Petroleum varsity offers master's course

The Abu Dhabi Petroleum University (ADPU) yesterday announced the introduction of Master of Science (MSc) in Petroleum Engineering, the first of its kind in the region.

The newly-established university has launched the programme in collaboration with the world's leading petroleum universities and multinational companies. They are Texas-based Network of Excellence in Training (NEXT), Heriot-Watt University of Edinburgh, University of Oklahoma, Texas A&M University and Schlumberger.

The programme aims to set new standards in flexible delivery and industry involvement, said Dr Tayeb Kamali, ADPU Director.

"ADPU is a world first in collaboration with the industry, specialised petroleum universities and professional consortia. It will qualify people to play key roles in all sectors of the petroleum industry, which includes conducting relevant and original scientific research," said Dr Kamali.

He added the MSc Petroleum Engineering degree is designed to ensure the application of the cutting edge knowledge and technology used in the petroleum industry throughout the region.

Dr Kamali said: "This programme provides innovative flexible online delivery, allowing people who are employed to participate through a variety of methods, including Internet and distance learning formats."

Registration in the programme has already started, and the university will be able to accommodate about 20 of the projected 150 applicants at the initial stage as the worldwide demand for the programme is very high.

The admission for the programme is open for everyone who qualifies, including expatriate residents in and around the region.

Claude Roulet, the Chief Executive Officer of NEXT said: "We have been working with ADPU for the past two years to study the regional needs of the industry and to develop and offer quality training and educational opportunities.

"The combined knowledge and experience of ADPU and NEXT will ensure the success of this and future industry-driven programmes."

Mohammed Awad, Schlumberger Chairman for Middle East and Asia, said, "It has been a long wait for a centre such as ADPU to open and provide industry-driven training and education.

ADPU's MSc in Petroleum Engineering will help to ensure that petroleum professionals stay at the forefront of the industry."

Professor Brian Smart, Head of the Department of Petroleum Engineering at Heriot-Watt University, said students wishing to apply require a degree in an engineering or science discipline such as geology, physics, chemistry or mathematics from an accredited university.