Petroleum Geoscience

The hydrocarbon industry is one of our most important sectors, helping to cater for needs as diverse as domestic energy, transportation and plastics manufacturing. Our flexible MSc in Petroleum Geoscience provides you with the ideal training for a career in the hydrocarbon industry and related sectors. 

Our teaching on Petroleum Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London is informed by leading research and links to the international oil industry, meaning that you’ll benefit from the most relevant, up-to-date learning. The programme lets you select from a range of course modules to tailor your learning to your own preferences and ambitions.  

You’ll study in the renowned Department of Earth Sciences, which is consistently ranked among the UK’s top 10 (The Complete University Guide and The Guardian 2016) – contributing towards our leading research culture with your own Independent Research Project. You’ll become a part of a vibrant international graduate community, and make use of our extensive range of modern facilities as you work towards a rewarding future career. 

Our Petroleum Geoscience MSc has run since 1985, and has become recognised as one of the world’s premier training centres for the hydrocarbon industry. We’ve established excellent industry links, and have helped over 600 graduates from 32 countries progress into rewarding careers. Study Petroleum Geoscience at Royal Holloway and you’ll graduate with excellent employment prospects in a well-paid sector with job opportunities across the globe.

• Benefit from a pioneering research culture, with 94% of Department of Earth Sciences research ranked world-leading or internationally excellent – no.2 in the UK. (REF 2014)
• Graduate with a Masters degree from a department consistently ranked among the UK’s top 10 (The Complete University Guide and The Guardian 2016).
• Study a programme internationally recognised as one of the industry’s best.
• Graduate with excellent employability prospects in the UK and overseas.

• Tectonics and Lithosphere Dynamics
• Geophysical Analysis
• Structural Analysis
• Petroleum Systems
• Independent Project
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Reservoir Geoscience
• Advanced Structural Analysis (only for Tectonics)
• Regional Tectonic Analysis

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (Bakalavr). Students who have successfully completed a four year Bachelor's degree (Baklavar) in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA and at a reputable university will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme, but most departments will ask for a minimum final grade of either 3.5/5.0 (70%) or 4.0/5.0 (80%).
• Specialist Diploma. Students who have successfully completed a Specialist Diploma in an appropriate subject with good grades/GPA and at a reputable university will be considered for entry to a Royal Holloway Master's degree programme. Exact requirements will depend upon the programme, but most departments will ask for a minimum final grade of either 3.5/5.0 (70%) or 4.0/5.0 (80%). 
• IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.0 in writing and no subscore below 5.5
• You are required to register your one reference, even if you have uploaded a copy of their reference. You may be contacted to submit a 2nd reference if we need further information to assess your suitability for the programme you have applied for.
• Copies of the transcripts from your undergraduate degree (this can be a transcript of your progress so far if you have not yet completed it)
• Copies of any other qualifications you have taken that are relevant to your chosen course
• A supporting statement, explaining your motivation to study your chosen course
• One academic reference - you can either upload a copy (this is the quickest option) or your referee can enter them directly into the online system once you've completed the application
• You will also be required to submit a copy of your C.V. as part of your application.
• A strong academic background
• An enthusiasm for Petroleum Geoscience, illustrated by work experience, involvement in relevant student projects, membership of professional societies and attendance at relevant conferences and meetings.
• Relevant work experience is useful, but not essential.

Scholarships

• International Excellence Scholarships
• Global Education