Curtin University

What you'll study

The MPhil in Petroleum Engineering is a predominantly research-based programme built around an individual thesis project. Candidates will work with one or more academic supervisors to define a research question, review the relevant literature, design and execute experimental, numerical or field-based investigations, and present findings in a substantive thesis. Typical research themes include reservoir characterisation and modelling, production optimisation, drilling and well engineering, formation evaluation, enhanced oil recovery, subsurface flow and geomechanics, and applications of data analytics and machine learning to petroleum problems.

Although there are no prescribed taught modules required for the MPhil, candidates commonly engage with advanced coursework and short courses to supplement their research. Typical taught topics that candidates may study or be examined on as part of their research training include:

• Reservoir engineering and simulation
• Well engineering and completion design
• Petrophysics and formation evaluation
• Drilling technology and wellbore hydraulics
• Production systems and surface facilities
• Subsurface geomechanics and rock physics
• Data analytics for subsurface applications and machine learning
• Research methods, experimental design and scientific communication

The degree culminates in the submission of a thesis and an oral examination (viva voce) or equivalent assessment. Full-time and part-time candidature options are available, with standard research training milestones such as literature review, progress reporting and ethics approvals where applicable.

Entry requirements

Applicants should hold a relevant bachelor's honours degree with a substantial research component, or a postgraduate qualification in engineering, geoscience or a closely related discipline. A completed coursework master's with a research thesis may also be acceptable. Selection is typically based on academic record, the match between applicant research interests and available supervisory expertise, and the quality of a proposed research outline.

In addition to academic qualifications, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• Relevant technical background in petroleum engineering, petroleum geoscience or related engineering disciplines
• Evidence of research potential, such as prior project work, publications, or technical reports
• English language proficiency that meets Curtin's research degree requirements if the applicant's prior education was not in English

Prospective candidates should contact potential supervisors within Curtin's engineering or resources research groups to discuss project feasibility before applying. Applicants may also need to satisfy any institutional requirements for research proposals, ethics approvals and candidature registration.

Career prospects

Graduates of an MPhil in Petroleum Engineering are prepared for technically demanding positions in the energy and resources sector, or for further research and academic careers. Typical roles include reservoir engineer, production engineer, drilling and completions engineer, formation evaluation specialist, subsurface modeller, and technical consultant. The research training also positions graduates for careers in:

• R&D and innovation teams within oil and gas companies and service providers
• Consulting firms specialising in reservoir management, asset optimisation or field development planning
• Regulatory agencies and resource management organisations
• Broadening energy sectors such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), geothermal energy and subsurface storage
• Academic and research institutions pursuing doctoral study or research fellowships

Why study at Curtin University

Curtin is located in Western Australia, a region with a strong oil, gas and resources industry, which supports close links between academic research and industry practice. The university offers access to experienced academic staff and supervisors with practical industry backgrounds, laboratory and computing facilities for subsurface and reservoir studies, and opportunities to engage with industry partners on field data and applied projects.

As a research degree, the MPhil at Curtin emphasises transferable research skills — experimental and numerical methods, data analysis, technical writing and project management — that are valued across both established hydrocarbon sectors and emerging subsurface energy applications. Prospective students benefit from a research environment that encourages collaboration across disciplines and engagement with industry stakeholders to ensure research relevance and impact.