Geology and Petroleum Geology University of Aberdeen

Overview

At a Glance

Petroleum geologists use their deep understanding of the Earth’s geological structures to help find and extract hydrocarbons cleanly and efficiently.

The Geology and Petroleum Geology programme of the University of Aberdeen is accredited by the Geological Society for London and begins with a thorough examination of main geological principles and disciplines that underpin our understanding of the structure and evolution of the Earth, and how this knowledge can be used to discover and extract natural resources.

In particular, this programme examines the main geological principles that underpin our understanding of the structure and evolution of the Earth. You will learn about the origin, structure and composition of the major rock groups and learn how we date geological events and how we gather and interpret data in the field.

In the final two years (Honours) you will specialise further in the geology related to the petroleum industry, including field and mapping techniques, structural geology & tectonics, petrology and sedimentology.

Geology at Aberdeen extends beyond the Earth to other planets. Using a combination of the vast online resources provided by NASA, and the UK Virtual Microscope’s Apollo collection, students make their own investigations of aspects of the geology of the Moon and Mars and compare results with the geological evolution of Earth.

One of the main components of the final year is the 5-week independent field project, when students undertake an independent research over the summer between years 3 and 4, and much of the autumn term is focused on working up the report.

Geology graduates enter a wide variety of professions, including oil and gas exploration and production, environmental geology, pollution control, geological surveying, volcanology, seismology and environmental consultancy.

Careers

Each year, over 91% of our Geology graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after graduating.

Our degree(s) in Geology open up career opportunities with the global oil and gas industry, as well as other key sectors. Our degrees are highly respected by the oil and gas industry and our graduates are in high demand.

Geology is also a subject that opens up tremendous opportunities for further study, either at an MSc level or PhD.

The vast majority of Aberdeen Geology & Petroleum Geology graduates find employment within the hydrocarbon or mineral exploration and exploitation sectors. Additionally, postgraduate specialised study is a popular pathway toward careers in the oil industry.

Career Opportunities

• Associate Technical Professional

• Borehole Geologist

• Data Manager

• Field Engineer

• Logging Geologist

• Mudlogger

• Site Engineering Geologist

• Well Planning Engineer