Corey Towns United Kingdom
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 and Neo Energy, through student projects, guest lectures, mentoring opportunities and scholarships (see Funding details below.
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, Harbour Energy, Neo Energy, Baker Hughes, Hess and Shell.
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.
We will endeavour to make all course options available. However, these may be subject to change - see our Student Terms and Conditions page.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| EU / International students | £31,000 |
| Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year | |
| Self-funded international students commencing eligible postgraduate programmes in 2025/26 will receive a £8,000 tuition waiver - See full terms and conditions | |
| UK | £11,900 |
| Tuition Fees for 2024/25 Academic Year | |
Fee Information
Additional Fee Information
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
Aberdeen Global Scholarship: Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.
Scholarships
All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 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 a two-week trip to Utah 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.
What Our Students Say
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Geology or Geophysics degree at 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
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
Aberdeen Global Scholarship
Eligible self-funded Postgraduate Taught (PGT) students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Eligibility details and further information are available on our dedicated page.
Aberdeen Global ScholarshipCareers
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
Industry Links
Organisations that we work with across a number of areas include – Apache, Statoil, Baker Hughes, BP, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, Dana Petroleum,Halliburton, BP, Shell, Pemex and SaudiAramco, to name a few. These links,and more help us deliver world-class teaching and research.
Hear from Business
-
BP BP
BP has supported this degree over several years and has identified it as a key course from which to recruit graduates. Aberdeen uses local petroleum industry knowledge to produce well rounded geoscientists that are keen to start their careers.
What our Alumni Say
Tom Sandison
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Nicholas Schofield
- Other Experts
- Professor John Howell
- Professor Adrian Hartley
- Dr Rachel Brackenridge
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
IPG Dedicated Room
A teaching class room and a computing room with high spec. blades are dedicated for the MSc IPG students. A range of analytical equipment, state-of-the-art industry software packages are available for the courses and projects.
Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX