ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering
The oil and gas sector remains one of the most dynamic and technically challenging industries worldwide, demanding skilled professionals who can manage complex engineering operations safely and efficiently. The ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering is a two-year, 240-credit programme designed to equip learners with the technical knowledge, practical skills, and professional competencies required to thrive in this critical energy sector.
This internationally recognised qualification covers core areas of oil and gas engineering, including drilling operations, well control, production systems, reservoir engineering, and offshore and onshore facility management. Learners gain expertise in health, safety, and environmental practices, project planning, risk assessment, and equipment maintenance, while also developing strong problem-solving and decision-making skills tailored to the oil and gas environment.
The programme is ideal for fresh learners aspiring to enter the oil and gas industry, as well as for professionals seeking to formalise their expertise and accelerate career progression. Learners develop competencies in operational management, technical analysis, engineering design, and compliance with industry regulations, preparing them for roles in exploration, production, maintenance, and supervisory operations.
Graduates are well-positioned for careers as drilling engineers, production engineers, process engineers, well intervention specialists, or field supervisors. They also gain the skills to implement sustainable and safe engineering practices while utilising advanced digital tools and engineering software to optimise operations.
With its focus on technical excellence, safety, and operational efficiency, the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering empowers learners to meet the evolving challenges of the global energy industry, ensuring they are equipped to contribute effectively to the sustainable and safe extraction and management of oil and gas resources.
Course overview
Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering
To enrol in ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering, learner must meet the following entry requirements:
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering, consists of 24 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation and Core Oil & Gas Engineering Principles
- Principles of Oil and Gas Engineering
- Fundamentals of Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Organisational Structures and Business Environments in Oil and Gas
- Drilling Operations and Well Control Basics
- Leadership and Team Management in Oil and Gas Projects
- Fundamentals of Health, Safety, and Environmental Management
- Introduction to Reservoir Engineering and Production Systems
- Project Planning and Scheduling in Oil and Gas Operations
- Introduction to Financial and Cost Management for Engineering Projects
- Equipment, Materials, and Maintenance Management
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Oil and Gas Engineering
- Professional and Ethical Practice in Oil and Gas Operations
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Oil & Gas Engineering
- Advanced Drilling and Well Intervention Techniques
- Strategic Leadership and Governance in Oil and Gas Projects
- Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering
- Offshore and Onshore Facility Design and Operations
- Advanced Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Cost Control
- Human Resource and Team Management in Engineering Projects
- Risk Assessment, Incident Investigation, and Safety Management
- Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility in Oil and Gas
- Innovation, Technology, and Digital Tools in Oil and Gas Engineering
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance Metrics in Engineering Projects
- Research Methods in Oil and Gas Engineering
- Capstone Project / Applied Oil and Gas Engineering Practice
Learning Outcomes for the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering:
Year 1 – Foundation and Core Oil & Gas Engineering Principles
Principles of Oil and Gas Engineering
- Understand the fundamentals of oil and gas engineering and industry operations.
- Analyse exploration, drilling, production, and processing workflows.
- Recognise the roles and responsibilities of engineers in the energy sector.
- Apply basic technical principles to operational scenarios.
- Examine global energy trends and their impact on engineering practices.
Fundamentals of Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Understand geological, geophysical, and reservoir principles for oil and gas exploration.
- Analyse upstream operations from exploration to production.
- Apply exploration and production techniques to real-world scenarios.
- Evaluate factors affecting well productivity and resource recovery.
- Recognise environmental and safety considerations in production operations.
Organisational Structures and Business Environments in Oil and Gas
- Examine corporate structures within oil and gas companies.
- Understand external and internal factors affecting project performance.
- Analyse business environments, regulations, and market dynamics.
- Explore reporting lines, workflows, and organisational decision-making.
- Evaluate policies and procedures supporting operational efficiency.
Drilling Operations and Well Control Basics
- Understand the principles of drilling operations and well construction.
- Learn techniques for maintaining well control and preventing blowouts.
- Analyse drilling rig components, fluids, and equipment.
- Apply safety standards and operational procedures in drilling scenarios.
- Recognise risk factors and mitigation strategies for drilling activities.
Leadership and Team Management in Oil and Gas Projects
- Develop leadership and team management skills in engineering contexts.
- Understand team dynamics and effective communication practices.
- Delegate tasks and responsibilities efficiently.
- Resolve conflicts and motivate teams for high performance.
- Apply leadership principles to engineering project scenarios.
Fundamentals of Health, Safety, and Environmental Management
- Understand occupational health and safety regulations in oil and gas operations.
- Identify workplace hazards and implement control measures.
- Analyse environmental impact and sustainability requirements.
- Apply safety management systems and emergency response procedures.
- Promote a safety-first culture within teams and operations.
Introduction to Reservoir Engineering and Production Systems
- Understand reservoir characteristics and behaviour.
- Analyse production systems and flow mechanisms.
- Apply basic reservoir engineering principles to optimize extraction.
- Evaluate well performance and production data.
- Recognise technologies supporting efficient production operations.
Project Planning and Scheduling in Oil and Gas Operations
- Apply project planning tools to engineering projects.
- Develop schedules for drilling, production, and maintenance activities.
- Monitor project progress and identify potential delays.
- Allocate resources efficiently for project objectives.
- Evaluate project outcomes against defined goals and timelines.
Introduction to Financial and Cost Management for Engineering Projects
- Understand cost estimation, budgeting, and financial reporting principles.
- Monitor expenses and track project financial performance.
- Analyse cost-benefit scenarios for operational decision-making.
- Apply financial controls to ensure efficient resource utilisation.
- Prepare basic financial reports for stakeholders.
Equipment, Materials, and Maintenance Management
- Understand the role of equipment and materials in oil and gas operations.
- Apply maintenance strategies to ensure operational reliability.
- Analyse life-cycle management and asset performance.
- Plan maintenance schedules and preventive measures.
- Evaluate operational efficiency and resource utilisation.
Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Oil and Gas Engineering
- Develop analytical skills for operational problem-solving.
- Apply engineering principles to decision-making processes.
- Evaluate solutions using risk assessment and feasibility criteria.
- Implement practical strategies in real-world operational scenarios.
- Review outcomes and refine approaches to optimise performance.
Professional and Ethical Practice in Oil and Gas Operations
- Understand professional standards and ethical responsibilities in engineering.
- Apply ethical decision-making in project and operational contexts.
- Recognise the importance of transparency, accountability, and integrity.
- Maintain compliance with regulatory and organisational requirements.
- Promote professional conduct within teams and stakeholder interactions.
Year 2 – Advanced Applications and Strategic Oil & Gas Engineering
Advanced Drilling and Well Intervention Techniques
- Analyse advanced drilling techniques and well intervention operations.
- Apply best practices for maintaining well integrity and productivity.
- Evaluate complex drilling scenarios and troubleshooting methods.
- Implement safety and risk mitigation strategies in advanced operations.
- Optimise operational efficiency using modern drilling technologies.
Strategic Leadership and Governance in Oil and Gas Projects
- Develop strategic leadership skills for large-scale projects.
- Implement governance frameworks to ensure compliance and efficiency.
- Lead cross-functional teams in complex operational environments.
- Formulate policies and procedures for project oversight.
- Evaluate organisational performance and strategic decision-making.
Advanced Reservoir and Production Engineering
- Analyse reservoir performance and production optimisation techniques.
- Apply advanced modelling tools to predict production behaviour.
- Implement strategies for enhanced oil recovery.
- Monitor production systems and troubleshoot operational challenges.
- Integrate reservoir data into decision-making processes.
Offshore and Onshore Facility Design and Operations
- Understand engineering principles for offshore and onshore facilities.
- Analyse facility design, layout, and operational workflow.
- Apply safety and environmental standards in facility operations.
- Plan maintenance, monitoring, and inspection procedures.
- Optimise facility performance and operational efficiency.
Advanced Financial Planning, Budgeting, and Cost Control
- Develop detailed budgets for projects and operations.
- Monitor and control expenditures and financial performance.
- Apply cost forecasting and financial risk management strategies.
- Analyse investment and operational decision scenarios.
- Prepare reports to support strategic financial planning.
Human Resource and Team Management in Engineering Projects
- Lead and manage multidisciplinary engineering teams.
- Plan workforce allocation for projects and operations.
- Address performance, training, and development needs.
- Foster collaboration and high-performance culture.
- Apply leadership principles to achieve project objectives.
Risk Assessment, Incident Investigation, and Safety Management
- Conduct comprehensive risk assessments for operational activities.
- Investigate incidents and implement corrective measures.
- Analyse hazards and develop preventive strategies.
- Apply safety management systems and compliance procedures.
- Promote a culture of safety and continuous improvement.
Sustainability and Environmental Responsibility in Oil and Gas
- Integrate environmental management into engineering operations.
- Apply sustainability practices in production and facility management.
- Evaluate environmental impact and implement mitigation strategies.
- Promote corporate social responsibility in operations.
- Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and international standards.
Innovation, Technology, and Digital Tools in Oil and Gas Engineering
- Apply digital tools, software, and simulation platforms to engineering tasks.
- Evaluate innovative technologies for operational improvement.
- Implement digital monitoring and automation solutions.
- Analyse data to support operational and strategic decisions.
- Enhance efficiency through technological adoption and modernisation.
Monitoring, Evaluation, and Performance Metrics in Engineering Projects
- Establish performance metrics for projects and operations.
- Monitor and evaluate operational outcomes against targets.
- Analyse key indicators to improve efficiency and productivity.
- Conduct audits and reviews to ensure compliance with standards.
- Report findings to stakeholders and management.
Research Methods in Oil and Gas Engineering
- Conduct research on exploration, production, and operational topics.
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research techniques.
- Analyse data to inform engineering decisions and strategies.
- Prepare professional research reports for operational and academic purposes.
- Evaluate research outcomes to support best practices in engineering.
Capstone Project / Applied Oil and Gas Engineering Practice
- Undertake a comprehensive applied project demonstrating technical competence.
- Integrate engineering principles with operational, financial, and safety management.
- Analyse real-world oil and gas scenarios and propose solutions.
- Present findings and recommendations to professional standards.
- Demonstrate mastery of planning, execution, and evaluation in practical projects.
Graduates of the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering are well-equipped to advance in the global oil and gas sector, taking on technical, operational, and managerial roles across upstream, midstream, and downstream operations.
Professional Roles and Career Opportunities
- Drilling Engineer: Plan and execute drilling operations safely and efficiently, optimising well productivity.
- Production Engineer: Manage production systems, monitor output, and enhance recovery strategies.
- Process Engineer: Oversee process design, equipment operation, and workflow optimisation in oil and gas facilities.
- Well Intervention Specialist: Conduct maintenance, troubleshooting, and well enhancement operations.
- Field Supervisor / Operations Coordinator: Lead teams on-site, ensuring safety, compliance, and operational efficiency.
Sector Specialisations
- Upstream Operations: Exploration, drilling, reservoir engineering, and well control.
- Midstream Operations: Pipeline management, transportation, and storage of hydrocarbons.
- Downstream Operations: Refining, processing, and distribution of petroleum products.
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Management: Focus on regulatory compliance and sustainable practices.
- Digital and Smart Oilfield Technologies: Utilise IoT, digital twins, and advanced monitoring systems for operational efficiency.
Professional Skills Development
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making in engineering contexts.
- Project planning, scheduling, and resource allocation for complex operations.
- Leadership, team management, and cross-functional collaboration.
- Financial planning, cost control, and performance monitoring for oil and gas projects.
- Application of safety, sustainability, and ethical practices in operational environments.
International and Cross-Cultural Opportunities
- Graduates can work on global oil and gas projects, offshore platforms, and international energy initiatives.
- Exposure to international regulations, standards, and operational best practices prepares learners for cross-border roles.
- Opportunities exist in specialised fields such as renewable integration, digital oilfields, and sustainable hydrocarbon management.
Centres delivering the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering must meet strict standards to ensure high-quality education, safety, and professional competence for all learners.
Accreditation and Approval
- Centres must be officially approved by ICTQual AB to deliver the diploma.
- Compliance with ICTQual AB’s quality assurance, audit, and reporting procedures is mandatory.
- Centres must demonstrate the capacity to deliver both theoretical and practical components of oil and gas engineering education.
- Participation in regular audits and external verification ensures ongoing adherence to standards.
- Centres must maintain accurate records of training, assessments, and quality assurance activities.
Qualified Teaching and Assessment Staff
- Trainers and assessors must hold relevant engineering qualifications and professional experience in oil and gas, drilling, production, or related disciplines.
- Staff should have experience in operational management, health and safety, and offshore/onshore engineering projects.
- Assessors must be competent in evaluating portfolios, technical reports, and applied engineering projects.
- Continuous professional development must be provided to ensure staff remain current with industry trends and best practices.
- Trainers must be able to deliver classroom instruction, workshops, field simulations, and project-based learning.
Learning Resources and Facilities
- Centres must provide classrooms, laboratories, simulators, and IT infrastructure.
- Access to digital learning platforms, industry-standard software, and simulation tools is essential.
- Learners should have practical exposure to equipment, machinery, and offshore/onshore operational tools.
- Centres must provide reference materials, industry standards, safety manuals, and technical guides.
- Practical sessions, field visits, and safety workshops must be offered for real-world application.
Assessment and Quality Assurance
- Centres must implement assessment strategies aligned with ICTQual AB standards.
- Internal quality assurance procedures should ensure reliability, consistency, and validity of assessments.
- Learners must receive formative feedback to support development and progression.
- Centres must participate in external verification and audit processes.
- Detailed records of assessments, portfolios, and verification must be maintained for accountability.
Learner Support and Guidance
- Centres must provide guidance on programme structure, learning outcomes, and assessment expectations.
- Academic, pastoral, and technical support must be available throughout the programme.
- Career guidance and employability workshops should be offered to support professional progression.
- Support for digital, analytical, and practical engineering skills is essential.
- Centres must uphold policies on inclusivity, equality, and equal opportunity for all learners.
Route for Candidates with No Experience
This route is ideal for learners who are new to Oil and Gas Engineering and do not have prior work experience. The process is as follows:
- Admission: Learners enrol at an ICTQual AB approved centre to begin the two-year programme.
- Training: Learners complete a structured two-year, 240-credit programme, covering 24 study units. Training includes classroom instruction, simulations, practical workshops, case studies, and online support. Both theoretical concepts and applied engineering practices are emphasised, including drilling, production, safety, finance, and digital tools.
- Assessment: Learners complete written assignments, technical reports, scenario-based tasks, and applied engineering projects. Assessments evaluate technical knowledge, analytical skills, problem-solving, and operational competence. Formative feedback is provided throughout the programme.
- Certification: Upon successful completion of all assessments, learners are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering, recognising technical competence and professional readiness.
Route for Experienced and Competent Candidates
For learners who already have relevant professional experience in Oil and Gas Engineering, the following route is available:
- Eligibility: Learners must demonstrate at least five years of verified professional experience in oil and gas, drilling, production, or related roles. Evidence includes references, project documentation, or operational reports.
- Assessment of Competence: Candidates are not required to complete the full training programme. Centres assess whether the learner’s existing knowledge and skills meet the diploma’s learning outcomes through professional discussions, structured interviews, or portfolio evaluations.
- Evidence Submission: Learners submit portfolios including operational records, project reports, maintenance logs, or safety documentation demonstrating competence. Additional verification may be requested as needed.
- Knowledge and Understanding: Centres may conduct a skills gap analysis and offer short bridging modules to ensure full alignment with learning outcomes.
- Certification: Upon successful verification, candidates are awarded the ICTQual AB Level 5 International Diploma in Oil and Gas Engineering, recognising both practical expertise and academic achievement.
This flexible approach ensures that both new learners and experienced professionals can achieve internationally recognised certification, either through structured learning or formal recognition of existing competence.