Petroleum Engineering

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PETROLEUM
ENGINEERING

Master of Science
in Petroleum Engineering

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about the program

The Skoltech Petroleum Engineering program trains a new generation of scientists and engineers capable of dealing with the key challenges of the oil and gas sector, and creating innovative solutions for enhanced oil recovery from the existing sources and development of unconventional and hard-to-recover reserves. The program curriculum combines high-level engineering training with teaching of mathematical modeling and data analysis and gaining field experience through research and industry projects.

Mode, duration
2 years (full-time)
Language
English
Fees
Full tuition coverage
Application
The application period for Skoltech programs for 2024 is now closed
Benefits
Monthly scholarship (up to 55.000 rub/month), relocation & accommodation, private medical insurance (in accordance with Skoltech policies)

a successful graduate of the program will have:

01

skills and knowledge essential to effectively address complex challenges of hydrocarbon recovery

02

ability of effectively address major oil production issues, including the development of unconventional and hard-to-recover reserves, such as heavy oil, shale oil, and offshore oil fields

03

ability to use mathematical modeling, mathematical physics and data analysis techniques in oil and gas projects

04

experience of application of these knowledge and skills in joint research and industrial projects with the industry's leading corporations and international labs from Russia, United States, Canada, United Kingdom and other countries

05

insight into how the oil and gas sector works, ability to identify and solve its outstanding issues

The 2-year program comprises of compulsory and recommended elective courses on the most important topics, a wide set of elective courses (depending on the research and professional needs of the student), components of entrepreneurship and innovation, research activity and 8 weeks of industry immersion.

Curriculum (2024 year of admission)

master thesis options

Research
Perform world class science and application
Start-up as a thesis
Transform your idea into a start-up
2+3 PhD
Seamless continuation into PhD Program

research

a key component of your studies is independent research work based on world–class laboratories. The following research areas are available for you:

Thermal conductivity and rock properties
Geochemistry
Geomechanics
Geology and geomodelling
Gas hydrates and permafrost
Enhanced hydrocarbon recovery (EOR)
Flow assurance
Petroleum data science
Molecular simulations and machine learning for EOR
Lithology
Geophysics

labs

every program dedicates time for students' independent research as a core part of their curriculum. Skoltech hosts more than 40 world-class laboratories, and students have full access to the facilities throughout their studies and can conduct research based on their interests.

future career

Our graduates shape their own futures by choosing from a variety of career opportunities in industry, science, and business

industry

Landing specialist positions in industry. Students are in demand among Russian and international oil and gas producers and service companies and succeed working for research and consulting.

science

Landing PhD positions and continuing research at leading Russian and international universities and research entities.

startup

Starting a business on their own or through the Skolkovo innovation ecosystem with its extensive pool of experts, partners, consultants and investors.

When you think of the university, generally, you imagine reliable education programs. When you think of a startup or industry, it's usually about communication and sharing experience. Luckily, Skoltech is a place where these two worlds meet and create a unique environment for talent development. Every course is a challenge that gets you practicing the full range of skills. The most important thing is to set a definite and precise goal. If you are ready to commit, Skoltech will provide support and mentorship. For sure, applying to the Petroleum Engineering MSc program was one of the wisest decisions in my life.

Maria Karelskaya

BSc, Bauman Moscow State Technical University → MSc, Skoltech → Total E&P Russie

The MSc Petroleum Engineering program at Skoltech combines a rigorous academic curriculum with cutting-edge research. Here you will be inspired by the top experts around you, challenged continually with different tasks, projects and a research program geared at developing the critical expertise and key competencies required for working in the Petroleum industry. You also have the unique opportunity of pursuing your research goals with full support from the centre - both students, faculty and staff alike. At the end of the program, you will look back and commend yourself for making the right decision to study at Skoltech!

Abayomi Koyejo

BSc, Kazan National Research Technological University → MSc, Skoltech → Crowdmoni Nigeria

It took me a long time to choose a university to pursue my master's degree. It was very important for me that it fully corresponded to my preferences and plans for the development of my career. The final choice fell on Skoltech for several main reasons, besides my own sympathy for Russia: the friendliness and openness of the university, high-quality immersion in the industry while studying and the intense educational workload. What I received did not disappoint me.

Alexander White

BSc, Brigham Young University, USA → MSc, Skoltech

It is with great pleasure I remember the days I spent at Skoltech while completing my MSc in Petroleum Engineering. As a former student, I can proudly say that Petroleum Engineering is an innovative, advanced program that offers a variety of research areas to explore under the compassionate leadership of the top professionals of the oil and gas industry. Well-equipped laboratories, access to resources and data, networking and student exchange are some of the most distinguishable features available to students. I'm extremely thankful for the opportunity to study at the University of Calgary in collaboration with Skoltech.

Rita Fazlyeva

BSc, Kazan Federal University → MSc, Skoltech → PhD, University of Calgary

When I chose Skoltech Petroleum Engineering program for my master studies, I couldn't even imagine how much it would give me. Learning from top experts from the industry, doing research in well-equipped laboratories, exploring the world of startups and innovations, friendly and supportive people from all around the world - it's all about Skoltech. The program is challenging and you have to work hard, but at the end you realize that the result is more than worth it.

Mariia Vetoshkina

BSc, St. Petersburg Mining University → MSc, Skoltech → JSC NIPIGAS

industrial partners

Skoltech has strongly established connections with leading companies in the industry and academia

Gazprom Neft
Lukoil
Rosneft
Zarubezhneft
Tatneft
Total Energies
Novatek
Schlumberger

admissions

applications for competitive selection can be submitted online. Most of the selection process is conducted online, and only the final stage of the selection is conducted offline at the Skoltech campus

1

registration

Prepare your portfolio (in English):

CV
Motivation letter
2 letters of recommendation
Diploma or transcript from the university
Certificates and awards

2

submit your application

Upload your materials into the SIA application system (apply.skoltech.ru)

3

online testing

Every candidate must take an online subject test. You will be notified via email about the specific date and time of your test.

online exam sample
online exam sample (NEW)

4

final stage

The final selection stage takes place in Moscow. You have to pass the English exam on site, or present a valid proof of English proficiency, pass an in-person interview and entrepreneurship challenge. Extra written examinations may be required for certain programs during this time (you will be notified in advance). In case you're not from Moscow, we can accommodate you in the Skoltech dorms for the selection weekend period.

5

enrollment

you will be enrolled in Skoltech based on the results of all competitive selection procedures

entry requirements

knowledge, skills and education background for successful enrollment into the program

knowledge and skills

Successful candidates will have solid knowledge of mathematics, physics, chemistry, geology, petroleum engineering, and IT.

education

Relevant bachelor's degree, or its equivalent in physics, mathematics, chemistry, geology, petroleum engineering, and IT.

english language

If your education has not been conducted in English, you will be expected to demonstrate evidence of an adequate level of English proficiency.

tips on exam

below is a list of literature for preparation:

Giuliano F.A. Introduction to oil and gas technology. Englewood Cliffs, N.J.: Prentice Hall, 1989.
Huc (2013) Geochemistry of Fossil Fuels: From Conventional to Unconventional Hydrocarbon Systems. Editions TECHNIP. hard copy.

Killops & Killops (2013) Introduction to Organic Geochemistry. Blackwell Publishing. 2nd edition, John Wiley & Sons.
Computational methods for multiphase flow. Prosperetti, A., & Tryggvason, G. (Eds.). (2009)
Sloan Jr E. D., Koh C. A. Clathrate hydrates of natural gases. – CRC press, 2007
E. D. Yershov, Edited by Peter J. Williams. General Geocryology. - CAMBRIDGE UNIVERSITY PRESS, 2004
Core Analysis: A Best Practice Guide, Developments in Petroleum Science, Vol. 64., by Colin McPhee, Jules Reed, Izaskun Zubizarreta, Elsevier B. V., 2015.
Petrophysics, Fourth Edition: Theory and Practice of Measuring Reservoir Rock and Fluid Transport Properties by Djebbar Tiab Professor, Erle C. Donaldson Professor, Elsevier, 2015.
Well Completion Design. Bellarby J. Elsevier Science, 2009 9780444532107 Fundamentals of Drilling Engineering by Robert F. Mitchell (Author), Stefan F. Miska (Editor). Society of Petroleum Engineers. 2013
Jaeger, J., N. Cook and R. Zimmerman. Fundamentals of Rock Mechanics. 4th Edition, 2008, Wiley-Blackwell Publishing.
Mogi, Kiyoo. Experimental Rock Mechanics. Taylor & Francis Group, London, UK, 2007
Paterson, M.S., Wong, Teng-fong. Experimental Rock Deformation - The Brittle Field. Springer. 2005.
Natural Gas Hydrates in Flow Assurance. Carolyn Ann Koh, Amadeu Sum, E Dendy Sloan. Gulf Professional Publishing, 2010
Fundamentals of Natural Gas Processing, Arthur J. Kidnay and William R. Parrish, 2006
Darwin V. Ellis and Julian M. Singer. Well Logging for Earth Scientists, 2nd Edition, Springer.
AAPG Methods in Exploration Series, No 16. Basic Well Log Analysis, Second Edition.
Petroleum Geoscience: From Sedimentary Environments to Rock Physics. By Knut Bjørlykke 2nd edition, 2015.
Geological 3D modeling. K.E. Zakrevsky, 2011
Basic Applied Reservoir Simulation, T. Ertekin, J.H. Abou-Kassem and G.R. King. SPE Textbook Series Vol. 7, 2001
Geostatistical Reservoir Modeling. Pyrcz, M.J., and Deutsch, C.V. Oxford University Press, New York, second edition, 2014
Larry W. Lake, Russell Johns, Bill Rossen & Gary Pope «Fundamentals of Enhanced Oil Recovery», 2014
James J. Sheng, «Enhanced Oil Recovery Field Case Studies», 2013
Beardsmore G., Cull J. 2001. Crustal Heat Flow: A guide to measurement and modelling. Cambridge University Press. Cambridge, 324 pp
Theory of Stability of Colloids and Thin Films by B.V. Derjaguin (1989)
Adsorption, Surface Area and Porosity by Gregg SJ and Sing KSW (1982)
Molecular Theory of Capillarity by J.S. Rowlinson and B. Widom (Clarendon, Oxford), 1982

faculty

enjoy courses and supervision by world-renowned scientists and engineers

Manager for Education Programs

Mikhail Spasennykh

Professor of the Practice, Director of Skoltech Center for Petroleum Science and Engineering

Associate Professor of the Practice

application

The application period for Skoltech programs for 2024 is now closed. To apply for the 2025 start, check back in January or subscribe below to receive a notification.

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Contact us

e-mail: admissions@skoltech.ru
phone: +7 (495) 280-1481_ext.3387

address: 30с1 Bolshoi boulevard,
Skolkovo, 121205, Russian Federation
Room E-R3-2026

We are more than happy to meet visitors Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 18:00. Please arrange a visit 48 hours in advance by contacting admissions@skoltech.ru