Petroleum Engineering Courses in the UK

Every year, hundreds of thousands of international students choose to study in the UK, making it one of the most popular study destinations worldwide. The UK is a popular choice for international students for a variety of reasons, including its excellent graduate job prospects, high-quality education and diverse cultural offerings.  

Around the world, the oil, gas, and petroleum engineering industries can lead to a multitude of opportunities. The global demand for energy is greater than it has ever been, so ongoing innovations are required to guarantee a steady supply of affordable, environmentally friendly and sustainable energy. 

Why study petroleum engineering in the UK? 

Petroleum engineers work in a variety of roles in the oil and gas sector in the UK. Analysts, project managers and field engineers are a few possible career paths. In the UK, the average annual salary for a petroleum engineer is £50,000. Typically, the benefits package consists of vacation time, retirement savings plans and health insurance, and working hours are typically 40 hours per week. 

Petroleum engineering degrees 

An oil, gas and petroleum engineering degree can lead to a variety of career options in the energy sector, all of which are involved in the discovery and preservation of the world's oil and gas supply. You will have plenty of exciting opportunities whether you choose to work in an office, a lab or in the field in positions related to oil geology, reservoir engineering, production engineering or drilling engineering. 

Best universities for petroleum engineering in the UK 

If you choose to study engineering in the UK, you will gain your qualification considerably faster than in other countries. You can combine theory and practice in the UK's educational approach for a more comprehensive, well-rounded education. With specialised modules that provide you with a deeper understanding of specific engineering fields of interest, you can customize your courses to fit your goals. 

Here are the top 5 universities for petroleum engineering in the UK according to the QS World University Rankings 2024: 

Petroleum engineering degree requirements in the UK 

UK requirements for degrees in petroleum engineering include undertaking mandatory subjects such as: 

• Physics  

• Chemistry  

• Mathematics  

As for IELTS, a total score of 6.5 is required, with no single component falling below 6.0.  

Petroleum engineering degree fees in the UK 

In the UK, the average cost of international tuition fees for engineering degrees varies based on the university, the type of engineering degree, and the study level. The cost of undergraduate engineering degrees for international students ranges from £20,000 to £35,000, while the cost of postgraduate engineering degrees can reach £45,000.  

How many years does it take to study petroleum engineering? 

A bachelor's degree is the minimal education needed to work as a petroleum engineer, and the field is very specialised. The length of this degree is 3 to 4 years and can sometimes reach 5 years depending on the university you apply to.  

What A levels are needed to study petroleum engineering? 

Three A levels at BBB with a B in engineering, a B in design and technology, or a B in mathematics and physics are required. Admission also requires an A Level in Chemistry as well as a C in GCSE English. You can also apply using IB subjects. It is advised to take three HL math courses for engineering. This can include biology, chemistry, math and physics, depending on where you want to pursue engineering. However, it's usually advised to focus on math and physics. 

*Please note that entry requirements vary for each UK university.  

Career prospects and opportunities 

If you wish to stay in the UK and work after graduation, you are eligible for a Graduate Route visa for up to 2 years after graduation.