Petroleum engineers seek to recover oil and gas on a sustainable basis at minimum financial and environmental cost. Their tasks focus on extracting the maximum possible amounts of oil and gas from underground rock formations or reservoirs. This requires the practical application of advanced science and engineering principles, beginning with mathematical modelling of the size and nature of the reservoir, optimum well locations, the planned implementation of suitable surface facilities, and finally the prediction of liquid and gas flows during the recovery process. For example, the oil may need to be forced out of reservoir rocks by pumping water or gas under pressure into wells drilled for that purpose. Hydraulic or chemical techniques are often required to fracture or stimulate formations to induce higher flow rates. One of the current challenges is to produce hydrocarbon and energy from unconventional resources such as deepwater reservoirs, coal gas seam, and geothermal reservoirs.

A key feature of this program is the integration of traditional petroleum engineering topics with topics in petroleum geoscience and management, leading to a skill set that matches both the current needs of the industry and the way it operates. The petroleum engineering degree builds a strong foundation of mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology/geophysics, computer applications and engineering. Over the course of the program, the emphasis of the subjects studied changes from more general engineering to specific petroleum-related topics. It also has a strong focus on management and business related aspects. These are a particular focus of the School and make its teaching curricula unique. Many staff members have had recent industry experience, further enhancing the relevance of the curriculum to the modern petroleum industry.

A key feature of this program is the integration of traditional petroleum engineering topics with topics in petroleum geoscience and management, leading to a skill set that matches both the needs of the industry and the way it operates. Over the course of the program, the subjects studied change from more general engineering topics to very specific petroleum-related topics. In the first year students study a range of engineering, mathematics, physics and chemistry courses that are common to many branches of engineering. They are also introduced to the petroleum industry and to the key geological, physical and chemical principles that govern recovery from petroleum reservoirs.

In the second and third year these areas of study are developed with the addition of a broader range of petroleum engineering and geoscience topics (such as drilling, production engineering and reservoir modelling). Aspects of management are also introduced. These are a particular focus of the School and make its teaching curriculum unique. In the fourth year, students expand their technical and management skills further and undertake a mini research project.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

• Master of Petroleum Business Management
• Master of Petroleum Engineering
• Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Pharmaceutical)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Sustainable Energy - Chemical)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) and Bachelor of Engineering (Chemical)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) and Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Environmental)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) and Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Structural)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) 
• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum Engineering) and Bachelor of Engineering (Mining)
• Bachelor of Engineering (Petroleum) and Bachelor of Science (Geology and Geophysics)

Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineers plan, supervise and improve all petroleum-producing operations, from exploration, exploitation and development to abandonment. They study and understand geologic and engineering principles to predict maximum oil and gas recovery as well as ultimate production and production rates.

Petroleum engineers are employed in very diverse range of occupations. It isn’t just one job. There are many different specialties, each with its own unique challenges and rewards. You can be a drilling engineer, working with geologists and contractors in designing and supervising drilling operations, many of which are multimillion-dollar ventures. You can work as a production engineer, developing processes and equipment to optimize oil and gas production. Or you can become a reservoir engineer and help determine ideal recovery processes, estimate the number of wells that can be economically drilled, and simulate future performance using sophisticated computer models.You can be a manager, an entrepreneur, economist, or environmental/safety specialist. Petroleum engineers may also find rewarding opportunities in such fields as teaching, consulting, and government service. Environmental engineering, and safety engineering are other specialties within the petroleum industry.

Educational Goals

• Be practical, employable and qualified petroleum engineers that can successfully pursue careers in the oil and gas production and services industries or other similar pursuits.
• Understand the fundamental principles of science and engineering behind the technology of petroleum engineering, in order to keep their education from becoming outdated and to give them the capability of self-instruction.
• Serve society by encouraging the ideals of ethical behaviour, professionalism, and environmentally responsible use of natural resources.

Graduates of the program should demonstrate

• The ability to apply the knowledge of mathematics, chemistry, physics, geology, economics, computing, and engineering to solve petroleum engineering problems.
• The ability to formulate and solve petroleum engineering problems using modern techniques, tools and experimental procedures.
• The ability to apply the knowledge of modern valuation and decision-making methods to optimise the use of corporate and personal resources.
• The ability to design processes or systems to solve petroleum engineering problems.
• The ability to communicate effectively in written and oral form.
• The ability to work in teams and interact with colleagues and the public in an ethical, professional and safe manner.
• An appreciation of and an ability to continue to engage in lifelong learning.

This program is accredited by Engineers Australia.

Students are required to complete 12 weeks of approved work experience.

Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

• Engineering Undergraduate Program Information Leaflet
• Australian School of Petroleum
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• Student Centre Enquiry Form