ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering is a comprehensive three-year programme, structured over 360 credits, designed to equip learners with advanced technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional expertise in the exploration, extraction, and management of oil and gas resources. This qualification provides a robust foundation in both upstream and downstream petroleum engineering processes, blending theoretical principles with hands-on applications to prepare learners for the dynamic global energy industry.
Throughout the programme, learners engage with a wide range of subject areas, including drilling engineering, reservoir engineering, production operations, well control, petroleum geology, enhanced oil recovery, pipeline engineering, health and safety in petroleum operations, and sustainable energy practices. The curriculum ensures that learners develop the analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills required to design, operate, and optimise petroleum systems efficiently and safely.
This diploma is suitable for both fresh learners seeking to launch a career in petroleum engineering and experienced professionals aiming to formalise their expertise or progress into technical leadership roles. Learners will work on applied projects, case studies, and simulations, gaining practical exposure to real-world engineering challenges across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for roles in oil and gas exploration, drilling and production management, reservoir analysis, pipeline and facilities engineering, and energy consultancy. The diploma also provides a pathway for professional certifications, technical specialisations, and leadership positions within the energy sector.
The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering represents a future-focused qualification, designed to meet the growing demand for skilled petroleum engineers who can drive innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in the global energy industry.
Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation in Petroleum Engineering
- Principles of Petroleum Engineering
- Engineering Mathematics
- Fundamentals of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Introduction to Petroleum Geology
- Drilling Engineering Fundamentals
- Engineering Drawing and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Basics of Reservoir Engineering
- Well Logging and Formation Evaluation
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Practices in Petroleum Engineering
- Communication and Technical Report Writing
- Introduction to Project Management in Engineering
- Introduction to Oil & Gas Industry Operations
Year 2 – Intermediate Studies in Petroleum Engineering
- Advanced Drilling and Well Control
- Reservoir Rock and Fluid Properties
- Production Engineering and Well Completion
- Petroleum Facilities and Pipeline Engineering
- Applied Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Petroleum Project Planning and Management
- Oil & Gas Exploration Techniques
- Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods
- Industrial Maintenance and Reliability in Petroleum Operations
- Applied Research Methods in Petroleum Engineering
- Sustainable Practices and Environmental Management in Petroleum
- Oil and Gas Economics and Cost Control
Year 3 – Advanced Studies in Petroleum Engineering
- Advanced Reservoir Simulation and Modelling
- Petroleum Production Systems and Optimisation
- Offshore and Subsea Engineering
- Advanced Drilling Technology and Well Intervention
- Advanced Fluid Flow and Multiphase Systems
- Petroleum Safety, Risk, and Quality Management
- Smart Technologies and Industry 4.0 in Oil & Gas
- Robotics and Automation in Petroleum Operations
- Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT in Petroleum Engineering
- Professional Ethics and Sustainability in Petroleum Engineering
- Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Oil & Gas Technology
- Final Year Major Project (Capstone Project)
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering:
Year 1 – Foundation in Petroleum Engineering
Principles of Petroleum Engineering
- Understand the fundamentals of petroleum systems, exploration, and production processes.
- Analyse upstream and downstream operations and their role in the energy industry.
- Demonstrate knowledge of basic petroleum engineering concepts and terminology.
Engineering Mathematics
- Apply calculus, algebra, and trigonometry to engineering problems.
- Use mathematical modelling to solve petroleum engineering-related tasks.
- Develop analytical and problem-solving skills for technical applications.
Fundamentals of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
- Understand mechanical and electrical principles relevant to petroleum systems.
- Analyse basic engineering systems, circuits, and machinery.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to simple industrial applications.
Introduction to Petroleum Geology
- Identify rock types, reservoirs, and geological formations.
- Understand the origin, accumulation, and migration of hydrocarbons.
- Apply geological concepts to petroleum exploration.
Drilling Engineering Fundamentals
- Understand basic drilling operations and well construction.
- Identify drilling equipment and tools.
- Apply principles of well planning and safety considerations.
Engineering Drawing and Computer-Aided Design (CAD)
- Interpret and create engineering drawings to industry standards.
- Use CAD software for 2D and 3D modelling of petroleum systems.
- Apply geometric tolerancing and dimensioning principles.
Basics of Reservoir Engineering
- Understand fluid behaviour in reservoirs.
- Apply principles of pressure, flow, and storage in hydrocarbon reservoirs.
- Analyse basic reservoir performance and recovery methods.
Well Logging and Formation Evaluation
- Interpret well logs and subsurface data.
- Identify reservoir properties using log analysis.
- Apply formation evaluation techniques to field scenarios.
Health, Safety, and Environmental Practices in Petroleum Engineering
- Apply industry safety regulations and risk assessment methods.
- Identify hazards in drilling, production, and exploration operations.
- Understand environmental sustainability and best practices.
Communication and Technical Report Writing
- Develop clear technical documentation skills.
- Prepare professional reports, presentations, and documentation.
- Apply correct referencing and industry communication standards.
Introduction to Project Management in Engineering
- Understand project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation.
- Apply basic project management tools like Gantt charts and critical path analysis.
- Analyse risks and manage project deliverables effectively.
Introduction to Oil & Gas Industry Operations
- Understand upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
- Identify the roles of exploration, production, and refining.
- Apply knowledge to real-world industry scenarios.
Year 2 – Intermediate Studies in Petroleum Engineering
Advanced Drilling and Well Control
- Analyse advanced drilling operations and well control techniques.
- Apply blowout prevention and pressure management methods.
- Demonstrate competency in drilling safety and problem-solving.
Reservoir Rock and Fluid Properties
- Understand porosity, permeability, and fluid characteristics.
- Analyse reservoir behaviour under varying pressure and temperature conditions.
- Apply rock and fluid data to optimise production.
Production Engineering and Well Completion
- Plan and design well completion strategies.
- Analyse production rates, artificial lift, and well performance.
- Implement techniques to maximise hydrocarbon recovery.
Petroleum Facilities and Pipeline Engineering
- Understand pipeline design, installation, and maintenance.
- Analyse surface facilities for processing and storage of hydrocarbons.
- Apply safety and regulatory compliance in facilities management.
Applied Thermodynamics and Fluid Mechanics
- Apply thermodynamic principles to petroleum processes.
- Analyse fluid flow in pipelines, wells, and surface systems.
- Solve problems related to multiphase flow and energy transfer.
Petroleum Project Planning and Management
- Plan and manage petroleum engineering projects effectively.
- Apply scheduling, cost control, and resource management techniques.
- Evaluate project risks and mitigation strategies.
Oil & Gas Exploration Techniques
- Understand geophysical and geological exploration methods.
- Analyse seismic data and subsurface structures.
- Apply exploration strategies to locate hydrocarbon reservoirs.
Enhanced Oil Recovery Methods
- Understand secondary and tertiary recovery techniques.
- Apply chemical, thermal, and gas injection methods.
- Evaluate efficiency and sustainability of recovery methods.
Industrial Maintenance and Reliability in Petroleum Operations
- Apply preventive and predictive maintenance strategies.
- Analyse equipment reliability and failure modes.
- Implement condition monitoring and optimisation techniques.
Applied Research Methods in Petroleum Engineering
- Develop research proposals and methodologies.
- Analyse qualitative and quantitative data.
- Present research findings in technical and academic formats.
Sustainable Practices and Environmental Management in Petroleum
- Implement sustainable practices in exploration and production.
- Understand environmental regulations and best practices.
- Assess the ecological impact of petroleum operations.
Oil and Gas Economics and Cost Control
- Analyse project economics and financial viability.
- Apply cost estimation, budgeting, and optimisation methods.
- Evaluate market trends and operational profitability.
Year 3 – Advanced Studies in Petroleum Engineering
Advanced Reservoir Simulation and Modelling
- Use simulation software to model reservoir behaviour.
- Analyse production forecasts and reservoir performance.
- Optimise recovery strategies through predictive modelling.
Petroleum Production Systems and Optimisation
- Analyse surface and subsurface production systems.
- Implement techniques to maximise efficiency and output.
- Apply data-driven decision-making for production optimisation.
Offshore and Subsea Engineering
- Understand design and operation of offshore platforms.
- Analyse subsea systems, risers, and pipelines.
- Apply engineering principles to offshore production challenges.
Advanced Drilling Technology and Well Intervention
- Evaluate new drilling technologies and intervention methods.
- Analyse well stimulation, workovers, and remedial operations.
- Apply safety and efficiency measures in advanced drilling.
Advanced Fluid Flow and Multiphase Systems
- Analyse multiphase flow in wells and pipelines.
- Apply hydraulic and flow assurance principles.
- Solve complex fluid dynamics problems in petroleum systems.
Petroleum Safety, Risk, and Quality Management
- Implement comprehensive safety management systems.
- Analyse operational risks and enforce quality control standards.
- Apply regulatory compliance and industry best practices.
Smart Technologies and Industry 4.0 in Oil & Gas
- Apply digital technologies, automation, and IoT in petroleum operations.
- Analyse benefits of smart monitoring and predictive maintenance.
- Implement Industry 4.0 solutions for efficiency and sustainability.
Robotics and Automation in Petroleum Operations
- Understand robotics applications in drilling, production, and maintenance.
- Analyse automated systems for subsea and offshore operations.
- Apply robotics solutions to improve safety and productivity.
Cyber-Physical Systems and IoT in Petroleum Engineering
- Integrate IoT and digital monitoring systems in operations.
- Analyse data from sensors for operational optimisation.
- Apply cyber-physical system concepts to modern petroleum facilities.
Professional Ethics and Sustainability in Petroleum Engineering
- Understand ethical responsibilities of petroleum engineers.
- Apply sustainability frameworks in engineering design and operations.
- Assess social and environmental impacts of petroleum projects.
Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Oil & Gas Technology
- Develop entrepreneurial skills for energy sector ventures.
- Innovate solutions for exploration, production, and energy management.
- Create business models and commercial strategies in petroleum engineering.
Final Year Major Project (Capstone Project)
- Undertake an independent research or applied petroleum engineering project.
- Integrate multidisciplinary knowledge and practical skills.
- Present findings in a professional report and technical presentation.
Completing the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering equips learners with the knowledge, technical skills, and practical expertise required to pursue rewarding careers in the oil, gas, and energy sectors. Graduates are well-prepared to meet the increasing demand for skilled professionals in upstream, midstream, and downstream operations, including exploration, production, maintenance, and process optimisation.
Professional Career Opportunities
Learners can explore a wide range of career options in petroleum engineering and related industries, including:
- Petroleum Engineer – designing and optimising exploration, drilling, and production operations
- Reservoir Engineer – analysing reservoir properties and enhancing hydrocarbon recovery
- Production Engineer – managing well performance, surface systems, and production optimisation
- Drilling Engineer – planning and executing drilling operations with advanced well control techniques
- Offshore and Subsea Engineer – working on offshore platforms, subsea systems, and pipelines
- Petroleum Facilities and Pipeline Engineer – designing and maintaining pipelines and surface facilities
- Maintenance and Reliability Engineer – implementing preventive and predictive maintenance strategies
- HSE Specialist in Oil & Gas – ensuring health, safety, and environmental compliance in petroleum operations
- Robotics and Automation Engineer – applying smart technologies, IoT, and automation to petroleum systems
- Innovation and Technology Entrepreneur – developing energy-sector solutions, ventures, and innovative technologies
Professional Certifications and Industry Recognition
- Learners become eligible to pursue internationally recognised professional certifications in petroleum, oil, and gas engineering
- The qualification provides a pathway to membership in professional engineering organisations and industry associations
- Graduates can access specialised training programmes, workshops, and technical upskilling opportunities to enhance their career prospects
With the ongoing growth of global energy markets, offshore and onshore exploration, green petroleum technologies, and digital automation in the oil and gas industry, learners of this diploma are strategically positioned for future-ready careers. The programme prepares them to take on senior roles, drive innovation, and contribute effectively to sustainable and technologically advanced petroleum engineering operations worldwide.
To deliver the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering, centres must meet specific standards to ensure high-quality learning and assessment for all learners. These requirements focus on facilities, resources, staffing, and quality assurance, ensuring learners receive internationally recognised training.
Accreditation and Approval
- The centre must hold valid approval from ICTQual AB to deliver Level 6 programmes.
- Centres should comply with ICTQual AB policies, procedures, and regulatory standards.
- Centres must demonstrate adherence to international education quality benchmarks and continuous improvement practices.
Physical and Learning Resources
- Adequate classroom space with modern teaching facilities to accommodate theoretical and practical learning.
- Access to computer labs with relevant software for CAD, simulation, and petroleum engineering applications.
- Laboratories or workshops equipped for demonstrations in mechanical, electrical, drilling, and fluid systems.
- Access to library resources, technical journals, and e-learning platforms to support research and study.
Staffing and Expertise
- Qualified instructors with relevant academic credentials and practical experience in petroleum, oil, and gas engineering.
- Continuous professional development for trainers to ensure up-to-date knowledge of industry practices.
- Adequate staff-to-learner ratios to maintain quality learning and personalised guidance.
Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Implement robust assessment strategies aligned with the course learning outcomes.
- Maintain clear records of learner progress, feedback, and achievement.
- Centres must facilitate internal quality assurance and participate in ICTQual AB external verification visits.
Health, Safety, and Environment
- Centres must comply with local health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Risk assessments and safety measures should be in place for practical labs, workshops, and industrial visits.
Meeting these requirements ensures that centres provide a professional, structured, and internationally recognised learning experience. It guarantees that learners gain the knowledge, practical skills, and industry readiness necessary for successful careers in petroleum engineering.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to Petroleum Engineering and do not have prior professional experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: Learners enrol at an ICTQual AB approved centre to begin the three-year programme.
- Training: Learners undergo comprehensive theoretical and practical training covering all essential study units.
- Assessment: Completion of assignments, projects, and practical tasks aligned with the course learning outcomes.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all assessments, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Engineering.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For learners who already have relevant work experience in Petroleum Engineering or related fields, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: Professionals with 6 years of relevant experience in petroleum engineering, oilfield operations, drilling, or production may qualify.
- Assessment of Competence: Centres evaluate existing knowledge and skills against the learning outcomes of the programme.
- Evidence Submission: Documentation of work experience, job roles, and responsibilities demonstrating practical competence.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres may conduct a skills gap assessment to ensure familiarity with all course learning outcomes.
- Certification: Learners who successfully demonstrate competence are awarded the Level 6 Diploma without completing the full training programme.