Petroleum Engineering

This Graduate Certificate program in Petroleum Engineering is intended to cater to engineering and science scholars and business employees who are thinking about expanding their knowledge base and improving their own technical comprehension. It covers the fundamentals and applications of drilling technology and reservoir engineering, oil technology, business fundamentals and business administration.

The Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering at UNSW Sydney offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to equip students with the essential knowledge and practical skills required to excel in the oil and gas industry. The program encompasses a wide range of fundamental engineering principles, including geology, reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, production engineering, and well design. Students will gain a solid understanding of how hydrocarbons are explored, extracted, and managed sustainably, combining theoretical coursework with hands-on laboratory and industry exposure.

Throughout the degree, students will engage with core subjects such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, material science, and engineering mathematics to build a strong analytical foundation. Specialized courses focus on the core aspects of petroleum engineering, including reservoir modeling, drilling engineering techniques, health, safety, and environmental considerations, as well as energy economics and management. The program also emphasizes the development of critical skills in problem-solving, teamwork, project management, and effective communication, which are essential in complex field operations.

Practical experience is a central component of the program. Students participate in laboratory experiments, simulation exercises, and industry placements that provide real-world insight into the challenges and innovations in petroleum engineering. They will have access to state-of-the-art facilities, including offshore drilling simulators and reservoir modeling software, to enhance their technical competence and readiness for professional practice.

The program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from environmental science, geology, and engineering to promote sustainable resource development. Graduates are prepared for diverse career opportunities in oil and gas exploration, production, reservoir management, drilling operations, and renewable energy sectors. Furthermore, the program fosters innovation and research, enabling students to contribute to the advancement of sustainable energy resources.

Upon completion, students will be well-positioned to pursue professional accreditation and further study, or to enter the global petroleum industry with confidence. The Bachelor of Engineering in Petroleum Engineering at UNSW Sydney is committed to preparing future leaders who can meet the technological, environmental, and economic challenges of the energy sector with ingenuity and responsibility.

• Entry Process 1: a 4 or 3 year Bachelor of Engineering/Science degree in an applicable field or an equivalent qualification from a recognised university or tertiary institution
• OR Entry pathway 2: consideration will be given on an individual basis for those who have relevant oil industry experience with postsecondary training dependent on the portfolio encouraging the application. A minimum of 5 years of full-time relevant professional or responsibility from the upstream petroleum business is needed. Students are required to exhibit work experience from the Upstream Petroleum Industry (i.e. the exploration, reservoir engineering, drilling and production of oil &gas or / ). An entrance interview and could be deemed necessary. A portfolio will be necessary for Entry walkway 2.

The Bachelor of Petroleum Engineering at UNSW Sydney offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Domestic students may be eligible for government assistance programs such as Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), which significantly reduces the tuition fees, making higher education more accessible. Students can also access various scholarships and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or specific criteria related to community involvement or regional background. UNSW provides financial aid programs that assist students facing financial difficulties, including emergency relief funds and payment plans that allow for flexible fee payment arrangements.

International students enrolling in the Petroleum Engineering program are responsible for full tuition fee payments unless they are covered by specific scholarships or sponsorships. UNSW offers a variety of scholarships to international students, including merit-based scholarships, which can help offset tuition costs, as well as external scholarship opportunities through government and industry-linked programs. Students are encouraged to apply early for available financial aid and scholarships as part of their admission process.

Additional financing options include student loans and external sponsorships from petroleum and energy companies, which sometimes collaborate with UNSW to support promising students entering the field. The university’s financial services department provides counseling and guidance on managing education expenses, including information about interest-free payment plans and banking services tailored for students.

Overall, students are advised to explore all available funding sources and plan their finances accordingly. The combination of government assistance, university scholarships, external sponsorships, and flexible payment options aims to make studying Petroleum Engineering at UNSW Sydney financially viable for a diverse student body. However, specific details about the exact amounts of funding, eligibility criteria, and application procedures are available through the university’s official financial aid resources and the admissions office.

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Petroleum Engineering at UNSW Sydney is a comprehensive program designed to provide students with a strong foundation in the principles and practices of petroleum engineering, a vital discipline within the broader field of engineering. This program typically spans four years of full-time study, during which students engage with a diverse curriculum that combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills. The coursework is structured to cover essential topics such as geology, reservoir engineering, drilling engineering, production engineering, and health, safety, and environmental management.

Students in the program have opportunities to undertake laboratory work, field trips, and industry placements, which are intended to develop hands-on experience and an understanding of the operational aspects of the petroleum industry. The program emphasizes the importance of sustainable and environmentally responsible resource extraction, preparing graduates to meet the challenges facing the energy sector globally.

UNSW Sydney's Petroleum Engineering program also incorporates training in cutting-edge technologies used in the industry, including simulation software, data analysis, and automation techniques, which are critical for modern petroleum exploration and production. The program is accredited by Engineers Australia, ensuring that graduates meet professional standards required for engineering registration.

Graduates of this program are equipped with the skills necessary for employment in various roles within the petroleum sector, such as reservoir engineer, drilling engineer, production engineer, or asset manager. The program also offers pathways for further study, including honours research projects or postgraduate coursework and research degrees, providing a strong foundation for a career in research, teaching, or industry leadership.

UNSW Sydney's location in Sydney offers proximity to key oil and gas companies and industry hubs, facilitating networking, internships, and employment opportunities. The program is designed to foster innovative thinking, technical expertise, and ethical responsibility, aligning with industry needs and global energy challenges. Overall, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Petroleum Engineering at UNSW Sydney aims to produce highly competent engineers who can contribute effectively to the energy sector and support the transition towards more sustainable energy solutions, addressing future global energy demands and environmental concerns.