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Masters in Petroleum Engineering in the UK

Updated on 25 September, 2024

Neha Uppal

Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Pursuing a master’s in petroleum engineering in the UK is always a smart move, considering the prospects of the field and the abundant job opportunities in the country. The UK is home to premier institutions for studying petroleum engineering, thereby creating innumerable opportunities for aspirants to build fulfilling global careers ahead. 

Why Study Master’s in Petroleum Engineering in the UK? 

Pursuing your MS in petroleum engineering in the UK will help you realize the following benefits: 

  • Petroleum engineering finds a place in the list of critical occupations in the UK. 
  • There are top-ranked institutions for the subject along with innovatively structured M.Sc petroleum engineering in the UK courses that combine practical experience with theoretical knowledge. 
  • Pursuing your master's in petroleum engineering in UK indicates a lucrative career ahead, with an employability rate of more than 93%. Reports also indicate how most students find jobs within a few months of completing their programs. 
  • Comparatively reasonable tuition costs with work placement options for students at several institutions. 
  • Availability of two-year work permits after the completion of your studies. 
  • Opportunities to work part-time during the course tenure. 
  • Highly convenient one-year master’s programs. 

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MS in Petroleum Engineering in the UK- Leading Universities

Here is a list of top universities with their QS World University ranks. 

  • Imperial College London- 6th Rank. 
  • University of Strathclyde- 8th Rank. 
  • Heriot-Watt University- 10th Rank. 
  • The University of Manchester- 14th Rank. 
  • University of Surrey- 16th Rank. 
  • University of Leeds- 36th Rank. 
  • Brunel University London- 51-100th Rank. 
  • Cranfield University- 51-100th Rank. 
  • University of Aberdeen- 51-100th Rank. 
  • University of Liverpool- 51-100th Rank. 

Eligibility for MS in Petroleum Engineering in the UK

The eligibility requirements include the following: 

  • Three A-levels with physics or mathematics are chosen subjects. 
  • Five GCSEs (A-C) with English, science and mathematics. 
  • Level three vocational qualifications are also acceptable at many institutions. 
  • For other applicants, they should get at least 60% in their Bachelor’s degrees. A minimum 2:2 undergraduate degree is required in a field like civil, chemical, mechanical, or petroleum engineering or even earth sciences. 
  • English language proficiency proof is also required. Students should get a minimum of 6.0 in IELTS. 

Documents Required for MS in Petroleum Engineering in the UK 

  • Academic transcripts and mark sheets. 
  • Proof of English language proficiency. 
  • Passport copy and details. 
  • References and admission essays if required. 

Masters in Petroleum Engineering in UK Fees

Costs of petroleum engineering usually hover around GBP 13,500-30,000 (INR 13.5-30 lakh approximately) for aspirants. International students usually have to pay upwards of GBP 28,500 (INR 28.5 lakh) for these courses. The costs vary, depending on the type and nature of the petroleum engineering courses in UK along with the location. M.Sc Courses usually cost roughly GBP 30,000 (INR 30 lakh) per year. 

How to Apply 

You can apply directly at the website of the university, fill up the application form and upload all necessary documents accordingly. You have to pay the application fees. Thereafter, if you are shortlisted, you may be called for a video interview if needed or will be sent the offer letter. Once you receive this letter, you can confirm the same and pay your admission fees. You can subsequently start applying for your student visa. 

Scope of Masters in Petroleum Engineering in the UK 

Petroleum engineering is a field with vast scope, especially for skilled undergraduate and master’s students. Knowledge gathering from various fields like petroleum geology, geophysics, formation evaluation, economics, drilling, reservoir engineering, reservoir simulation, and so on will help students build fulfilling careers at public and private companies alike. 

Students can find work as petroleum engineers, reservoir engineers, oil-well engineers, geologists and also in R&D (research and development). Petroleum engineering offers swift career growth and development in the UK with high employment rates every year as per reports. 

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Scholarships for MS in Petroleum Engineering in the UK 

There are several scholarships offered by numerous universities and institutions in the UK. They include the following: 

  • Brunel University- Sports Scholarship, Postgraduate Academic Excellence Scholarship, Commonwealth Shared Scholarship, International Excellence Scholarship and the Brunel Graduate Discount. 
  • Heriot-Watt University- Postgraduate Merit Award. 
  • London South Bank University- International Merit Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, etc. 
  • Robert Gordon University- RGU International Student Discount for Master’s Students. 

Masters in Petroleum Engineering Salary in the UK 

  • Average salaries are GBP 41,000 (approximately INR 41 lakh) for reservoir engineers. 
  • They stand at GBP 50,000 (INR 50 lakh approximately) for petroleum engineers. 
  • Average salaries are also GBP 60,000 (INR 60 lakh approximately) for senior reservoir engineers. 
  • Average petroleum engineering salaries are GBP 41,000 (INR 41 lakh approximately) in the UK. 
  • The graduate salary usually stands at GBP 55,500 (INR 55 lakh) for 50-60 hours of work each week. 

Jobs for Masters in Petroleum Engineering in the UK 

There are numerous job opportunities available in the UK for master’s degree holders in petroleum engineering. Some of the available job roles include the following: 

  • Petroleum engineer
  • Drilling engineer
  • Reservoir engineer
  • Geologist
  • Oil-well engineer
  • Geophysicist 
  • Production engineer
  • Enhanced oil recovery specialist
  • Reservoir simulation specialist 

Required English Language Test for Masters in Petroleum Engineering in the UK 

The minimum score needed for students in IELTS is 6.0 as per requirements at most universities. Good English proficiency scores automatically increase the chances of admissions while helping students communicate better in global and dynamic work environments. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Are petroleum engineers in demand in the UK? 

Petroleum engineers are in high demand throughout the United Kingdom (UK) and this is one such field with soaring job prospects, especially in terms of job growth and average salaries. Petroleum engineers will witness skyrocketing demand and numerous openings across leading companies with output increasing steadily from oil over the upcoming few years. 

What can you do with a master’s in petroleum engineering? 

One can naturally take up various employment avenues with a master’s degree in petroleum engineering. Some of the available job positions include drilling engineers, reservoir engineers, production engineers and completion engineers. There exist numerous opportunities to work as a geologist or directly in research and development (R&D). 

What is an M.Sc in petroleum engineering?

The M.Sc degree in petroleum engineering is the master’s course in this field which covers the production, mining, and exploration of both petroleum and natural gas. This is a field that witnesses sizable demand with the vast scope of future exploration and career growth alongside. There are umpteen learning opportunities on various aspects related to petroleum, gasses and mining. 

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Neha Uppal

Sr. Content editor

Neha Uppal is a passionate content creator and editor. She carries 7.5+ years of experience working with leading edutech companies where she worked as a Faculty, Community Manager, and Content Marketeer. At upGrad, she is helping out people keep informed about the scopes and opportunities of studying abroad via informational articles/blogs.

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