Petroleum Geoscience
MSc and Postgraduate Diploma

Apply Online

Programme overview

Hydrocarbons are a precious resource. Finding new reserves is becoming ever more challenging and the enhanced recovery of reserves from existing fields is becoming increasingly important. Well-trained Petroleum Geoscientists with the ability to integrate geological and geophysical data, and to apply it on a variety of scales, have a vital role to play.

This MSc in Petroleum Geoscience provides graduates with training in the practical and technical skills required to address a range of questions, from understanding the distribution of hydrocarbons in sedimentary basins to quantifying the complex structural, stratigraphic and sedimentological architecture of individual reservoirs.

Features of the programme

This is an online version of a well-established programme at Royal Holloway with an international reputation for excellence in the petroleum industry.
Primarily suited to hydrocarbon industry professionals who wish to further develop knowledge and skills while continuing full-time work.
Comprehensive learning materials delivered via a dedicated web portal: video clips, animations, audiovisual presentations, fully illustrated manuals, self-assessment quizzes, exercises and computer-based practicals.
Field trips and intensive study seminars held at various locations worldwide.
You will have the option to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Petroleum Geoscience if you choose not to undertake the project.

Course summary

	You study	Study period	Cost (2011-2012)
MSc	6 modules + project	2-5 years	£11,050
Postgraduate Diploma	6 modules	2-5 years	£9,080

Prestige

The programme has been developed by academics within the Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway. The Department achieved an 'excellence' rating for teaching quality and 70% of our research was graded as world-leading or internationally excellent in the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

Career progression

Graduates of the Royal Holloway-based programme have found employment in careers ranging from national oil companies to Geoscience IT and Consultancy to academia.

Your time commitment

This courses are offered online, enabling you to fit your studies around work and family commitments. To complete in the minimum study period you will need to study 20 hours per week during the academic session.

Excellent support

Fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment, you will take part in online tutor-supported seminars and discussions; a virtual student cafe allows you to interact and network with other students.

Summary of key dates

Application deadline			31 July
Registration deadline			1 October
Course starts			October
Examinations take place			June

Petroleum Geoscience MSc and Postgraduate Diploma