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Master of Science (Petroleum Geoscience)

Campus North Terrace Campus
Degree Type Masters by Coursework
Duration 1 year full-time
or part-time equiv.
SATAC Code 3CM094
CRICOS 047997F

Upstream excellence  

Petroleum geoscience is about understanding our earth and the processes that shape it. Geoscientists are explorers, problem solvers and innovators. They recover resources and meet energy demands in economical, safe and sustainable ways.

The Australian School of Petroleum and Energy Resources is a world-class centre for petroleum education, training and research. We have strong links to industry with fully integrated teaching and research programs.

What will you do?

Our Master of Science (Petroleum Geoscience) is a one-year intensive degree. You will:

  • work with internationally experienced staff and senior industry personnel
  • access industry-standard techniques, software and datasets
  • study exploration and development geoscience in depth
  • build hands-on skills and practical knowledge
  • undertake an advanced research project.

Where could it take you?

You might pursue careers in mineral or petroleum exploration with multinational and local companies. You could be a geologist, a geophysicist or an oil and gas analyst. Perhaps you’ll work in consulting or as a natural resource manager in a government agency.

  • Entry Requirements

    For those who are based in Adelaide, we will be offering a blended delivery mode that combines face-to-face with remote learning in as many courses as possible, taking into consideration social distancing and hygiene. All lectures will continue to be delivered online for the remainder of the year, with some exceptions.

    For our students who are studying offshore for the remainder of the 2021 Academic Year, the University will continue to offer high-quality access to the learning resources remotely for most programs. This includes all lectures, tutorials and other support material. Students will be advised in advance if there are course components that cannot be provided in remote mode and, wherever possible, offered alternative courses. Please refer to the COVID-19 FAQ page for a list of programs where in-person attendance is required.

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant admissions information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    SATAC Code 3CM094
    Deferment Yes - 2 year
    Intake February
    Enquiries Future Students team

    Selection Criteria
    Graduate entry

    Higher Education Study A completed undergraduate Honours degree in Science (AQF Level 8, or equivalent), majoring in a relevant field (such as geology, geophysics, earth sciences or similar) with an Honours level IIA grade or credit average grade, or higher. Students with a non-Honours undergraduate degree in Science (AQF Level 7, or equivalent) may be considered if they have undertaken at least one year of professional experience in a relevant field, providing appropriate work based learning outcomes that combined with their undergraduate degree is assessed to be equivalent to an Honours (AQF level 8) qualification.
    How to Apply
    SATAC Code: 3CM094

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    CRICOS 047997F
    Intake February
    Selection Criteria
    English Language Requirements
    Australian Year 12 Successful completion of an Australian year 12 qualification with a minimum pass in an accepted English language subject
    English Tests accepted by the University of Adelaide
    IELTS Overall 6.5 Reading 6 Listening 6 Speaking 6 Writing 6
    TOEFL Overall 79 Reading 13 Listening 13 Speaking 18 Writing 21
    Pearson Overall 58 Reading 50 Listening 50 Speaking 50 Writing 50
    C1 Advanced Overall 176 Reading 169 Listening 169 Speaking 169 Writing 169
    Qualifications that meet minimum English requirements A range of alternative qualifications may meet the University’s minimum English requirements
    Academic Entry Requirements
    More Information
    Tertiary Qualifications A completed undergraduate Honours degree in Science (AQF Level 8, or equivalent), majoring in a relevant field (such as geology, geophysics, earth sciences or similar) with an Honours level IIA grade or credit average grade, or higher. Students with a non-Honours undergraduate degree in Science (AQF Level 7, or equivalent) may be considered if they have undertaken at least one year of professional experience in a relevant field, providing appropriate work based learning outcomes that combined with their undergraduate degree is assessed to be equivalent to an Honours (AQF level 8) qualification.
    How to Apply

  • Fees and Scholarships

    Choose your applicant type to view the relevant fees and scholarships information for this program.
    I am a:

    Domestic applicants

    Not a domestic applicant?

    Indicative annual tuition fees
    Australian Full-fee place: $37,000

    International applicants

    Not an international applicant?

    Indicative annual tuition fees (24 units) International student place: $44,000

    Scholarships

    These scholarships, as well as many others funded by industry and non-profit organisations, are available to potential and currently enrolled students.

    Find a Scholarship.

  • Careers

    Career Readiness

    Graduates of this program can seek employment as geoscientists in the international petroleum industry or may find careers as geologists, geophysicists, oil and gas analysts or in petroleum exploration.

    Careers may be pursued within multinational and local exploration and production companies, service providers, consulting companies, government departments and universities.

    The University of Adelaide Careers Service prepares, inspires and empowers students to achieve successful career transitions and connect with industry.

    Graduate Attributes

    The objective of this program is to produce graduates with specific attributes as outlined in University of Adelaide Graduate Attributes.
    1. Deep discipline knowledge
    2. Critical thinking and problem solving
    3. Teamwork and communication skills
    4. Career and leadership readiness
    5. Intercultural and ethical competency
    6. Self-awareness and emotional intelligence

    Potential careers

    Mineral Exploration, Natural Resource Manager, Geotechnical Engineer, Geologists, Geophysicists, Geophysics, Oil and Gas Analyst, Petroleum Exploration

  • Degree Structure

    This 24-unit program comprises 18 units of coursework and a 6-unit research project, culminating in the submission of a thesis.

    The program provides significant research skills development embedded in the coursework content. This includes field research and report production as well as research exercises within the coursework modules. This research skills development is aimed at enabling students to develop their skills as they work towards their 6-unit research project thesis.

    Within the coursework program, students undertake a field trip to an Australian sedimentary basin in order to evaluate the basin fill and petroleum systems.

    Academic Program Rules

    The Calendar is a comprehensive handbook of the University's academic program rules.

    Example Study Plan

    Assessment

    Assessment includes coursework, fieldwork, research project and examinations.

  • Related Degrees

  • Further Information

    Please direct enquiries to the Ask Adelaide
    Phone: +61 8 8313 5208 (toll free 1800 061 459)

    The annual Open Day and Information Night events provide an excellent opportunity to see our campus, meet with academics, and discuss your study options.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.

Last updated: Tuesday, 8 Sep 2020