This proficient internal development programme, the Wells Distance Learning Package (WDLP) has at its core two specific areas of study material - Round I and Round II.
Following an academic agreement between Robert Gordon University and Shell, two courses have been created to link the completion of Shell's Learning Programmes to university degree awards. The courses take major elements of Round II of the WDLP and represent these modules at Master's level. In addition to recognising the educational status of experienced technical staff, the courses allow members of staff to progress further within Shell – locally and internationally. Both courses are accredited by the Energy Institute for further learning for CEng.
Shell Corporate Courses
The Shell Corporate Programme currently consists of two Master's courses.
These courses are accredited by the Energy Institute for Further Learning at Masters Level. Visit the Energy Institute website for further information.
MSc Well Design and Engineering
This is a part-time course (supported by online learning) is aimed at those in full-time employment within Shell.
Aims of the Course
The course is focused on the planning, construction, project management and delivery of wells designed to facilitate the extraction of hydrocarbons. It provides a sound understanding of the scientific, engineering and management subjects relevant to selected areas of Well Design and Engineering.
It will develop, in the student, the ability to evaluate and synthesize at the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) minimum knowledge depth for all specified skills and as a result will prove the ability expected of Well Design Engineering Master's professionals.
Course Structure
The taught element of the course comprises four specialised modules based on Shell's Wells Distance Learning Package (WDLP). The package has been developed by the Shell Global Learning Centre in the Netherlands and is distributed to candidates worldwide.
The taught element of the course will be delivered from the Shell Global Learning Centre to Shell operating units world-wide. Each candidate is assigned to a local, specialist mentor. Support is available online from the operating units and so the course is, effectively, delivered by a combination of part-time and online learning.
The Project will be drawn from Shell's requirements and will be work-based. An academic supervisor will be appointed from amongst the staff of Shell and the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology.
It is expected that students will complete the course within three years.
Modules
Well Engineering (ENM250)
Aims to develop an understanding of well construction and well design concepts involved in drilling and application to modern drilling operations.
Drilling Well Control (ENM251)
Will allow students to develop a working knowledge of well control operations and to be able to use these principles in the planning and design of well control systems.
Casing Design (ENM252)
This module aims to develop an understanding of well engineering fundamentals in terms of issues relating to casing functions, design, considerations and factors affecting casing design in order to maximise safety, increase well life and reduce well cost.
Wells Project Management (ENM253)
Students will develop the principles and theories in managing well engineering and construction operations. Students will be able to use these principles in the design concepts involved in the modern drilling operations and well engineering.
Project for Master of Science (ENM001)
The Project aims to develop skills in the investigation and analysis of engineering problems and creativity in devising effective solutions through the detailed research of a selected topic. Students will analyse, plan, execute and critically review a major project based on a brief drawn from the context of the course. They will report in writing and orally on the work undertaken and the approach adopted. Both an academic supervisor and company supervisor will be assigned to the Project.
Completion of all stages will result in students being awarded the MSc Well Design and Engineering.
Further study is possible, following the completion of this qualification, to Engineering Doctorate (EngD).
MSc Completion and Well Intervention Engineering
This is a part-time course (supported by distance learning) is aimed at those in full-time employment within Shell.
Aims of the Course
This course covers various technologies used to bring hydrocarbon from the formation to the surface and focuses on the operation and management of a previously drilled well and/or gas well for the purpose of restoring, maintaining or enhancing the production of the hydrocarbon.
The course covers all issues related to the effective operation of a well over its complete life, including management procedures of well completion and well intervention operations. Specifically the modules on completion design and well intervention operations are intended to ensure that students are fully up to date with the latest technological developments.
The course takes major elements from Round II of the Wells Distance Learning Package and represents these modules at Masters level. Combined with a Master's Project these modules will form an MSc degree in Completion and Well Intervention Engineering.
Course Structure
The taught element of the course comprises four specialised modules based on Shell's Wells Distance Learning Package (WDLP). The package has been developed by the Shell Global Learning Centre in the Netherlands and is distributed to candidates worldwide.
The taught element of the course will be delivered from the Shell Global Learning Centre to Shell operating units worldwide. Each candidate is assigned to a local, specialist mentor. Support is available online from the operation hub and so the course is, effectively, delivered by a combination of part-time and online learning.
The Master's Project will be drawn from Shell's requirements and will be work-based. An academic supervisor will be appointed from amongst the staff of the School of Computing, Engineering and Technology while a company supervisor will be appointed from within Shell.
It is expected students will complete the course within three years.
Modules
Completion Design (ENM254)
Aims to develop an ability to formulate strategies and design solutions that address complex issues relating to well completion.
Well Intervention Well Control (ENM255)
Aims to develop an understanding of well intervention well control fundamentals and will enable students to use these principles in the planning and performing of any well services operation.
Well Intervention Operations (ENM256)
This module focuses on the engineering practices of well intervention operations. Students are expected to be able to adapt these practices to improve and optimise the performance of the wells and encourage a strategic approach to well intervention planning.
Completions Operations (ENM257)
Aims to provide an engineering practice of operations involved in well completion. Emphasis is placed on the planning of downhole well completion equipment and related operational processes needed for a specific application.
Project for Master of Science (ENM001)
The Project aims to develop skills in the investigation and analysis of engineering problems and creativity in devising effective solutions through the detailed research of a selected topic. Students will analyse, plan, execute and critically review a major project based on a brief drawn from the context of the course. They will report in writing and orally on the work undertaken and the approach adopted. Both an academic supervisor and company supervisor will be assigned to the Project.
Completion of all stages will result in a student being awarded the MSc Completion and Well Intervention Engineering.
Further study is possible, following the completion of this qualification, to Engineering Doctorate (EngD).
Well Distance Learning Package - Prior to 2005
In addition to the two MSc courses, the Wells Distance Learning Package provides the opportunity for those Well Engineers who successfully completed the old version of Round II, discontinued in 2005.
Old Style Round 2
There are a number of Engineers within Shell who have successfully completed the old version of Round II which was discontinued in 2005. Whilst most of the competencies and learning outcomes for both versions of Round II are predominately the same, some significant differences were noted.
It is still possible, however, for these Engineers to undertake the MSc in Well Design and Engineering. Candidates will be required to undertake a Bridging Module of the Wells Distance Learning Package (WDLP). This individual module was created to 'bridge' the learning gap between the old and new versions of the WDLP.
The Bridging Module will be completed in the same manner as the normal WDLP. On successful completion of the Yellow Pages, candidates will be awarded credit transfer on the remainder of the taught element and will be formally invited to enrol with the University in order to progress to the Project for Master of Science.
The Bridging Module in conjunction with a Masters Project will result in the award of MSc Well Design and Engineering.
Please note: only candidates who have received the old style Round II certificate may enter the MSc course via this route.
Should you wish to discuss the WDLP prior to 2005, please contact the Shell Well Engineering and Learning Advisor by emailing SOCET-Shelloffice@rgu.ac.uk
Application for Admission
Only individuals currently employed by Shell and holding a Round II Certificate will be eligible to apply to this Shell Corporate Programme. All individuals must seek approval from their Line Supervisor and Regional discipline lead before an application can be made.
Candidates wishing to undertake a course must register via the Shell Workday platform. Once registered, candidates will be asked to contact Robert Gordon University. Further instruction will be provided by the Programme Administrator.
Course Enquiries
For SHELL EMPLOYEES ONLY enquiries should be directed to:
Vincent Bouches
Wells Engineering Manager - Learning Solutions
RGU MSc Focal Point
https://eu001-sp.shell.com/sites/SPO000641
NB: The link is only available from within Shell from a GID machine. From outside Shell, you will not be able to contact Mr Vincent Bouches via the link. Should you have any general queries please contact the Programme Administrator.
All other course enquiries:
Thomas Murray
ODL Programme Administrator - School of Computing, Engineering and Technology
SOCET-Shelloffice@rgu.ac.uk