Program Overview
The Master of Science in Petroleum Geoscience for Reservoir Development and Production at The University of Manchester is a rigorous postgraduate programme delivered on-campus at The University of Manchester. Designed for graduates and professionals seeking advanced expertise in engineering, the programme develops both theoretical foundations and applied skills essential for today's competitive environment.
Spanning 12 months, students engage with cutting-edge research, industry-relevant case studies, and practical projects. Instruction is delivered in English by research-active faculty with professional expertise.
The programme culminates in a dissertation or capstone project. Graduates are well-prepared for leadership roles, research careers, and doctoral study in engineering.
Key Program Features
- Immersive On-Campus Experience: In-person seminars, laboratory sessions, and professional networking at The University of Manchester.
- Expert Faculty: Taught by research-active academics and practitioners with deep expertise in Engineering.
- Diverse International Cohort: Study alongside students from around the world, broadening your global professional network.
- Research-Informed Curriculum: Content grounded in the latest academic research and real-world industry practice.
- Dissertation / Capstone Project: Culminating independent project applying your expertise to an original research question or industry challenge.
- Dedicated Career Support: Access to career coaching, employer networking events, and job placement assistance.
- 12 months Duration: Part-time and accelerated options may be available — enquire with the admissions office.
Career Opportunities
Careers
Career opportunities
Careers destinations Percentage Energy Sector 53 PhD and Academia 23 Other Employment 15 Other Geosciences 4 Finance 5 Careers destinations The energy industry is the largest employer of earth science graduates and employs more than half of our recent graduating students. Good employment prospects exist within the UK and globally in oil and gas companies, service companies, consultancies and government bodies. In addition, the technical skills in subsurface investigation and quantification taught on the program are directly applicable to employment within the growing areas of CCS (carbon capture and storage), network gas storage, compressed air energy storage, and other extractive industries. Our graduates go on to become: Geoscientists; Geologists and Exploration Geologists; Energy Consultants; Data Engineers. And our graduates have secured roles in major international oil and petrochemical companies such as: Equinor; Shell; BP; TOTAL; Exxon; as well as major consultancy and service companies including: RPS; CGG; Merlin; Schlumberger. Around one-quarter of our graduates use the research skills gained during the MSc project to continue into PhD study. Many students have the opportunity to work within sponsor energy companies during their MSc project, gaining valuable industrial experience and contacts.Â
Program Curriculum
Course overview
Buildyour knowledge using global datasets to investigate geological systems. Develop understanding through fieldwork and subsurface studies. Learn using industry-standard facilities and software. Develop a range of transferable skills to meet future career demands during the energy transition as we reduce carbon emissions, in areas such as carbon sequestration. All offer holders by 8 April automatically considered for a £6,000 bursary from The Energy Transition Centre for Mastersâ Training (CMT) and the Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain (GESGB). 2 candidates to be nominated by The University of Manchester. Loading MSc Petroleum Geoscience
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities. Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible. Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab. Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities. Explore how you'll make your mark Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals , so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet. You will explore the following goals in your course: Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy Goal 13: Climate action Goal 14: Life below water Goal 15: Life on land
Open days
For details of future information sessions, visit open days and visits
Contact details Department Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences Contact name Admissions Office Telephone +44 161 306 0888 Email pgt.earth.sci@manchester.ac.uk Website https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/ School/Faculty overview Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality. Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas. Earth and Environmental Sciences
Admission Requirements
Entry requirements
An Upper Second Class (2:1) Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering or related discipline. When assessing your academic record we take into account the grades you have achieved, your academic references and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.
English language
All applicants will need to demonstrate competency in English language. Applicants who do not already possess an acceptable English Language qualification will need to take arecognisedtest and attain the required English Language score: IELTS:at least 6.5 overall with no sub-test below 6.0. TOFELiBT:at least 90 overall with no sub-test below 20. We do not accept 'MyBestScore'. Pearson PTE:70 overall with no less than 64 in each component. Further information on language requirements can be found onour website . Pre-sessional English We will consider applicants who do not meet thesescoresbut you may be required to complete a pre-sessional English language courseat the University of Manchester prior to the start of the course. To be considered for a pre-sessional English language course for thisprogrammewe require the following minimum IELTS (Academic) scores: 6 Week Pre-Sessional Course:Minimum 6.0 overall with no sub-test below 5.5. 10 Week Pre-sessional Course:Minimum 5.5 overall with no sub-test below 5.5. If you have not yet completed your current academic study and are interested in studying a pre-sessional course, you must hold an IELTS for UKVI (Academic) test certificate.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Relevant work experience
Relevant work experience is not essential but will be considered on a case by case basis. Please contact department for further advice.Â
Tuition & Financial Information
Tuition Fee
GBP 25,500/year (international)
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £14,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): £39,400
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The Energy Transition Centre for Mastersâ Training (CMT) and the Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain (GESGB) will be jointly funding 12 Bursaries, each valued at £6000 per annum, for students who will be enrolled in an energy geoscience-related MSc course for 2026 entry. Funding of the Bursaries is kindly provided equally by GESGB and CMT sponsors: bp, CNOOC and ExxonMobil. The scholarships are available for UK and International students holding an offer on one of our Geosciences taught master's courses before 8 April 2026 . All eligible students will be automatically considered for the bursary, there is no need to contact the department. The University of Manchester can nominate up to 2 students for the award. We also offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year. The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. See our Manchester Master's Bursaries . See our range of merit-based masterâs scholarships for international students . Dicover more about our Manchester Alumni loyalty 10% discout. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply .
Financial Aid & Scholarships
Fees and funding
Fees
For entry in the academic year beginning September 2026, the tuition fees are as follows: MSc (full-time) UK students (per annum): £14,700 International, including EU, students (per annum): £39,400
The fees quoted above are fully inclusive of tuition, administration and computational costs. Fees for entry are subject to yearly review. The University reserves the right to increase your tuition fee by up to 7% each year for courses lasting more than one year, including to reflect rising costs associated with delivering our educational and wider student experience. Postgraduate fees information . Always contact the admissions team if you are unsure which fee applies to your qualification award and method of attendance. International student CAS deposit Self-funded international applicants are required to pay a deposit of £2500 towards their tuition fees before a confirmation of acceptance for studies (CAS) is issued. Some applicants will be required to pay a higher deposit. More information on tuition fee deposits .
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
The Energy Transition Centre for Mastersâ Training (CMT) and the Geoscience Energy Society of Great Britain (GESGB) will be jointly funding 12 Bursaries, each valued at £6000 per annum, for students who will be enrolled in an energy geoscience-related MSc course for 2026 entry. Funding of the Bursaries is kindly provided equally by GESGB and CMT sponsors: bp, CNOOC and ExxonMobil. The scholarships are available for UK and International students holding an offer on one of our Geosciences taught master's courses before 8 April 2026 . All eligible students will be automatically considered for the bursary, there is no need to contact the department. The University of Manchester can nominate up to 2 students for the award. We also offer a number of postgraduate taught scholarships and awards to outstanding UK and international students each year. The University of Manchester is committed to widening participation in master's study, and allocates £300,000 in funding each year. See our Manchester Master's Bursaries . See our range of merit-based masterâs scholarships for international students . Dicover more about our Manchester Alumni loyalty 10% discout. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply .
About The University of Manchester
The University of Manchester
Botswana, Botswana
Visit the university profile page to learn more about this institution.
University Profile- Start Date 2017-09-19
- Language English
- Duration 12 months
- Credits 60 ECTS / 180 credits (1-year programme)