Master of Science (Petroleum Geology & Geophysics)

Nominal Length

2 years (full-time)/ 4 years (part-time).

Type

Research program comprising coursework (5 months) and a research project written up as an externally-examined thesis (~ 19 months).

Potential Applicants

Geoscientists with a first degree who wish to

• obtain a higher qualification;
• specialise in an area of petroleum geology and/or geophysics;
• convert from another area of geoscience;
• perform applied research in petroleum geoscience.

A Masters degree is the standard entry-level qualification for employment in the petroleum industry outside Australia.

Prerequisite Qualifications

Applicants normally require:

• either a first or upper second class Australian B.Sc.(Honours) degree (4 years), or recognized overseas equivalent, majoring in geology and/or geophysics,
• or a credit-average Australian B.Sc. degree (3 years) or recognized overseas equivalent, majoring in geology and/or geophysics, coupled with at least one year of relevant experience in the petroleum industry.

Coursework

Students take all or part of the ASP Geoscience coursework curriculum. Full-time students will normally complete the required coursework prior to commencing their research project. Exemptions will be granted from particular courses where a student is judged to have a satisfactory understanding of the course material at the required level either from previous studies or from practical experience in the topic. The courses to be taken by each student will be determined following discussion with School staff upon enrolment.

Research Project and Thesis

The major portion of a student's candidature is devoted to a research project, which typically takes between 12 and 24 months to complete. A student's candidacy is only confirmed upon approval of a research proposal for their project. Research projects are generally sponsored by petroleum companies or government agencies, either directly or through research consortia or grants managed by ASP staff members. The data and/or results can be protected by confidentiality agreements if necessary. Students will have at least one academic supervisor and, where appropriate, an industry supervisor from the sponsor company, for their project. They may be given opportunities to present their work in papers and posters at conferences. The completed project must be documented in a thesis, which is submitted for examination.

Intake dates

One intake only per year, in early February, to synchronise with the start of the Geoscience coursework curriculum. An alternative starting time may be permitted under certain circumstances. Students who have already taken the coursework as part of the ASP BSc (Honours) or Graduate Certificate program may enrol at any agreed time.

Assessment

Students must pass both the coursework and thesis requirements to be awarded the degree, and a formal review of progress is made in October each year.

Coursework assessments are based on a combination of written and oral examinations and the marking of practical exercises. Results for individual topics are weighted according to the length of the course to arrive at an average coursework mark.

The thesis is assessed by two examiners external to the University, who may make recommendations ranging from immediate acceptance of the thesis, to acceptance subject to various levels of amendment, through to rejection.

Cost

The tuition fees for this program depend on citizenship status.

• Australian and New Zealand citizens and Australian permanent residents - no tuition fees within the nominal completion time for the program.
• All other students (except International students) - tuition fees are charged (AUD 26,000 per year for 2009).

As these figures and conditions may change, interested students should make enquiries concerning fees to the student administration section of the university.

Scholarships and Project Support

Scholarships & Additional Information for Overseas Applicants

Applications

Application Form for Australian citizens and permanent residents.
Application form for citizens of other countries.
Referee's Report Form

Please note the deadlines for receipt of applications from candidates to enable enrolment at the normal commencement time for the program (late January).

• Australian citizens and Australian permanent residents
  • 31 October, if applying for a Government or University Scholarship
  • 01 December otherwise
• All other applicants
  • 31 August, if applying for a Government or University Scholarship
  • 01 October otherwise. This is a guideline only, and international students are encouraged to apply as early as possible to ensure sufficient time for visa formalities to be completed before the start of the course.

More Information

• Academic Program Rules
• Australian School of Petroleum Contact details