Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum)

The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum) at Adelaide University focuses on the specialised skills needed for petroleum engineering, covering the extraction, production and management of oil and gas resources. Students study areas such as reservoir engineering, drilling and production, petroleum geoscience, and engineering mathematics. The course is structured across four years, divided into semesters, and students complete a sequence of units of study that each contribute to the overall credit points required for the degree.

Over the course of their studies, students engage with both theoretical principles and practical applications. Laboratory work, collaborative projects, and computer simulations introduce them to industry-standard tools and methods. In the final year, students undertake a capstone project that often involves real-world problems provided by industry partners, allowing them to apply their learning to current challenges in petroleum engineering. Work-integrated learning opportunities are built in, including professional placements within oil and gas companies operating in Australia, particularly those with a presence in South Australia.

Graduates develop technical skills in problem solving, project management, and risk assessment, along with the ability to analyse and design petroleum extraction systems. Throughout the course, there is a strong focus on developing communication and teamwork abilities, preparing graduates for collaborative work environments.

This degree suits those interested in resource engineering and who enjoy maths, chemistry, and problem-solving. International students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during teaching periods and may be eligible for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) after graduation. For further details about admission requirements, entry pathways, and study structure, always check the official course page.

• Petroleum engineer in oil and gas extraction firms
• Reservoir engineer with energy companies
• Field engineer with global oilfield services providers
• Production engineer for resources operators
• Process engineer in engineering consultancies
• Roles in government agencies regulating energy resources
• Research positions in petroleum technology