Oil, gas, and petroleum engineering is a branch of engineering concerned with safely and affordably extracting oil and gas. This particular engineering sector is crucial to the global economy, and UK university graduates are in high demand from companies worldwide.
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024 ranked the best petroleum engineering universities in the UK, with Imperial College London, a global leader in engineering, finishing top in the UK.
Learn more about the top universities in the UK for studying petroleum engineering below. If you wish to apply to study engineering in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today.
Top Five UK Universities for Petroleum Engineering
Below is the list of the top five UK universities for studying petroleum engineering, according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Engineering - Petroleum.
1. Imperial College London
Imperial College London has a global reputation for excellence. Its MEng in Chemical Engineering will help students understand prevailing concepts of the chemical and oil industry and prepare them to work in multidisciplinary teams. Imperial College London is the only university in the UK to focus exclusively on science, medicine, engineering, and business, and it is a leader in these fields.
- Course to consider: MEng Chemical Engineering
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 7 in Mathematics, 7 in Chemistry, 6 in Biology, Business Management, Economics or Physics at a higher level.
- International fees: £40,940
- QS world ranking: 8th
2. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester is a renowned UK leader in the research of challenges faced by the oil and gas sector. Its wide variety of engineering programmes allows students to study abroad in the USA, Australia, Canada, and South East Asia and undertake their final-year projects in the industry. Almost 90% of Machester students find full-time employment within six months of graduating.
- Course to consider: MSc Petroleum Geoscience
- Entry requirements: An Upper Second-Class (2:1) Bachelor's Degree or equivalent in Geology, Geophysics, Petroleum Engineering, or a related discipline.
- International fees: £36,000
- QS world ranking: 14th
3. Heriot-Watt University
The MSc Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University will equip you with the skills needed to advance in an constantly evolving industry. Heriot-Watt is a university in Scotland, and students will benefit from excellent links with industry and research activities by staff at the Institute of GeoEnergy Engineering.
- Course to consider: MSc Petroleum Engineering
- Entry requirements: Minimum of 2:2 honours degree or equivalent academic qualification in a related subject area.
- International fees: £29,960
- QS world ranking: 16th
SI-UK can help you apply to the top universities to study Petroleum Engineering in the UK. Book a free consultation, either online or at our London office.
4. University of Surrey
The University of Surrey offers an engaging BEng (Hons) Chemical and Petroleum Engineering programme featuring a cutting-edge £1.7 million facility with a fully operational pilot process plant. Students engage in hands-on learning, operating the plant as part of a team in their third year. Semester 1 covers engineering materials, sustainability, science principles, mass and energy balances, and mathematics. Semester 2 includes transferable skills, advanced mathematics, petroleum fundamentals, chemistry, and fluid mechanics with thermodynamics.
- Course to consider: BEng (Hons) Chemical and Petroleum Engineering
- Entry requirements: IB diploma: 33 - 32 points. Required subjects: Chemistry HL5/SL6 and either Mathematics Analysis and Approaches HL5/SL6 or Mathematics Applications and Interpretations HL5.
- QS world ranking: 17th
5. University of Leeds
The Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc at Leeds enhances core chemical engineering skills, exploring advanced topics and modern process technologies. Offered by the School of Chemical and Process Engineering, the course integrates cutting-edge research insights, preparing graduates with the innovative knowledge sought by global industries. With expertise in designing, operating, and managing processes, graduates pursue diverse career paths, including sustainable product development, materials engineering, and pharmaceuticals.
- Course to consider: Advanced Chemical Engineering MSc
- Entry requirements: A bachelor's degree with a 2:1 (hons) in chemical engineering. Applicants must have strong marks across relevant modules, including mathematics and physical sciences.
- International fees: £31,000
- QS world ranking: 34th
Study Oil, Gas & Petroleum Engineering in the UK
If you want to learn more about engineering in the UK, arrange a free consultation with SI-UK London today. Our expert international consultants can help you study in the UK.