Petroleum Engineers work with oil or gas companies to design, test and implement efficient methods to extract petroleum products from the earth and sea floor. They use their knowledge and skills to make estimations about what is going on thousands of metres below the ground. Petroleum Engineers rely on physical, mathematical and engineering principles to identify and solve problems in exploration, exploitation, drilling and production.

They work closely with other professionals, such as geologists, to locate the dig site, design and build the machines that extract as much oil and gas as possible. They also oversee the removal and processing of the petroleum itself. Petroleum engineers address the economic and management problems associated with the recovery of hydrocarbons and alternative sources of energy from below the Earth’s surface. Petroleum engineers apply practical science to the challenges and problems associated with oil and gas exploration, drilling and petroleum production. In this career you’ll focus on the environment, and how we can meet global energy needs in a long-term, sustainable manner.

In this career you’ll apply knowledge of chemistry, physics, geology and economics to the discovery, development and production of energy and material resources below the Earth’s surface. This knowledge can also be used to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and geothermal resources engineering.

Key features

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degree is globally recognised and accredited by Engineers Australia and acknowledged by the Washington Accord. Part of the degree involves applying your skills through 60 days of approved industrial training in Australia or overseas. UNSW Engineering also hosts many industry nights and networking events to help connect students with employers.

This degree is more than just standard study of Petroleum Engineering and the associated knowledge required. Throughout close ties to industry, we understand graduates of today need a range of knowledge within a range of engineering disciplines to meet the demands on today’s engineers.

We offer over 27 electives for students to study across including:

• Sustainable Product Engineering and Design
• Engineering in Medicine and Biology
• Engineering Chemistry
• Computer System Fundamentals
• Environmental Principals and Systems
• Grand Challenges for Engineering
• Minerals Resources Engineering
• Psychology
• Sustainable Energy