Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

What you'll study

The programme combines core petroleum engineering fundamentals with applied and multidisciplinary subjects. You will study reservoir engineering and simulation, well drilling and completion engineering, production systems and artificial lift, petrophysics and well testing, and enhanced oil recovery methods. Courses in petroleum geology and geomechanics provide subsurface context, while modules on petroleum economics, project evaluation and risk management cover commercial and managerial aspects.

Supporting subjects typically include courses on health, safety and environmental management in hydrocarbon operations, data analysis and digital tools for petroleum engineering, and research methods. The programme is normally delivered through a mix of lectures, laboratory work, computer simulation exercises and field visits, and it culminates in an independent research thesis or a professional project addressing an industry-relevant problem.

Typical modules

• Reservoir Engineering and Simulation
• Drilling and Well Completion Engineering
• Production Engineering and Artificial Lift
• Petrophysics and Well Testing
• Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques
• Petroleum Geology and Subsurface Characterisation
• Geomechanics for Petroleum Applications
• Petroleum Economics and Project Evaluation
• Health, Safety and Environmental Management
• Data Analysis and Petroleum Engineering Software

Entry requirements

Applicants are normally expected to hold a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering, mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, geology or a closely related discipline from a recognised institution. Candidates with substantial professional experience in the oil and gas sector and a different undergraduate background may also be considered.

Typical application material includes certified academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a statement of purpose describing relevant experience and study objectives, and one or two academic or professional references. Applicants may be required to attend an interview or submit a research proposal if applying for the thesis route. As ESPOL conducts much of its instruction in Spanish, proficiency in Spanish is required; applicants should check whether language support or alternative arrangements are available.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Master in Petroleum go on to technical and leadership roles across the upstream and associated sectors. Common positions include reservoir engineer, production engineer, drilling engineer, well test and completion specialist, petrophysicist, and field operations manager. Graduates also work for national oil companies, international oil companies, service and engineering contractors, consultancies, and regulatory bodies.

The programme also prepares graduates for roles in project evaluation, asset management and technical sales, and for those interested in research or teaching it provides a pathway to doctoral study. The skill set developed — combining subsurface understanding, engineering design and economic assessment — is applicable to energy transition projects such as carbon capture and storage and to technically demanding roles in other resource industries.

Why study at Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral

ESPOL is recognised for its engineering education and applied research in Ecuador and the wider region. Studying at ESPOL provides access to experienced faculty with industry backgrounds, laboratory and simulation facilities, and opportunities for fieldwork and industry-linked projects. The university’s location and established contacts with the national hydrocarbon sector and service companies make it well placed to offer practical exposure and collaboration opportunities.

The programme emphasises a balance of technical rigour and responsible practice, including environmental and safety considerations, preparing graduates to address the technical and societal challenges of modern petroleum operations. Students benefit from a curriculum designed to meet regional industry needs while also developing skills transferable to international contexts.