assurance Engineer

Are you interested to study this subject in Malaysia?

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