Heriot-Watt University

MSc Petroleum Engineering

Heriot-Watt UniversityEdinburgh, United Kingdom

Course overview

The MSc Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is a course that prepares you to work in the international oil and gas industry. It is designed for students who have studied science, engineering, or another subject with strong maths skills and who want to learn more about energy production.

You will study important topics such as reservoir engineering, drilling, petroleum geology, production methods, well testing, and petroleum economics. You will also learn to use the same computer tools that professionals use in the industry and practise how to solve real problems related to oilfields.

By studying MSc Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, you will build strong technical and practical skills. When you finish the course, you will be ready to work in oil and gas teams or apply your skills in areas such as carbon storage and underground energy.

Key highlights

  • Ranked 3rd in the world for Petroleum Engineering employability (QS 2026)
  • Ranked 8th worldwide overall for Petroleum Engineering (QS 2026)

Entry requirements

  • Degree: 2nd class — to include related subject; or above
  • Degree: 2:2 — to include engineering subject; or above

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount Scheme

    A 20% discount is applicable to postgraduate taught courses across all of our global campuses.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Coaching Scholarships Programme

    Varies – up to a 100% Tuition fee Reduction (dependent on experience and number of coaching hours across the year).

  • Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence

    The Heriot-Watt Actuarial Scholarship For Academic Excellence awards the successful recipient(s) with a 20% reduction on their tuition fees.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Remission of Fees (Families of Staff)

    Please contact the provider.

  • Staff Scholarships

    Please contact the provider

  • The Brodie Family Scholarship (PGT)

    The Brodie Family Scholarship provides financial support of £2,500 per year (or £2,000 per year for students enrolled in a five-year programme) to four undergraduate students.

  • The Island Scholarship Programme - Orkney Campus (UK) (International)

  • The New Dawn Energy Scholarship

    The New Dawn Energy Scholarship provides £1900 towards living costs to two students enrolling on our MSc in Petroleum Engineering in September 2026.

    Up to £1,900

Careers this course leads to

  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Reservoir Engineer
  • Drilling Engineer
  • Production Engineer
  • Completions Engineer

Career opportunities

Graduates of an MSc in Petroleum Engineering from Heriot-Watt University are eligible for employment in roles such as the following: 

  • Petroleum Engineer
  • Petroleum Geologist 
  • Reservoir Engineer
  • Drilling Engineer
  • Environmental Engineer
  • Production Engineer

Cost of study

For the 2025/26 intake, the tuition fee to study an MSc in Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University is £29,960. Note that fees are subject to change.

Admission

You can apply directly through the online application platform provided by the university. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult any of our experienced counsellors at AHZ.

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