The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control is an advanced qualification designed for individuals aiming to build strong expertise in drilling operations, petroleum exploration, and well control. This program provides learners with the technical, safety, and project management knowledge required to handle drilling projects in both offshore and onshore environments.
The diploma spans 36 mandatory units across three years, covering everything from the principles of drilling, rig operations, and well design to advanced directional drilling, production optimization, crisis management, and strategic leadership. Learners also gain proficiency in digital simulation tools, safety compliance, and sustainable practices, ensuring they are well-prepared for the evolving demands of the oil and gas industry.
Graduates of this course are equipped with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to work in high-responsibility roles within drilling operations, well control, and petroleum engineering, both regionally and internationally.
Course Overview
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation in Drilling & Well Control
- Principles of Drilling & Well Control
- Introduction to Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Drilling Rig Components and Operations
- Construction Materials and Methods in Drilling Projects
- Drilling Fluids and Wellbore Stability
- Project Planning and Scheduling in Drilling Operations
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness in Drilling
- Communication and Stakeholder Management in Drilling Projects
- Digital Tools and Simulation Software in Drilling
- Financial Management in Drilling Projects
- Quality Assurance and Control in Well Operations
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Drilling
Year 2 – Intermediate Drilling & Well Control Practices
- Advanced Drilling Techniques and Directional Drilling
- Well Design and Engineering Principles
- Pressure Control and Well Control Methods
- Casing, Cementing, and Well Completion Techniques
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Drilling Projects
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Drilling Operations
- Leadership and Team Management in Drilling Projects
- Offshore and Onshore Operations Management
- Sustainability and Environmental Management in Drilling
- Project Monitoring and Reporting in Drilling Projects
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Well Operations
- Communication and Negotiation Skills in Drilling Projects
Year 3 – Advanced Drilling & Well Control and Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Project Management in Drilling Operations
- Advanced Well Engineering and Production Optimisation
- Reservoir and Formation Evaluation for Drilling Projects
- Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Drilling
- Advanced Risk and Crisis Management in Well Control
- Contract Management and Legal Compliance in Drilling Projects
- Leadership in Drilling and Well Control Operations
- Advanced Project Control and Performance Measurement
- Project Governance and Compliance in Well Operations
- Research Methods and Project Analysis in Drilling
- Capstone Project in Drilling & Well Control
- Professional Development and Career Planning
Learning Outcomes – ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control
Year 1 – Foundation in Drilling & Well Control
- Principles of Drilling & Well Control
- Understand the fundamentals of drilling processes.
- Recognize the principles of well control and safety.
- Apply basic drilling practices in field operations.
- Introduction to Petroleum Exploration and Production
- Identify the stages of petroleum exploration.
- Understand production systems in oil & gas.
- Relate exploration activities to drilling operations.
- Drilling Rig Components and Operations
- Recognize the main components of drilling rigs.
- Explain the functions of rig equipment.
- Demonstrate understanding of rig operations.
- Construction Materials and Methods in Drilling Projects
- Identify materials used in drilling projects.
- Apply construction methods to drilling infrastructure.
- Ensure compliance with material standards.
- Drilling Fluids and Wellbore Stability
- Understand properties of drilling fluids.
- Apply fluid selection for different formations.
- Maintain wellbore stability during operations.
- Project Planning and Scheduling in Drilling Operations
- Apply project planning techniques in drilling.
- Develop drilling schedules and milestones.
- Monitor project performance.
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness in Drilling
- Apply HSE protocols to drilling activities.
- Assess environmental impacts of drilling.
- Promote a culture of safety in projects.
- Communication and Stakeholder Management in Drilling Projects
- Engage stakeholders in drilling projects.
- Apply communication techniques for effective collaboration.
- Resolve conflicts in project teams.
- Digital Tools and Simulation Software in Drilling
- Apply digital simulation software in drilling projects.
- Analyze drilling performance using digital tools.
- Recognize the role of technology in modern drilling.
- Financial Management in Drilling Projects
- Apply financial planning in drilling operations.
- Analyze project costs and expenditures.
- Monitor drilling project budgets.
- Quality Assurance and Control in Well Operations
- Apply QA/QC procedures in drilling projects.
- Ensure compliance with international drilling standards.
- Monitor well performance through inspections.
- Legal and Regulatory Frameworks in Drilling
- Understand legal frameworks in drilling operations.
- Apply regulatory requirements in well control.
- Ensure compliance with safety and environmental laws.
Year 2 – Intermediate Drilling & Well Control Practices
- Advanced Drilling Techniques and Directional Drilling
- Apply directional drilling methods.
- Optimize drilling techniques for efficiency.
- Manage complex drilling operations.
- Well Design and Engineering Principles
- Design wells based on formation conditions.
- Apply engineering principles in well construction.
- Ensure well integrity and safety.
- Pressure Control and Well Control Methods
- Apply pressure control methods in well operations.
- Manage kicks and blowouts safely.
- Use well control equipment effectively.
- Casing, Cementing, and Well Completion Techniques
- Apply casing design for different formations.
- Understand cementing practices in drilling.
- Execute well completion methods.
- Procurement and Supply Chain Management in Drilling Projects
- Manage procurement processes in drilling operations.
- Apply supply chain strategies for equipment and services.
- Monitor vendor performance.
- Risk Assessment and Mitigation in Drilling Operations
- Identify risks in drilling projects.
- Apply mitigation strategies.
- Monitor risk factors during operations.
- Leadership and Team Management in Drilling Projects
- Apply leadership skills in drilling environments.
- Manage multi-disciplinary teams.
- Resolve conflicts in project execution.
- Offshore and Onshore Operations Management
- Differentiate between offshore and onshore operations.
- Apply management strategies for each environment.
- Ensure safety and efficiency in operations.
- Sustainability and Environmental Management in Drilling
- Apply sustainable practices in drilling projects.
- Reduce environmental impact of operations.
- Ensure compliance with environmental standards.
- Project Monitoring and Reporting in Drilling Projects
- Monitor drilling progress against schedules.
- Apply reporting systems for stakeholders.
- Ensure transparency in project management.
- Problem-Solving and Decision-Making in Well Operations
- Apply structured approaches to operational challenges.
- Use data for decision-making.
- Evaluate technical solutions for feasibility.
- Communication and Negotiation Skills in Drilling Projects
- Apply negotiation techniques in drilling contracts.
- Strengthen technical communication.
- Build collaborative stakeholder relationships.
Year 3 – Advanced Drilling & Well Control and Strategic Leadership
- Strategic Project Management in Drilling Operations
- Apply strategic approaches to drilling management.
- Align projects with business goals.
- Manage international drilling portfolios.
- Advanced Well Engineering and Production Optimisation
- Apply advanced well engineering methods.
- Optimize well performance through innovation.
- Monitor production optimization techniques.
- Reservoir and Formation Evaluation for Drilling Projects
- Evaluate reservoir properties for drilling.
- Apply formation evaluation tools.
- Interpret data for well design.
- Innovation and Emerging Technologies in Drilling
- Apply digital and automated technologies.
- Explore advanced drilling equipment.
- Integrate emerging innovations in projects.
- Advanced Risk and Crisis Management in Well Control
- Apply crisis response strategies in well control.
- Manage blowouts and emergencies.
- Ensure resilience in drilling operations.
- Contract Management and Legal Compliance in Drilling Projects
- Manage contracts in drilling projects.
- Apply dispute resolution methods.
- Ensure compliance with global regulations.
- Leadership in Drilling and Well Control Operations
- Lead international drilling teams.
- Promote safety-first leadership.
- Ensure efficiency and accountability.
- Advanced Project Control and Performance Measurement
- Apply advanced monitoring techniques.
- Measure project performance using KPIs.
- Optimize resource utilization.
- Project Governance and Compliance in Well Operations
- Apply governance frameworks to drilling projects.
- Promote accountability and transparency.
- Ensure compliance in well operations.
- Research Methods and Project Analysis in Drilling
- Apply research methodologies to drilling challenges.
- Conduct project performance analysis.
- Prepare professional technical reports.
- Capstone Project in Drilling & Well Control
- Integrate knowledge in a comprehensive drilling project.
- Solve real-world well control challenges.
- Demonstrate professional competence.
- Professional Development and Career Planning
- Develop a career growth plan in drilling engineering.
- Identify professional certifications for advancement.
- Build global networks in the oil & gas sector.
Course Benefits of ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Drilling & Well Control
- Provides in-depth knowledge of drilling engineering and well control.
- Equips learners with advanced skills in rig operations, well design, and completion.
- Strengthens safety, risk management, and crisis handling capabilities.
- Offers expertise in offshore and onshore drilling management.
- Enhances practical skills using digital tools and drilling simulations.
- Develops leadership, project management, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
- Promotes sustainability and environmental responsibility in drilling projects.
- Offers hands-on learning through capstone projects and research.
- Enhances employability in international oil and gas operations.
- Provides professional recognition and global career opportunities.
After completing this course, learners can progress in the following ways:
- Progress to Master’s degrees in Petroleum Engineering, Drilling Engineering, or Energy Management.
- Pursue professional certifications such as IWCF (Well Control), IADC WellSharp, or NEBOSH Oil & Gas Safety.
- Take roles such as Drilling Engineer, Well Control Specialist, Rig Supervisor, or Petroleum Engineer.
- Work in international oil & gas companies, drilling contractors, and government regulatory agencies.
- Advance into strategic leadership positions in well operations and project management.
- Transition into consultancy roles in drilling safety, risk management, and technical innovation.
