308081 v.1 Master of Petroleum Well Engineering

Introduction

An in depth knowledge of the technology and processes of drilling, completing and operating wells in a variety of environments for oil and gas exploitation. Participants are expected to wish to orientate their careers in this area of specialism of operational oil and gas engineering. It is expected that graduates will seek employment opportunities in the international oil and gas industry in both service and operating companies. The process of efficiently drilling and completing wells is becoming a majorchallenge for the industry as we drill more complex and critical wells, as well as develop oil and gas fields in more environmentally hostile and economically marginal areas. In such areas there is a need for highly trained professional engineers conversant with the most up to date practices to drill and complete wells. The technology associated with drilling and completing wells has advanced substantially in the past 15 years and continues to progress both in terms of the equipment available and the methodologies deployed. Engineers entering the industry in this area should anticipate that over the next decade their discipline will be at the forefront of most offshore and the major onshore, developments.

Course Entry Requirements/Prerequisites

A bachelors degree in a relevant engineering or science discipline. Well rounded personal and communication skills will also be useful attributes, although these will be further developed in the course.

Recognition of Prior Learning

Applications for recognition of prior learning are assessed on an individual basis.

Duration and Availability

This fee paying course will be available on a full or part time basis. On a full time basis the normal duration of the course will be of 18 months duration and will follow the sequential series of modules. On a part time basis the program could be undertaken over a period of up to 4 years, but would follow a schedule to be approved by the Academic Coordinator. Participation within all modular units is compulsory.

Course Organisation

Geology and Geophysics for Drilling Engineers, Formation Evaluation, Drilling Engineering, Advanced Drilling Practices, Reservoir Engineering for Drilling Engineers, Production Technology, Advanced Drilling Techniques, Well Completions and Workover, Drilling Operations Management, Contracting and HSE, Remedial, Stimulation and Intervention Operations, Group and Team Well Design or Workover Project, Petroleum Well Engineering 691.

Professional Recognition

Successful graduates are be recognised by the Institute of Australian Engineers. Future accreditation by other Professional and Engineering Institutes of International standing is pending.

Career Opportunities

It is expected that graduates will seek employment opportunities in the international oil and gas industry in both service and operating companies. As a drilling engineer with an operating or production company, graduates will be involved in the design of wells as well as the rig based supervision of drilling and completion programs after gaining suitable experience. Alternatively, they could secure employment with a drilling contractor or service company. With the drilling contractor graduates could beinvolved in well supervision on site. For the service sector the role would be that of providing specialist technical services such as directional drilling or specialist interventions for operating companies and drilling contractors.

Additional Course Expenses

A full list of fees is available upon request or at enrolment. In addition, students may be expected to purchase a number of textbooks, readers and other vital study materials and may, if required, also need to contribute some of the cost of consumables (which varies depending on area of study).

Availability

The information displayed above refers to study periods and locations where the course is available for first time entry. Students are normally only offered or admitted to a course once.

*The course itself may not be available either solely internally or externally but individual units may be offered in either or both of those modes. Prospective students should contact the Course Coordinator for further information.