Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
PhD: Petroleum Geoscience
PETRONAS built a university because it needed leaders who can challenge the standard. UTP is Malaysia’s top-ranked private university — discover hands-on engineering, science and computing programs tailored for industry 4.0.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Level | Postgraduate (PhD) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Science, Management & Computing – Department of Geoscience |
| Duration | 36–96 months FT / 48–120 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September. |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | R3/0532/8/0001 (12/27); MQA Ref: A8319. EAC/BEM not listed |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM12,200/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM8,600 Mgmt · RM8,000 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For candidates with a Master's degree (or equivalent) who want to pursue advanced research in subsurface and reservoir geoscience — spanning rock physics, seismic and non-seismic methods, basin analysis, carbonate studies, subsurface storage, and digital geoscience.
What will I learn, year by year?
Year 1 — literature review, proposal defence, and prerequisite programmes if your background needs strengthening.
Years 2–3+ — specialised research (e.g. seismic interpretation, reservoir characterisation, digital geoscience) using industry tools like PETREL, ArcGIS, PETROMOD, Hampson-Russell, with PaleoScan/drone mapping certification along the way.
Final year — thesis writing, submission, and viva voce.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
Postdoctoral Researcher, Lecturer, Research Scientist, Consultant, Product Development Specialist, Innovation Specialist.
One thing that makes it different at UTP
Hands-on training and certification in industry-standard software (PETREL, ArcGIS, PETROMOD, Hampson-Russell, PaleoScan, drone mapping) alongside direct research ties to PETRONAS, SLB, Halliburton, and Beicip.
The Research Behind It: Which area, centre and academics?
Areas: rock physics, advanced seismic technology, non-seismic methods, basin analysis, reservoir characterisation, carbonate studies, subsurface storage, digital geoscience. No named research centre stated.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
GA: available to eligible full-time PhD research students; covers tuition and first-attempt Research Methodology, with RM3,000 monthly stipend. Students remain responsible for specified fees including annual resource/semester fee, viva and registration. GRA: available subject to research-grant funding. EPF withdrawal is also available to eligible Malaysian research students.
Student life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
This is a research-intensive doctorate rather than a taught programme. Students may use specialist geoscience software and pursue a research attachment opportunity as per project. UTP operates three research semesters each year: January, May and September.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
Applications are open throughout the year for postgraduate research. UTP places applicants into the upcoming January, May or September intake based on application timing.
Placement or internship route for this programme
Not mentioned on the page (research degree, not internship-based). GA/GRA positions function as the main "attachment" route via supervisor research projects — confirm with Faculty if this should be framed as a placement route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entry qualifications are needed?
Master’s degree or HEP Senate-approved equivalent.
What if my background isn't directly in geoscience?
Prerequisite programmes may be required, as determined by the HEP.
What software/tools will I be trained on?
GeoSoftware suite incl. Hampson-Russell, PETREL, ArcGIS, PETROMOD, plus PaleoScan and drone mapping certification.