Kazan (Volga Region) Federal University: Master's Degree in double degrees Petroleum Engineering

KFU in cooperation with Imperial College London, PAO «Rosneft and BP have announced the recruitment of dual Petroleum Engineering degrees for the Master's degree program.

Higher education in the oil and gas sector always includes specialized disciplines in the field of professional practice, and obtaining a master's degree clearly demonstrates the fundamental level of mastery of the subject. The prestige and solidity of such an education will undoubtedly betray the receipt of two diplomas in the field of "Petroleum Engineering" from Kazan Federal University and Imperial College London. The program is implemented on the initiative and support of the two largest oil companies Rosneft and BP.

"We have been working with BP for many years. At first, these were individual meetings, then research grants from the company. A year ago, thanks to the efforts and efforts of the staff of the Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies, we became the basic university of Rosneft. This was a recognition that the scientific research conducted here is in demand by large, budget-forming enterprises. Today we are witnessing the opening of a major joint educational program.  I am grateful to our partners and consider this the beginning of a long journey together. Two years is a long time, and I hope that all the grant recipients will reach the finish line and thus gain the opportunity to advance their careers," said the rector of Kazan Federal University. Ilshat Gafurov.

When declaring himself as a candidate for the Petroleum Engineering Master's degree, the applicant must submit the documents using instructions on the official program page. The selection of applicants will take place quite strictly in several stages, including a correspondence assessment of the documents submitted by applicants, face-to-face testing and an interview with representatives of Rosneft and BP. The first year of study will be held in Kazan, and the second in London. At Imperial College, the focus will be on geological exploration, calculating subsurface reserves, optimizing development and working in group projects. Training in English will be conducted by international specialists, in this regard, special attention will be paid to language proficiency at the Upper-Intermediate level. As for the basic requirements, first of all, attention will be paid to candidates who have demonstrated academic success during their studies. According to the terms of cooperation with the university, the world-renowned "oil giants" will cover the costs of tuition and accommodation in Kazan and London, as well as the organization of production practices during training. for 10 students. While receiving their education, the masters of this program will be able to find themselves in any field related to the development of oil and gas fields.

Much attention will be paid to practical classes for students who will be able to travel to deposits and geological sites. As part of the program, undergraduates will see firsthand how oil development and production are conducted in different countries.

«We see that this program is quite promising, and its level is very high. An agreement will be concluded with the recruited group of undergraduates on their further employment in Rosneft subsidiaries. Each of them will be involved in the company's most ambitious projects, including abroad. Due to the fact that the diploma of Imperial College London is quoted in oil companies from all over the world, its holder will be in demand in any country.", – The Vice Rector for Scientific Activities of KFU spoke about the prospects of the educational project. Danis Nurgaliev.

"This double degree program is unique for the Russian Federation. The training course will last 2 years, and leading specialists from Kazan Federal University, Imperial College London, as well as specialists from oil companies that are our partners will take part in its implementation. In addition, students will get to know the oil and gas industry directly. During the first year, using the example of the development and operation of deposits in our country. During their second year of study in London, they will have field practice at the facilities of foreign companies. In general, in addition to strong fundamental training, they will receive good practical skills.",- he talked about the basis of the program "Petroleum Engineering" her supervisor from the KFU Mikhail Varfolomeev, Head of the Department of the Institute of Geology and Oil and Gas Technologies.

The history of the opening of this program began with a competition announced by BP for the best program with the participation of leading foreign universities. Kazan Federal University won it. BP has decided to allocate financial resources to support the joint Master's degree program proposed by KFU with Imperial College London. Rosneft Oil Company has become another partner”. The company's management took the initiative to participate in the implementation and support of this project.

Imperial College London, being a key partner of Kazan University, has been leading the world rankings for many years as one of the best high-tech technical universities in the world. This educational institution pays special attention to the practical application of scientific and engineering knowledge in industry, develops the concept of education using interdisciplinary connections and organizes joint work with other educational institutions in the oil and gas sector, including KFU.  Having completed their education in a joint program with Imperial College London, undergraduates become representatives of a developed multinational community of students and teachers from all over the world. The college's convenient location in South Kensington will give students the opportunity not only to get a first-class degree, but also to enjoy the student life of vibrant London.

"In addition to basic knowledge, students will acquire the ability to analyze deposits comprehensively, while at the same time understanding the essence of each of the processes that play an important role at various stages of field development. Much emphasis will be placed on the geological, hydrodynamic and geomechanical modeling of deposits, as well as on the issues of digitalization of oil and gas production.",– he talked about the knowledge of the "first necessity" Rustam Zinyukov, one of the teaching staff of the program.

Comprehensive field analysis, production optimization, and methods of enhanced oil recovery are far from the entire list of areas for the development of a double degree program. The masters will have to solve a wide range of tasks, including core and reservoir fluid research, development modeling, participation in real projects with oil companies, and much more. To find answers to their questions, young specialists will use an interdisciplinary approach, which colleagues from KFU and PJSC NK Rosneft know firsthand. Moreover, the opportunities that KFU's cooperation with this corporation implies include the fruitful work of strategic partners in the field of scientific and innovative activities, as well as joint training of personnel. For example, holding Rosneft Days may well serve as a good example of a bright start of joint projects and reaching a new level of interaction.

As for the second strategic partner of KFU, BP the active development of business contacts with them has been going on for several years. The double degree program has become a new milestone in the university's cooperation with this oil and gas corporation.  For example, according to an established tradition, students and young scientists of KFU become holders of scholarships and grants from BP aimed at supporting their research projects.

The good traditions of cooperation will continue in the near future: students, teachers and leading specialists of companies whose research interests lie in the field of oil production will participate in the program.

Contacts: Department of Development and Exploitation of deposits of hard-to-recover hydrocarbons IGiNGT KFU 88432337953.