Oil and Gas Management MSc

Course overview

This course is designed with the specific aim of building management capacity within the petroleum industry.

• We will show you the complexities of management within the extractive industry and provide you with the opportunity to gain a strong understanding of the interconnections between the different value chains within the oil and gas industry, to help to prepare you for careers with a wide range of potential employers which could include national and multinational energy companies, consultancies, energy ministries and international agencies.
• This course aims to provide you with an understanding of the processes, drivers, threats and opportunities related to the management of the energy and hydrocarbon industry in the 21st century.
• You should develop the competence to safely and effectively manage projects in the oil and gas industries within the context of increasingly stringent environmental and safety legislation.
• You will have the option to apply for a ‘work placement’ opportunity², designed to further develop your skills and knowledge with the aim of maximising your employability prospects. See modules for more information.

Why you should study this course

• Expected to remain as a major contributor to the economy of many developed and developing regions, the oil and gas industry needs effective managers who not only appreciate the financial drivers and pressures but can also understand and interpret the effects of heightened safety regulations, policy changes, trade laws and global economics.
• Our course aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge to do just that; providing a comprehensive advanced-level introduction to the international operation of the upstream and downstream industry, exploring the key challenges and emerging technologies that are influencing exploration and production. So, if you are interested in a professional career in the energy and hydrocarbon industry or are already working in the industry and looking to update your skills, this professionally accredited course¹ should benefit you regardless of whether you come from a technical, non-technical or commercial background.
• Course highlights include the use of industry-standard simulation facilities and software, which support real-time scenarios linked to the management of industry-related emergencies. Furthermore, you can choose to specialise in one of four routes: Quality, Health, Safety and Environment; Finance and Investment; Law and Policy; and Technology Management.
• Our current extensive industry links mean that you could benefit from technical site visits² which have previously included the National Engineering Laboratory, Equinor (formerly Statoil), GE and Baker Hughes, as well as a range of free-to-attend expert guest lectures (subject to availability), which has previously included the former Vice President of British Petroleum.

Careers and opportunities

Upon successful completion, you will be able to demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of:

• The theories, concepts and complexities of managing the processes, threats and challenges of the oil and gas industry in the 21st century.
• The methods and global best practices in managing health, safety and environment in exploration and production of oil and gas.
• Politics of oil and gas and threats to continued supply and renewable energy options.
• The development of effective leadership and management skills in the oil and gas sector and appropriate business policies and strategies within a changing operational and legislative context to meet stakeholders’ interest.
• The use and limitations of a range of research methods/techniques, both qualitative and quantitative for providing information and evaluating options in an uncertain and changing organisational environment.

You will be able to:

• Research in detail oil and gas management issues, critically reflect on practice and experience, engaging in creative problem solving and decision making.
• Reflect, investigate and apply knowledge, which supports global best practices in the management of oil and gas activities in both upstream and downstream operations.
• Communicate and work effectively within teams.
• Develop strategies and policies in response to the challenges of the oil and gas industry in the 21st century.
• Exercise initiative and personal responsibility in planning and executing project work.

This course was developed to create graduates capable of demonstrating leadership, strategic thinking, managing risk and adding value to a business. As such, upon successful completion of the course, you should have access to a wide range of potential careers in the ‘downstream’ side of the sector, as planning managers, project managers, risk analysts and senior inspection managers.

Our course is accredited by the Energy Institute¹, which is the leading chartered professional membership body for the energy industry, supporting over 20,000 individuals working or studying within the energy sector worldwide. All students benefit from free membership of the Institute for the duration of their studies, providing access to extensive learning and networking opportunities to support professional, management, technical and scientific career development within the industry.

Successful completion of this course provides a possible route into many careers within the global oil and gas industry, where demand for qualified staff is high. Roles include engineers and drill crew, experienced geoscientists and exploration engineers, exploration and appraisal specialists, senior planners and contract managers, HSE advisors, subsea engineers, subsea filters and flow assurance engineers, operators, technicians, reservoir engineers and senior drilling engineers, as well as senior commercial roles, such as head of business development managers, country managers and sales managers.