Admissions Open • Year 2026/2027
MSc by Research: 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 (research) |
| Faculty | Faculty of Engineering – Department of Geoscience |
| Duration | 24–48 months FT / 36–72 PT |
| Intakes | January, May, September |
| Accreditation (EAC/BEM, MQA ref) | R3/524/7/0021 (12/29); MQA A8318 |
| Tuition (Total, Malaysian) | RM7,600/yr Eng & Geoscience · RM5,220 Mgmt · RM5,500 IS (Jan 2020 figures, UPDATE) |
Who is this programme for?
For candidates with a relevant bachelor's degree (CGPA 2.75+, or lower with internal assessment/work experience) who want to research subsurface and reservoir geoscience — spanning seismic and non-seismic methods, basin analysis, carbonate reservoirs, and digital geoscience.
What will I learn, year by year?
Early stage — prerequisite programmes if your background isn't directly relevant, plus research proposal development.
Core stage — specialised research (e.g. seismic interpretation, reservoir characterisation, digital geoscience) using industry tools like PETREL, ArcGIS, PETROMOD, and Hampson-Russell, with PaleoScan/drone-mapping/PETREL certification opportunities along the way.
Final stage — thesis writing, submission, and viva.
Full-time: 2–4 years; part-time: 3–6 years.
Where do graduates work? Name employers and roles
Geoscientist, Data Scientist, Digitalisation specialist, Geo-modeller, Geophysicist.
Industry collaborators named: PETRONAS, Beicip(e), SLB, Halliburton.
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?
Research areas include subsurface imaging, seismic interpretation, basin analysis, petroleum systems, reservoir characterisation, rock physics, carbonate and clastic geology and geophysical methods. Research is supported by UTP's Centre for Subsurface Imaging (CSI) and South-East Asia Clastic & Carbonate Research Laboratory (SEACARL). Programme contact: Dr Numair Ahmed Siddiqui.
Cost & Funding: Which scholarships and aid apply to this programme?
UTP GRA: available to full-time research students, subject to eligibility and grant availability; covers tuition and first-attempt Research Methodology, with a subsistence allowance based on grant affordability.
EPF withdrawal: available to Malaysian full- and part-time research students.
HRDF SBL: applicable where an employer sponsors an employee.
Student Life: What should an applicant to this programme know?
Research students work closely with a supervisor and undertake substantial independent research. Students can access specialist geoscience software, research activities and industry-linked projects. The programme is suitable for those aiming for research, technical specialist or PhD pathways.
Next Intake + Application Deadline
January, May, September. UTP's current Master by Research listing confirms all three intakes. The specific application deadline should be confirmed with UTP Admission for the chosen intake.
Placement or internship route for this programme
January, May, September. UTP's current Master by Research listing confirms all three intakes. The specific application deadline should be confirmed with UTP Admission for the chosen intake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What entry qualifications are needed?
Bachelor’s degree, CGPA 2.75+, or lower with internal assessment/work experience.
What if my background isn't directly in geoscience?
Prerequisite programmes may be required.
What software/tools will I be trained on?
GeoSoftware suite incl. Hampson-Russell, PETREL, ArcGIS, PETROMOD, PaleoScan, and IGI’s Geochemical Software, plus drone-mapping certification.
FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Programme Lead
More than 70% of UTP students receive financial sponsorship, study loans, or merit scholarships from PETRONAS, governmental bodies, or corporate partners.
Program Leader, MSc by Research: Petroleum Geoscience
Dr Numair Ahmed Siddiqui
numair.siddiqui@utp.edu.my (+6053687333)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE
Academic Executive
Mr. Elmi Johar Bin Abdul Rahman
elmi.rahman@utp.edu.my (+6053687434)
Target: Straight A SPM / IGCSE