The MSc in Petroleum Geoscience at UCD offers bright and motivated geoscience graduates a vocational training in the broad range of technical fields associated with hydrocarbon exploration and production, as a prelude to a career in the petroleum industry or to further studies at PhD level. The main aims of the MSc Petroleum Geoscience are to: Deliver a comprehensive technical grounding in all aspects of geoscience bearing on the search for, and production of, hydrocarbons, both conventional and unconventional Nurture and develop critical reasoning skills using ‘problem-based’ learning and a wide range of practical exercises using subsurface, outcrop, behind-outcrop and geophysical datasets Provide quality vocational training in subsurface and related data acquisition, quality-control, interpretation, data integration and uncertainty Demonstrate and give first-hand experience of typical industry workflows including the use of a suite of software packages (basin modelling, seismic interpretation, fault properties and reservoir modelling) Develop essential transferrable skills (e.g. effective report writing, project management, team working) and the ability to communicate and work with cognate disciplines (e.g. drillers, petroleum engineers)

Petroleum products are important for power generation, transport and as a chemical feedstock and are likely to remain so for decades despite emerging new technologies. Geoscience plays a pivotal role in guiding exploration and helping to plan and manage efficient and profitable oil and gas production. It is also essential for understanding and confronting many of the associated risks, safety issues and environmental concerns facing the industry. Petroleum geoscientists are much in demand and find employment in a wide range of companies, consultancies, regulatory agencies, governmental organisations and academia. A career in petroleum geoscience requires a detailed knowledge of all aspects of the petroleum system from pore- to basin-scale. The petroleum geoscientist works with a wide range of different types of data and needs to be aware of how these are acquired, processed, used and integrated. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to interface effectively with those in cognate disciplines are also key.