Course contact details
Directorate of External Relations
Email:study@abdn.ac.uk
Phone:+44 (0) 1224 272090
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of Global Engagement, Marketing and Recruitment
King's College
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX
Petroleum Engineering
- BEng (Hon)
- 4 Years
- Full-time
- 14 September 2026
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
Petroleum engineering is concerned with the design and development of front-end engineering technologies required in the exploration and extraction of oil and gas reservoirs.
While oil and gas will continue to play an important role in meeting our energy needs for years to come, the knowledge and skills you will acquire as a petroleum engineer are also in high demand in the renewable energy sector, for example in geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage. This programme covers the technical, safety and economic aspects of oil and gas field development.
You will study topics such as petroleum geology, drilling and well engineering, and geomechanics to gain the knowledge and skills needed to develop sustainable solutions to ensure the safe recovery, processing, transportation, transmission, and utilisation of petroleum products often in challenging environments. In addition to the technical petroleum engineering skills, you will also learn skills in project management, project economics and environmental impact assessment.
Our interdisciplinary approach means that you study the fundamentals of each engineering discipline before specialising in your third year. You can therefore keep your options open while gaining a wide range of perspectives and skills - something that makes Aberdeen graduates better equipped to collaborate, innovate and lead in the workplace.
Aberdeen is internationally recognised as a major international energy city and is leading the way in applying world-class technical expertise to the energy transition challenge. The School of Engineering has strong links with the energy industry, including local, national and international organisations, who support our teaching through guest lectures and seminars, placement opportunities, site visits and scholarships.
While oil and gas will continue to play an important role in meeting our energy needs for years to come, the knowledge and skills you will acquire as a petroleum engineer are also in high demand in the renewable energy sector, for example in geothermal energy and carbon capture and storage. Petroleum engineers can also apply their experience and expertise to offshore wind, for example, in the installation and maintenance of structures in challenging offshore environments.
The first two years cover general Engineering, with elements of Chemical, Mechanical, Petroleum and Electrical/Electronics, as well as Civil. In the later years you specialise, following your chosen discipline in greater depth. You do not need to finalise your choice of specialisation until you begin third year.
It is possible to move between MEng and BEng and this can be accomplished at any point until the second half session of fourth year. Successful BEng candidates will be offered the chance to change to the MEng and there is no quota, meaning that if grade requirements are met that transfer is guaranteed.
Modules
View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.
Assessment method
The use of various forms of assessment and learning environments facilitates the development of generic transferable skills enhancing student employability.
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods: coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course; practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and written examinations at the end of each course. The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- Engineering Council
- Energy Institute, The
- Mechanical Engineers, Institution of
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- H851
- Institution code:
- A20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 3
Entry requirements for advanced entry (i.e. into Year 2 and beyond)
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Chemical Process Technology (120 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent); Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills (H92Y 34); Physical Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills (H936 34).
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Engineering Systems (120 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Petroleum Engineering (120 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent); Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction (DX2933) or equivalent; and Fundamental Concepts of Organic Chemistry (DP2P33) or equivalent.
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Petroleum Engineering (240 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (or equivalent); Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction (DX2933) or equivalent; Fundamental Concepts of Organic Chemistry (DP2P33); and Petroleum Geology and Geophysics: An Introduction (F53034).
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Engineering Systems (240 SCQF credit points). A in all Graded Units. Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
International applicants
In addition to tuition fees, students will require money to cover their living costs including accommodation, food, books, entertainment, clothing, phone bills, local travel, and laundry. These expenses will vary depending on your lifestyle and spending habits. In keeping with UKVI rules, we recommend that student’s budget £1,136 per month to cover their living costs and you have to evidence 9 months’ worth of maintenance (£10,224) when applying for your visa. You also have to pay the NHS health surcharge of £776 per each year of study, when applying for a visa.
When you apply for your Student Visa, you will be required to evidence these funds in your personal bank account (or a parent’s personal bank account (NOT a Business Account). Therefore, you will have to evidence your 1st years tuition fees (minus the International Scholarship for self-paying students) and the maintenance amount of £10,224. These funds have to have been in your account for a minimum of 28-consecutive days immediately prior to applying for your visa. If the amount in your account drops below the required amount, the 28-day period starts over.
International students who will be studying for more than 6 months are permitted to work for 20 hours per week during term-time, though this may be increased during the holiday periods. Please note this must not be relied upon as a means to fund your studies, as you have to evidence your funding when applying for your Student Visa.
Entry requirements
UCAS TariffNot accepted
A levelBBC
Three A Levels at BBC to include Chemistry, Maths and Physics or Design & Technology or Engineering. Mathematics and Physics or Design & Technology or Engineering should be at Grade B. GCSE English at a Grade C also required.
Entry to Year 2: Three A Levels with A in Maths and AB in Physics and Chemistry. GCSE English at a Grade C also required.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDM
DDM in Mathematics and Physics required. GCSE at C or above in English or English Language, Mathematics and in either Chemistry or Physics or Dual Award Science.
Scottish HigherBBBB
BBBB required to include Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics or Engineering Science (previously known as Technological Studies).
Also required: English at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3 or National 5 at grades A, B or C.
Scottish Advanced HigherAAB
Entry to Year 2: Three Advanced Highers with AAB, A in Maths and AB in Physics and Chemistry. Also required: English at Standard Grade 1, 2 or 3 or National 5 at grades A, B or C.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme32 points
32 Points including Mathematics, Chemistry and Physics at HL (5 or above) and English at Standard Level.
Entry to Year 2: 34 points with 6 at HL required for Maths, Chemisry and Physics and 5 in English at Standard Level.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)H2, H2, H2, H3, H3
5 subjects at Higher, with 3 at H2 and 2 at H3
H2 or above in Mathematics and H3 or above in Physics and Chemistry required.
Scottish HNC
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Chemical Process Technology (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent), Inorganic Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills (H92Y 34) and
Physical Chemistry: Theory and Laboratory Skills (H936 34).
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Engineering Systems (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
For entry to Year 2: Satisfactory completion of HNC Petroleum Engineering (120 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2 and 3 (or equivalent), Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction (H92W33), and Fundamental Concepts of Organic Chemistry (DP2P34).
Scottish HND
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Engineering Systems (240 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Maths 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (or equivalent). Contact Selector to discuss exact unit requirements.
For entry to Year 3: Satisfactory completion of HND Petroleum Engineering (240 SCQF credit points) - A in all Graded Units - Curriculum to include: Engineering Mathematics 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 (or equivalent), Fundamental Chemistry: An Introduction (H92W33), Fundamental Concepts of Organic Chemistry (DP2P34), and Petroleum Geology and Geophysics: An Introduction (F53034).
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects.
Please note: For Chemical Engineering and Petroleum Engineering, an SQA Higher or GCE A Level or equivalent qualification in Chemistry is required for entry to Year 1, in addition to the general engineering requirements.
Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | Overall - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 78 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition (online) - DI code is 0818: Overall 78 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. |
| PTE Academic | 59 | Overall - 59 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted. |
| Trinity ISE | Pass | Pass overall at ISE II with a distinction in writing and merit in the other three skills. |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programmes - Pass (valid for one year) OR Academic English Preparation Programme - Pass at Level Four (valid for one year) | |
| Cambridge English Advanced | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
| Cambridge English Proficiency | C | Overall - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing -169. |
To study for an undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations.
We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, or through a recognised English language test. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your degree programme, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/undergraduate-degrees-english-requirements-268.php
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We are keen to encourage students from the widest possible range of backgrounds to participate in University studies, and we appreciate that not all students have the same opportunity to meet our advertised entry requirements.
For this reason we take contextualised information into account when making decisions on the applications we have received. Decisions are made in line with the University's Contexualised Admissions Policy.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for University of Aberdeen - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
Fee information is not yet published for entry in Academic Year 2026/2027. For guidance, the fees on the website are for 2025/26.
Sponsorship information
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
International Students: The University of Aberdeen is delighted to offer self-funded international on-campus undergraduate students a £6,000 scholarship for every year of their programme. This scholarship is in the form of a tuition fee waiver. To be eligible students must be registering for a full-time, on-campus programme and cannot be in receipt of external scholarships or other University of Aberdeen scholarships, except for awards granted by the University of Aberdeen Development Trust. Please note that the scholarship does not apply to the DPLP or Medicine.
View the University of Aberdeen Online Prospectus programme page to find out about any scholarships and funding you may be eligible to apply for.
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