The MSc Drilling and Well Engineering degree is aimed at graduates who have a relevant academic background, as well as industry practitioners who possess appropriate industry experience. The course focuses on the effective well construction, and aims to develop high levels of professional skills in the key areas of well design, drilling and operations management.
You will benefit from the academics teaching this course, who have a wealth of industry experience.
The course benefits from several industrial visits and state-of-the-art drilling simulators. Typical students on this course include recently qualified graduates and those working in areas such as oil and gas, energy, national oil companies, engineering firms and project service companies.
If you are considering a postgraduate study option starting in January 2025, then please be aware application deadlines are in place which may affect your first choice of start date or course selection.
Term 1
In Term 1, you will study modules such as Subsurface, Wells, Facilities and Innovation and Sustainability. On completion, you could exit this stage with a PgCert Drilling and Well Engineering.
Term 2
In Term 2, you will study topics including Well Completions and Subsea Systems, Sustainable Enterprise Development, Drilling Operations Management and Advanced Well Engineering. On completion, you could exit this stage with a PgDip Drilling and Well Engineering.
Term 3
Term 3 is the final term, where you will focus on the Individual Project Report. Successful completion will award the MSc Drilling and Well Engineering.
Student stories
Hear from our students and graduates about their experiences studying this course:
Modules
Modules and delivery order may change for operational purposes. The University regularly reviews its courses. Course content and structure may change over time. See our course and module disclaimer for more information.
Detailed module informationLearning Methods
Each module comprises up to 52 hours of lectures and tutorials. Modules will be taken in the order in which they appear in the corresponding schedule. Normally, you must have completed all taught modules before progressing to the MSc Project.
Activity Summary
- Lectures – 23 hours per term
- Project Supervision – 600 hours, made up of contact hours and non-contact hours over the MSc stage.
- Independent Study – 115 hours per term
How long is a Drilling and Well Engineering course?
The duration of the MSc Drilling and Well Engineering course is 12-28 months.
Feedback
We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of submission of coursework.
Independent Study
Significant additional private study is expected during each module. You’ll work autonomously and take responsibility for your own learning and professional and academic development. The suggested hours-of-study-per-week and other information is detailed in each Module Descriptor.
Staff delivering on this course
The Oil & Gas Centre is directed and staffed by seasoned industry professionals and academics, and maintains extensive close contacts with industry to make sure you have the best opportunity for a successful career in oil and gas engineering. In addition to training individual Engineers to the highest standards, we also partner directly with many of the biggest operators and service companies to up-skill their existing Engineering resource. In addition to our knowledgeable internal and very experienced external staff, we benefit from guest lectures from the industry pioneer companies. Staff are also involved with research projects and externally funded commercial projects and consultancy work.
Assessment
Term 1
- 2 written exams, typically for 2.5 hours
- 2 written assignments including essays
Term 2
- 1 written exams, typically for 2-2.5 hours
- 3 written assignments including essays
Term 3
- 1 dissertation
Academic Support
The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.
Online Learning & Support
All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.
Study Skills Support
The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:
- Academic writing
- Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
- Maths and statistics
- English language
- Information technology support
Library Support
The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.
Job Prospects
You are encouraged to take industry-driven research projects for your thesis which ensures the relevance of your work and provides you with enhanced employability opportunities. Additionally, you will benefit from several guest lecturers which will enrich your learning experience and future career prospects.
You will also have several industrial visits that can facilitate your entry to the job market after graduation or securing industrial research projects.
What is needed for MSc Drilling and Well Engineering?
- Applicants normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or its equivalent in Engineering.
- Applicants with either a relevant non-Engineering background such as Geology, Physics, Chemistry or Mathematics and/or applicants with a lower degree classification or those with relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis
English Language Requirements
Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
International Students
International students who do not meet our direct entry requirements for this course can gain additional entry points through our International College at Robert Gordon University.
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Academic Year 2025-2026
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £5890 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4980 |
Year 2 | £4980 | |
Year 3 | £3320 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6840 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4980 |
Year 2 | £4980 | |
Year 3 | £3320 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £19530 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4980 |
Year 2 | £4980 | |
Year 3 | £3320 |
Academic Year 2024-2025
Scottish Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £5720 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4840 |
Year 2 | £4840 | |
Year 3 | £3210 |
Rest of UK Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6640 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4840 |
Year 2 | £4840 | |
Year 3 | £3210 |
EU Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £6640 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4840 |
Year 2 | £4840 | |
Year 3 | £3210 |
International Students
Full Time
On Campus | ||
---|---|---|
Over 1 year | Year 1 | £18960 |
Part Time
Online | ||
---|---|---|
Over 3 years | Year 1 | £4840 |
Year 2 | £4840 | |
Year 3 | £3210 |
Additional Costs
Some other costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase.
- Costs associated with any placement / study abroad
- Accommodation and Living Costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Student Funding
Postgraduate students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However, there are a limited number of SAAS funded places on certain postgraduate courses.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
You may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Disclaimer
For new intakes, course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information:
Any questions?
Get in touch with our Student Admissions Service and we'll do our best to help.