MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology
There is no doubt that people are going to be dependent on oil-based transport fuels and chemical products for the foreseeable future. Those employed in this industry are challenged with an ever-increasing need to improve the efficiency of their processes. This MSc is taught in collaboration with KBC, drawing on their great expertise in the area.
Refining capacity for the upgrading of heavy oil is set to increase over the coming years, with many new units planned or under construction. The petrochemical industry as a whole is facing a major demographic challenge, as the average age of those with engineering expertise is increasing. As a result of these factors there is a growing shortage of fresh engineers with relevant skills in this business area.
This programme aims to address this problem by supplying modules that are highly relevant to the effective operation and management of refineries and downstream petrochemical plant. As well as possessing excellent technical skills, the modern downstream engineer requires economic and business skills, augmented by skills in leadership and management.
This MSc addresses all three skillsets. This part-time MSc is taught in collaboration with KBC Process Technology Ltd, a world-leading consultancy in the field with many years of training experience. The delivery style is based on short, one-week intensive modules designed to suit professionals who are looking to gain MSc credits for continuous professional development (CPD).
Entry standards
A good first degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent.
Practitioners with suitable qualifications and relevant experience in engineering, science or technology are also welcome to apply.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - structure and modules
Module Titles
Modules
- Production Optimisation 1
- Production Optimisation 2
- Maintenance, Reliability and Safety
- Energy Optimisation and Hydrocarbon Loss Minimisation
- Production Information and Control
- Continuous Improvement
- Capital Project Development
- Leadership, Management and Human Performance
- Research Project
Module Overview
The full programme comprises eight taught modules and a research project. Each taught module will involve preparatory reading, attendance at the University for five days of tuition and a work-based assignment to be submitted for assessment post-tuition.
The research project would normally be conducted at the company and would be directly relevant to the employer’s business, whilst also meeting the University’s standards for an MSc thesis. All work-based information will remain confidential. The MSc thesis will remain confidential and unpublished for up to ten years if required.
Production Optimisation 1
This module provides you with an understanding of oil and product market economics, the key global crude, feedstock and product flows, global supply and demand of crude and products, along with other key determinants such as transportation routes and costs, and the evolution of petroleum product quality specifications.
Production Optimisation 2
This module provides you with an overview of the typical technologies employed in oil refining, petrochemical production and lubricant manufacturing facilities.
Maintenance, Reliability and Safety
This module brings together effective maintenance strategies and process safety through description of predictive and preventive maintenance processes, routine maintenance scheduling best practices using a risk management approach, and major plant turnaround plan development and execution.
Energy Optimisation and Hydrocarbon Loss Minimisation
This module explores effective tools and methods to support benchmarking and optimising plant energy consumption and measuring, reporting and reducing environmental impact.
Production Information and Control
This module addresses key features of these systems, presents best practices in the definition of model-based performance monitoring systems and explores the fundamentals of advanced and multivariable control systems. Direct experience of these concepts is provided through hands-on use of process simulation.
Continuous Improvement
This module provides you with the tool-kit and methodology to develop continuous improvement strategies and implement them within their plant.
Capital Project Development
This module explains effective capital project development processes, best practices and tools, and examines the impact of applying these on project financial returns and risk mitigation.
Leadership, Management and Human Performance
This module examines key leadership and management strategies required for safe and profitable plant operation and performance. Key skills are developed using dynamic teaching methods, including a hands-on pilot plant exercise that enables individuals to apply these best practices within a realistic operating environment.
Research Project
The research project is based on industrial implementation of any aspect of the taught modules, or a piece of conventional research on a topic allied to the programme. This will be conducted away from the University. Guidance during the project is available by contact with experienced tutors. The research project will be undertaken after completion of all the taught modules.
Programme structure
The MSc degree is awarded for the successful completion of all modules and a research project. Postgraduate Certificates can be awarded for successful completion of any four taught modules. Alternatively a Postgraduate diploma can be awarded for successful completion of all eight taught modules.
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - entry standards
Entry standards
A good first degree in chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or equivalent.
Practitioners with suitable qualifications and relevant experience in engineering, science or technology are also welcome to apply.
English language requirements
Non-native speakers of English will normally be required to have IELTS 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 6.0 in each component (or equivalent).
Please note that the University of Surrey offers English language programmes and is also an IELTS Test Centre.
Start date
Flexible
Programme Director
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - fees and funding
Fees
Petroleum Downstream Technology (full time):
UK/EU - £5,740
Overseas - £14,830
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - professional context
Industry Links
The MSc in Petroleum Downstream Technology prepares individuals to meet the challenges faced by the industry, including increased adaptability to feedstock quality variation, improvements to operational efficiency and compliance with ever-tightening product quality specifications, emissions constraints and safety legislation.
The great strength of the programme stems from the synergistic collaboration between KBC and the Chemical Engineering Department at the University of Surrey. KBC is a well established independent consultancy and provider of services to the refining and petrochemical industry with many years of experience. Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey is renowned for its excellence in teaching and research, and has a current portfolio of full-time MSc courses running in this area. The collaboration with KBC brings with it the flexibility and focus of one-week intensive tuition by qualified and experienced tutors from KBC and the University.
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - teaching
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - learning
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - graduate profile
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - more
About Chemical Engineering at the University of Surrey
The University of Surrey has a long tradition of excellence in teaching Chemical Engineering, and has supplied many graduates and postgraduates to the refining and petrochemical industries. The majority of academic staff has first hand experience of working in this sector. The Chemical Engineering department at Surrey enjoys a reputation as a leader in the teaching of transferable skills, with innovative use of pilot plant facilities to develop team-working, leadership, problem solving, communication and negotiation skills.
About KBC
KBC Advanced Technologies plc, a leading independent consulting, process engineering and software group, delivers improved operating performance to the oil refining, petrochemical, and other process industries worldwide. It provides process consulting, strategic planning advice, energy price forecasting and market analysis, economic studies, capital project services, and training to help clients achieve their business objectives and improve their competitive position. KBC’s human performance improvement division provides organizational effectiveness services, training programs, operations manuals, and personnel development services. KBC consultants recommend changes to operations to deliver material and measurable improvements in profitability. To assist clients in realizing such improvements, KBC provides implementation services and software solutions, including the KBC SIM models and Petro-SIM™ for process optimization, and their energy optimization software packages. Formed in 1979, KBC has offices in the UK, USA, Canada, Singapore, the Netherlands, Russia, China, and Japan.
Other Programmes You May Be Interested In
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- Process Systems Engineering
MSc Petroleum Downstream Technology - apply
You can apply for this programme online using the link(s) below. We recommend making an application as soon as you can, even if you do not have all the necessary supporting information ready at that time.
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Start date
Flexible
Programme length
Minimum recommended time for completion of the MSc is three years, (based on four modules per year plus a research project in the third year). The maximum time for completion is six years.
Programme Director
For general enquiries
T: 0800 980 3200 or
+44 (0)1483 681681
E: pg-enquiries@surrey.ac.uk
For admissions enquiries
T: +44 (0)1483 682357
E: kbcunis@kbcat.com