Integrated Petroleum Geoscience (MSc)
Introduction
Running since 1973, the MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience programme is internationally regarded as one of the top vocational training pathways into the energy industry. Based in the heart of the UK energy sector, IPG provides world-renowned training in the practical and technical skills required by the global hydrocarbon exploration and production industry, with input and support from major oil and gas operators.
IPG is generously supported by our industry partners including Equinor, Shell, Harbour Energy, Neo Energy, Baker Hughes and BP, through student projects, guest lectures, mentoring opportunities and scholarships.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
The MSc Integrated Petroleum Geoscience equips you with the knowledge and skills to understand the subsurface and hydrocarbons stored there.
IPG receives detailed input and support from the energy industry, ensuring it remains current and relevant, particularly as we move forward toward net-zero. The curriculum focuses on all aspects of upstream geoscience, including exploration, field appraisal and development, maximising recovery from mature fields, as well as considerations for repurposing depleted fields for carbon storage.
Hands-on field-based study is a crucial part of our geology teaching, and this programme is no exception, with UK and international field trips where you will apply and develop your subsurface analysis and core logging skills.
The close ties between the University of Aberdeen and the energy industry mean our students can benefit from industry training and projects, as well as professional mentorship and career networking opportunities from companies such as Equinor, Shell, Harbour Energy, Neo Energy, Baker Hughes and BP.
Our approach and teaching methods also aim to create a close parallel to the way the energy industry works, further enhancing teamwork and communication skills, to allow you to transition from education to employment upon graduation.
What You'll Study
The course content recognizes the increasingly diverse backgrounds of the students, as more first degree courses are modularised with significant non-geological components. The course content is designed as far as possible to fill in the gaps for such students, although we rely on the students to work at making up for their own weaknesses, under our guidance. Numeracy skills are important; we advise students to assess their own needs for additional training.
- Semester 1
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Semester 1: Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
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This course, which is prescribed for all taught postgraduate students, is studied entirely online, takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across the first 4 weeks of term.
Topics include University orientation overview, equality & diversity, MySkills, health, safety and cyber security, and academic integrity.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Geophysics and Petrophysics (GL5011)
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30 Credit Points
By the end of this course, the student should:
- Understand the Petrophysical rock properties that affect fluid storage and movement (Porosity, Permeability, Saturation, Mineralogy).
- Understand the primary wireline and LWD logging tools: Measurement, Fundamental physical principles, and applications.
- Understand the theory of seismic signal description.
- Appreciate the main processes involved in a typical seismic data-processing suite.
- Understand the basic concepts of seismic stratigraphy and the interpretation of seismic data.
- Professional Skills Incorporating International Field Trip (GL5013)
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15 Credit Points
By the end of this course, students will be aware of issues in relation to team work, particularly communication, diversity, and organisation. They will be able to communicate technical interpretation effectively by oral, written and electronic methods. They will utilise knowledge gained in the field and classroom to complete a number of industry-facing tasks through assessments based on real life scenarios utilising field-based data and concepts derived from lectures and field observations. These skills will be developed on two fieldtrips, one of which will focus on the exceptional geology exposed in Utah.
- Applied Sedimentology and Structural Geology (GL5044)
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30 Credit Points
The course aims to develop practical geological skills applicable to the extraction and sequestration of fluids in the subsurface, embracing the subdisciplines of tectonics and structural geology together within clastic and carbonate sedimentology, stratigraphy, and diagenesis; The main basin-forming processes with be introduced to provide context for the sedimentary geology. The basics of structural geology for trap definition and characterisation are developed and applied, deducing structural styles on seismic images and examples of how deformation influences reservoir behavior and trapping mechanisms. The course will show how structural, sedimentological and stratigraphic knowledge is crucial in both exploration and development activities, and is fundamental in making predictive models. It will impart a practical knowledge of depositional environments which form hydrocarbon reservoirs and targets for CO2 sequestration, linking these together using the techniques of sequence stratigraphy as applied to siliciclastic and carbonate settings. The origin and effects of reservoir fluids and subsequent diagenesis will also be covered.
- Semester 2
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Semester 2: Compulsory Courses
- Production Geology (GL5511)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to deliver key skills and understanding of the role of the geologist in development planning, driving production throughout a field’s life. There is an emphasis on the interface with Reservoir and Well Engineering, Operations and Commercial disciplines. The course gives students an understanding of fluid flow in the subsurface and how it might be impacted by geological heterogeneity. The approaches employed in building qualitative and quantitative geological models of the subsurface, and the difficulties associated with doing this reliably will be covered.
- Regional Exploration (GL5568)
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15 Credit Points
This course aims to demonstrate the stages in a hydrocarbon exploration project from initial basin screening, through the identification of leads and prospects, to an economic assessment. The course includes components of structural geology, tectonics, organic geochemistry, and basin modelling. It is important to view these activities in an economic context; accordingly, the course aims to explain the role of the geologist in the business of exploration and appraisal of hydrocarbons. This aims to inform the student of important economic and logistical constraints which operate alongside geological details.
- Subsurface Storage and Sequestration (GL5572)
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15 Credit Points
Lectures and practical exercises will provide you with the knowledge and skills to de-risk the subsurface for storage of energy (in the form of compressed air and hydrogen), and for the safe and long-term storage and sequestration of CO2. Seminars will introduce case-study examples of storage within porous rocks, evaporites and volcanics. The course concludes with a group project that is designed to emulate how a subsurface storage site would be evaluated by a technical team in industry.
- Semester 3
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Semester 3: Compulsory Courses
Example projects from previous years:
- Classical and modern approaches to examine reservoir connectivity in a mature field, West Siberia Basin
- Hydrocarbon Migration and Fill History of the Rosebank Field, West of Shetland, UK
- Projects in Energy Geoscience (GL5913)
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60 Credit Points
In the final project you are expected to undertake and complete a study of a subsurface problem applicable to the energy industry. The project is an extended, independent, self-directed, piece of practical work integrating and reinforcing the material taught on the programme, and giving a detailed insight into the demands of, and ways of working in the energy industry. The project forms a major part of the MSc’s employability strategy.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page. In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips.
Fees
- UK
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £11,900
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)
- £7,000
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University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
- EU / International students
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- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year
- £28,800
- Tuition Fees for 2026/27 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)
- £20,800
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The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.
Funding Opportunities
The Commonwealth Shared Scholarship provides funding for international students from selected countries; more information is available on their website.
Alumni Discount Scheme: we are pleased to offer a 20% discount for postgraduate tuition fees to all alumni who have an undergraduate degree from University of Aberdeen.
Please note that the Aberdeen Alumni Discount cannot be claimed in conjunction with any other scholarship award.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students will receive an £8,000 scholarship. Learn more about this Aberdeen Global Scholarship here.
To see our full range of scholarships, visit our Funding Database.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lab Work
- Lectures
- Research
Assessment Methods
Practical work, projects and reports will be assessed continuously throughout the programme. Examinations are held in December and April on the preceding term’s curriculum. An oral examination will be held. Candidates will be expected to present a final report on a relevant and approved major topic.
Why Study Integrated Petroleum Geoscience?
- The programme is widely regarded as one of the best of its kind in the world and is the only degree in the world that sits at the very heart of the UK energy industry in Aberdeen.
- IPG graduate can currently be found in leading positions across the international oil and gas industry.
- Components of the programme focus on all aspects of upstream geoscience, from initial exploration for new prospects, field appraisal and development, maximising recovery from mature fields, and ultimately considerations for subsurface storage.
- Provides all-round preparation for a wide range of employment opportunities in a dynamic industry.
- Develops the knowledge needed to communicate with and work alongside specialists in the other engineering and scientific disciplines involved in the subsurface.
- Enhances the interpersonal and transferable skills relevant to the energy industry today: developing presentation and report-writing skills; encourage working in multidisciplinary teams; and stimulating creative thinking and problem-solving ability.
- Hands-on field-based study is a crucial part of the teaching on all our Geology related degrees. This programme is no exception, offering a UK-based field trip in semester 1 and an international field trip in semester 2.
- Involvement of industry experts across the teaching activity during the year including major oil and gas operators.
- Learn and communicate with specialists from other disciplines, in particular those involved in drilling, reservoir engineering, petrophysics, and geophysics.
- There is an opportunity for you to complete your MSc Project dissertation with an energy company, giving you the chance to experience current industry thinking and challenges.
- Employability: Over the last decade, more than 90% of our MSc graduates have immediately been employed in the oil and gas, energy and applied industries or gone straight on to funded PhD research.
- Mentorship: All our students are mentored by professionals through an organized mentoring scheme.
- This programme is generously supported by leading energy industry partners including Equinor, Harbour Energy, NEO Energy and Shell who provide scholarships for Home/rUK students.
Interested in this programme?
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Geology or Geophysics.
Please enter your country or territory to view relevant entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 6.0; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 21; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 169; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
Careers
Over the last decade, more than 90% of our MSc graduates have been employed in the oil and gas, energy and applied industries or gone straight on to funded PhD research. A large number of graduates from the programme now hold very senior roles in some of the world's major oil and gas companies.
It is clear Hydrocarbons will play an important role in ensuring our energy supply for decades to come and form a crucial role in Net Zero targets. Exploration and production roles will be required going forward and that this remains a vibrant industry to enter. By laying down the fundamentals in subsurface investigation, the course will also equip you with the knowledge to branch into other careers that involve examining the subsurface, including emerging geoenergies such as CCUS.
The dynamic nature of the programme provides all-round preparation for a wide-range of employment opportunities within a mobile, dynamic, wealth-creating industry. You will also benefit from graduating from a programme that truly is recognised as one of the strongest of its kind around the world.
Career Opportunities
- Exploration Geologist
- Exploration Geoscientist
- Petrophysicist
- Project Geoscientist
- Regional Exploration Geoscientist
- Senior Geologist
What our Alumni Say
Our Experts
- Programme Leader
- Dr Rachel Brackenridge
- Other Experts
- Professor John Howell
- Professor Adrian Hartley
- Dr Nicholas Schofield
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
Features
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
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Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX