Reservoir and Geoenergy, Master's, 2 years

There is clear consensus that greenhouse gas emissions, from human industrial activity, are negatively impacting our planet. The world is faced with a dilemma to reduce emissions and, at the same time, find solutions for the increasing global energy demand. To address this dilemma, we must develop and implement more efficient methods to meet the growing energy demand while mitigating the impacts of climate change. In the Master's Programme in Reservoir and Geoenergy, we study questions like:  

• What are the most effective methods to store CO2 in the subsurface? 
• Can subsurface reservoirs be utilized to store energy, such as H2? 
• How can we balance energy production and CO2 storage to reduce emissions and provide energy security? 

Career 

Our graduates mostly work as: 

• Reservoir, process, and/or production engineers in the energy industry 

Our graduates also work in:  

• Governmental positions  
• Academia and research 

You can also apply for admission to the PhD programme if you are interested in pursuing a career in research. 

Structure 

The programme covers two academic years (four semesters) and starts in the autumn.  

Year 1 

You follow courses worth 60 ECTS, some mandatory, some elective. Courses, schedules and study plans depend on your specialisation.   

Year 2 

You write your master's thesis, which is also worth 60 ECTS. Based on your area of interest, you and an available supervisor find a suitable thesis topic.  

Recommened study plan structure:

1. semester: ENERGI261 - Free choice - Free choice
2. semester: ENERGI364 – ENERGI365 - Free choice
3. semester: PTEK399
4. semester: PTEK399

Recommendations: ENERGI366, MAT254, MAT255

Academic life 

As a master’s student you must attend 2-3 lectures per week, as well as:  

• Laboratory tasks  
• Seminar groups  
• Fields trips  
• Lectures  

We expect you to work well on your own, as well as cooperate in a group.  

We make sure students are a natural part of the research group and the work environment is informal. Many different nationalities in our research group work together. We also have a close relationship with international universities and the energy industry with regular meetings. You can focus your master’s thesis on topics ranging from fundamental fluid flow in porous media to topics that are more relevant for the industry today.  

You are expected to work independently, where you make use of appropriate methods and scientific working techniques in the research of relevant material.   

You will work closely with an academic supervisor whose expertise is in the field of your thesis topic. In agreement with your supervisor, you will choose a thesis topic and make a progression plan containing important milestones for your project.   

You can read about the research group here: Reservoir Physics – Energy Technology and CO2 Storage (CCUS)

What will I learn? 

A candidate with a master´s degree in Reservoir and Geoenergy will have deep, research-based knowledge and extensive understanding of multiphase fluid flow in porous media. Candidates will have knowledge which qualifies for continuing in the industry and/or further research specialization. You will obtain: 

• A solid, scientifically based knowledge on various energy resources, their uses, and development strategies. 
• A basic knowledge of geology and in-depth knowledge of fluid flow in porous media and the processes related to energy utilization, and CO2 and H2 storage. 
• An understanding of the global energy mix and familiarization with how Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage (CCUS) can be used for reducing CO2 emissions. 
• Knowledge on experimental apparatus’, instruments, and measurements. 
• Knowledge on numerical simulation of subsurface flow. 
• Knowledge on various disciplines in reservoir and geoenergy.  

Admission requirements

For former students with a bachelor's degree in petroleum and process technology from UiB, and students with an external bachelor's degree, 80 credits from relevant courses are used for the calculation of the grade point average. 

Bachelor degrees from UiB that qualify:

• Bachelor degree in petroleum and process technology
• Bachelor degree in physics (courses MAT212, GEOV261 and ENERGI261 must be included)
• Bachelor degree in mathematics (courses MAT212, GEOV261 and ENERGI261 must be included)
• Bachelor degree from the faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences with topics covering the admission and grading requirements (the courses do not need to be part of the degree)

Bachelor degrees that qualify

• Norwegian bachelor degrees in petroleum technology (UiS) and oil and gas technology (NTNU), or equivalent bachelor degrees where courses similar to MAT212, GEOV261 and ENERGI261 are included.
• Norwegian bachelor degrees in energy where courses similar to MAT212, GEOV261 and ENERGI261 are included.
• Other bachelor degrees can qualify if you can document 80 ECTS in petroleum technology or equivalent. Your bachelor's degree must include courses in mathematics, physics and chemistry, in addition to geology and reservoir technology.

You also need to document:

• Average grade of minimum C (equivalent to Norwegian grade C)

How to apply 

 Follow these links to find the general entry requirements and guidelines on how to apply:

• We are currently not able to receive applications from citizens from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA
• Citizens from within the European Union/EEA/EFTA (application deadline 1 March)
• Nordic citizens and applicants residing in Norway (application deadline 15 April) 

You will also have to meet the programme specific entry requirements.

The programme has main admission in fall and supplementary admission in spring (application deadline 1 November), if not all spots have been filled in the fall admission. The spring admission does not apply for applicants from outside the European Union/EEA/EFTA.