Oil and Gas Innovation

The MSc in Oil and Gas Innovation is a collaborative programme coordinated by the University of Aberdeen and involving Heriot Watt, Robert Gordon University, Strathclyde, and St Andrews. The degree is hosted by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at St Andrews. Students who apply for the course at St Andrews will take three of their modules at partner institutions.

The course is aimed at technical innovators, business developers, managers or technical staff, and engineering or science graduates interested in learning how to identify and commercialise innovation opportunities for the oil and gas industry.

Highlights

• The course is run as a collaboration between five Scottish universities, providing an opportunity for you to gain from the breadth of expertise and experience across these institutions.
• Students learn how to analyse problems related to the oil and gas sector and apply tools and techniques to identity opportunities for innovation.
• Project work involves progressing an innovation from one technology readiness level further towards commercialisation. 

The MSc degree requires one semester of full-time (or two semesters part-time) coursework equivalent to five compulsory modules and one optional module. The final component for the MSc is the completion of a project in oil and gas innovation.

The taught portion of the programme focuses on the innovation and commercialisation processes in the oil and gas sector and provides knowledge and understanding of a specific technical area of your choice.

Some taught modules are delivered at other university campuses or at independent work sites. Modules which are taught by partner institutions (i.e. Commercialising Innovation, Business Essentials for Innovators and Product Development) will be delivered partially via Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) and partially via face-to-face teaching. Students will need to arrange their own travel and accommodation for attending modules at partner universities.

The compulsory Oil and Gas project can be carried out at the employer’s site.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, small group tutorials, one-to-one discussion and independent learning. Assessment for the taught portion is based on reports, project proposals, oral presentations and written examinations.

Compulsory modules

There are four compulsory modules. Three of these modules are delivered by partner institutions; for modules held by other universities, students are taught by a mixture of VLE distance learning and short-term face-to-face teaching (for which you will need to make your own travel and accommodation arrangements).

• Commercialising Innovation (University of Aberdeen)
• Business Essentials for Innovators (University of Strathclyde)
• Product Development (University of Strathclyde)
• Project Scoping: prepares students for the innovation project by scoping a project informed by literature and market research (University of St Andrews).

Optional modules

Students take one optional module at the University of St Andrews from the following choices:

• Geochemistry: covers origin and distribution of the elements, thermodynamics, kinetics and aqueous geochemistry.
• Petroleum Exploration and Geophysics: provides a thorough understanding of the geoscience of petroleum exploration, particularly using geophysical methods, and a working knowledge of modern concepts in oil and gas geology.
• Isotope Geochemistry: Theory, Techniques, and Applications: explores the theory of isotopes and their fractionation, including kinetic, equilibrium and Rayleigh fractionation, and how isotope measurements are made. It concludes with case studies and applications.
• Geodynamics: contrasts geodynamic evolution in the Archaean, Proterozoic, Palaeozoic, Mesozoic and Cenozoic using a number of case studies, including examples visited in the field.
• Advanced Geochemistry: trains students in the advanced techniques and methodologies used to address fundamental and applied questions related to the functioning of the Earth system and the cycling of natural materials between fluid and solid phases.
• Biogeochemistry: examines the role of biogeochemical processes in controlling Earth surface chemistry, and their possible influence on deep Earth reservoirs. It highlights current geochemical and numerical techniques used to constrain these interactions in both modern and ancient (rock record) systems.

Project

Throughout the year, but with particular focus in the final months of the course, students will conduct a research project in oil and gas innovation in which they further an innovative concept from one technology readiness level to commercialisation.

Students work closely with an academic supervisor and, in most cases, an industry expert. 

Students present the results of their project as an oral presentation and in a report of no more than 25,000 words. Students will also be examined on their project results through a vive examination.

If students choose not to complete the project requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.

Requirements

• Postgraduate candidates will be expected to hold a Russian Bachelor’s degree - Diplom Bakalavra/ Bakalavr Diploma or a Specialist Degree issued by the Russian Federation -  Specialist Diploma / Diplom Specialista.  In either case, students should have completed their degree with an average mark (grade) of 4 or higher on the Russian 5-point marking scale.  Students with higher level qualifications such as Magistr, the Kandidat Nauk, would also be considered for postgraduate study.
• CV
• Sample of academic work (2,000 words)
• Letter of intent (optional)
• Two original signed academic references
• Academic transcripts and degree certificates 
• IELTS 7.0

Scholarships

• Russia Global Education Program (GEP)
• Accommodation Award
• Chevening Scholarships 
• Thomas and Margaret Roddan Trust Bursary 

The University of St Andrews offers innovative programmes related to Oil and Gas Innovation, focusing on the latest technological and environmental developments in the energy sector. This programme aims to prepare students for careers in the oil and gas industry by providing them with a comprehensive understanding of the technical, economic, and environmental challenges faced by the industry today. Students gain knowledge in areas such as exploration, production, and new technologies aimed at improving efficiency and sustainability. The curriculum typically includes modules on petroleum geology, reservoir engineering, flow assurance, and environmental management. Combining theoretical learning with practical applications, the programme often involves laboratory work, field trips, and collaboration with industry partners to ensure students are well-equipped for real-world challenges. The university's strong links with industry stakeholders provide opportunities for placements, internships, and networking events, which are integral to student experience and employability. The programme also emphasizes innovation and research, encouraging students to develop new solutions for sustainable energy extraction and processing. Graduates from this program are expected to find employment in oil and gas companies, environmental consultancy firms, and government agencies involved in resource management and regulation. The course content is regularly updated to reflect the latest industry trends and technological advancements, ensuring students receive relevant and current education. With a strong academic reputation and cutting-edge facilities at St Andrews, students are supported by expert faculty members who are active researchers in energy and environmental fields. Overall, the programme aims to contribute to the development of innovative, sustainable, and economically viable solutions for the oil and gas industry, aligning with global efforts to transition towards cleaner energy sources while maintaining energy security and economic growth.