The ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Geoscience is an advanced professional qualification designed for learners seeking to specialize in petroleum exploration, reservoir characterization, and geoscientific applications in the energy sector. This program integrates geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering, and petroleum economics to provide a comprehensive foundation for careers in petroleum exploration and production.
Delivered across 36 mandatory units, the diploma spans three years of study and blends theoretical knowledge with practical applications in exploration, drilling, reservoir modelling, seismic interpretation, and sustainable energy practices. Learners also develop advanced research, technical communication, and leadership skills to meet the challenges of today’s evolving energy industry.
Graduates are prepared to take on specialized technical and managerial roles in petroleum geoscience, reservoir management, drilling operations, and energy transition projects worldwide.
Course Overview
This qualification, the ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Geoscience, consists of 36 mandatory units.
Year 1 – Foundation in Petroleum Geoscience
- Principles of Geology and Earth Sciences
- Introduction to Petroleum Exploration
- Mineralogy and Petrology
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Geophysical Methods in Exploration
- Introduction to Reservoir Engineering
- Drilling Operations Fundamentals
- Petroleum Fluid Properties
- Geoscience Data Collection Techniques
- Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness
- Scientific Report Writing
- Introduction to Geospatial Technology
Year 2 – Intermediate Petroleum Geoscience
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Advanced Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Reservoir Characterisation and Modelling
- Petrophysics and Well Logging
- Seismic Interpretation and Geophysics
- Drilling Fluid and Wellbore Stability
- Production Systems and Flow Mechanics
- Hydrocarbon Exploration Techniques
- Risk Assessment and Project Management
- Environmental Impact and Sustainability
- GIS Applications in Petroleum Geoscience
- Technical Communication and Data Analysis
Year 3 – Advanced Petroleum Geoscience
- Advanced Reservoir Simulation
- Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques
- Petroleum Economics and Project Evaluation
- Exploration Strategy and Field Development
- Advanced Geophysics and Seismic Modelling
- Subsurface Fluid Flow and Reservoir Dynamics
- Drilling Design and Well Planning
- Petroleum Laboratory Techniques
- Energy Transition and Sustainable Practices
- Research Methods in Geoscience
- Capstone Project in Petroleum Geoscience
- Professional Development and Leadership in Energy
Learning Outcomes – ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Geoscience
Year 1 – Foundation in Petroleum Geoscience
1. Principles of Geology and Earth Sciences
- Understand the formation and structure of the Earth.
- Explain the rock cycle, plate tectonics, and geological time scale.
- Apply geological principles to petroleum exploration.
2. Introduction to Petroleum Exploration
- Identify stages of petroleum exploration.
- Recognize hydrocarbon systems and accumulation processes.
- Apply exploration concepts to real-world petroleum projects.
3. Mineralogy and Petrology
- Identify and classify common minerals and rocks.
- Understand mineral properties relevant to petroleum systems.
- Apply petrological analysis to reservoir characterization.
4. Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Explain depositional environments and sedimentary processes.
- Interpret stratigraphic sequences and their petroleum significance.
- Apply sedimentology in basin analysis.
5. Geophysical Methods in Exploration
- Understand seismic, gravity, and magnetic survey techniques.
- Apply geophysical methods to subsurface mapping.
- Evaluate data to support exploration decisions.
6. Introduction to Reservoir Engineering
- Define reservoir properties such as porosity and permeability.
- Explain hydrocarbon flow within reservoirs.
- Apply basic reservoir engineering concepts to exploration projects.
7. Drilling Operations Fundamentals
- Recognize drilling rig components and functions.
- Explain drilling techniques and safety practices.
- Apply operational knowledge to well planning.
8. Petroleum Fluid Properties
- Understand oil, gas, and water properties in reservoirs.
- Apply PVT (Pressure, Volume, Temperature) concepts.
- Evaluate fluid behavior during production.
9. Geoscience Data Collection Techniques
- Apply field and laboratory data collection methods.
- Interpret geological and geophysical datasets.
- Present collected data in structured formats.
10. Health, Safety, and Environmental Awareness
- Apply HSE standards in petroleum operations.
- Identify workplace hazards in exploration and drilling.
- Implement sustainable practices in geoscience projects.
11. Scientific Report Writing
- Apply technical writing skills to geoscience projects.
- Organize and present data effectively.
- Produce professional reports for decision-making.
12. Introduction to Geospatial Technology
- Understand GIS applications in petroleum projects.
- Apply mapping techniques to reservoir and exploration studies.
- Use spatial data for decision-making.
Year 2 – Intermediate Petroleum Geoscience
13. Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Analyze folds, faults, and tectonic structures.
- Apply structural geology to hydrocarbon traps.
- Interpret tectonic regimes affecting petroleum systems.
14. Advanced Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Classify basin types and evolution.
- Apply basin analysis to hydrocarbon prospecting.
- Evaluate petroleum potential of different sedimentary basins.
15. Reservoir Characterisation and Modelling
- Apply static and dynamic reservoir modelling techniques.
- Analyze reservoir heterogeneity and properties.
- Interpret modelling results for field development.
16. Petrophysics and Well Logging
- Understand well logging principles.
- Interpret log data for lithology and fluid content.
- Apply petrophysical evaluation to reservoir assessment.
17. Seismic Interpretation and Geophysics
- Interpret seismic data for subsurface structures.
- Apply geophysical methods to reservoir imaging.
- Evaluate seismic attributes for exploration projects.
18. Drilling Fluid and Wellbore Stability
- Classify drilling fluids and their properties.
- Apply fluid systems for wellbore stability.
- Evaluate drilling fluid performance in operations.
19. Production Systems and Flow Mechanics
- Explain surface and subsurface production systems.
- Understand flow mechanics of oil and gas.
- Apply production principles to field operations.
20. Hydrocarbon Exploration Techniques
- Compare different exploration techniques.
- Apply geoscience tools in prospect evaluation.
- Evaluate success factors in exploration projects.
21. Risk Assessment and Project Management
- Identify and assess risks in petroleum projects.
- Apply risk mitigation strategies.
- Use project management principles in exploration.
22. Environmental Impact and Sustainability
- Assess environmental risks of petroleum projects.
- Apply mitigation and remediation techniques.
- Promote sustainability in geoscience operations.
23. GIS Applications in Petroleum Geoscience
- Use GIS software in petroleum projects.
- Apply spatial analysis in exploration and reservoir studies.
- Integrate GIS with geological and geophysical data.
24. Technical Communication and Data Analysis
- Communicate technical results effectively.
- Apply data visualization tools.
- Present findings to technical and non-technical audiences.
Year 3 – Advanced Petroleum Geoscience
25. Advanced Reservoir Simulation
- Apply advanced reservoir modelling techniques.
- Simulate fluid flow in complex reservoirs.
- Evaluate production forecasts using simulation.
26. Enhanced Oil Recovery Techniques
- Identify different EOR methods.
- Apply EOR strategies to maximize recovery.
- Evaluate field case studies for EOR success.
27. Petroleum Economics and Project Evaluation
- Understand financial evaluation of petroleum projects.
- Apply economic models to investment decisions.
- Assess project feasibility and profitability.
28. Exploration Strategy and Field Development
- Design exploration strategies for hydrocarbon fields.
- Apply planning tools for field development.
- Evaluate strategies for optimal resource utilization.
29. Advanced Geophysics and Seismic Modelling
- Apply advanced geophysical techniques.
- Interpret seismic modelling data.
- Evaluate seismic attributes for field development.
30. Subsurface Fluid Flow and Reservoir Dynamics
- Model fluid movement in reservoirs.
- Apply reservoir dynamics to production optimization.
- Evaluate multiphase flow challenges.
31. Drilling Design and Well Planning
- Apply well design principles.
- Plan drilling operations effectively.
- Evaluate drilling risks and optimization techniques.
32. Petroleum Laboratory Techniques
- Conduct laboratory tests on rock and fluid samples.
- Apply experimental results to reservoir evaluation.
- Ensure accuracy and reliability of lab data.
33. Energy Transition and Sustainable Practices
- Understand global energy transition trends.
- Apply sustainable practices in petroleum operations.
- Evaluate renewable integration with petroleum industry.
34. Research Methods in Geoscience
- Apply qualitative and quantitative research methods.
- Collect and analyze research data.
- Produce structured research reports in geoscience.
35. Capstone Project in Petroleum Geoscience
- Integrate knowledge from all units into a final project.
- Demonstrate independent research and problem-solving.
- Present professional project outcomes.
36. Professional Development and Leadership in Energy
- Develop leadership and management skills.
- Apply career planning strategies in energy sector.
- Demonstrate professionalism and ethical conduct.
Course Benefits of ICTQual AB Level 6 International Diploma in Petroleum Geoscience
- Develops strong technical and practical expertise in petroleum geoscience.
- Provides industry-relevant knowledge of exploration, drilling, and reservoir engineering.
- Enhances skills in seismic interpretation, petrophysics, and data analysis.
- Builds competence in petroleum economics and project evaluation.
- Offers practical training in GIS, geospatial, and simulation tools.
- Strengthens professional communication, leadership, and teamwork skills.
- Emphasizes sustainable practices and energy transition strategies.
- Equips learners with global career opportunities in oil and gas.
After completing this course, learners can progress in the following ways:
- Further Studies – MSc or Level 7 qualifications in Petroleum Engineering, Energy Management, Reservoir Engineering, or Earth Sciences.
- Professional Careers – Petroleum Geoscientist, Exploration Geologist, Reservoir Engineer, Drilling Specialist, Wellsite Geologist, or Petroleum Economist.
- Leadership Roles – Positions in energy companies, consulting firms, or research institutions.
- Specialized Certification – Industry certifications in Well Control, Seismic Interpretation, or Reservoir Simulation.
- Sustainability Pathways – Transition into careers in renewable energy integration and environmental management in the energy sector.
