School of Mining and Geosciences
School of Mining and Geosciences
School of Mining and Geosciences
Overview
Petroleum Engineering is a field of engineering focused on the exploration and production of oil and natural gas. Petroleum engineers are responsible for extracting hydrocarbon resources from oil and gas reservoirs. They determine the best method for drilling and producing oil and natural gas from a specific well. They oversee drilling operations and resolve any operational issues.
In addition, they search for new methods to improve production and develop new strategies to recover remaining oil and gas from existing wells.
In addition, they search for new methods to improve production and develop new strategies to recover remaining oil and gas from existing wells.
A MSc in Petroleum Engineering is a two-year program in which students gain research experience in hydrocarbon exploration and production, reservoir management, and practical skills needed in petroleum engineering. This program is designed to prepare professional engineers who can design, operate, and manage projects in the oil and gas industry, and it also trains specialists capable of conducting research needed to support and ensure the sustainable development of the oil and gas sector.
Testimonials
Jose Villero-Mandon
Major: MSc in petroleum engineering
Graduation Year: 2024
Graduation Year: 2024
As part of the NU family, I had the chance to grow not only as an engineer but also as a person. Having access to the faculty, facilities, and resources was an incredible opportunity that enriched my journey abroad. The curriculum was rigorous, and the faculty served as exceptional mentors, providing a comprehensive understanding of the Oil & Gas industry. Their passion for teaching and their willingness to challenge us to think critically made a lasting impact on me.
One of the highlights of my experience was spending time with my classmates, especially during coffee breaks at Daily Cup. Kazakh hospitality will always hold a special place in my heart. I am also grateful to the professors, who were experts in their fields and fostered an environment where diverse perspectives were welcomed—a beautiful multicultural approach.
Nazarbayev University also offered incredible opportunities for practical application through internships, research projects, and study abroad programs. I spent one summer in Japan, collaborating with Akita University, then spent over two months with a company focused on consulting for the Oil and Gas industry. I also had the honor of representing the university at the SPE paper contest for the Russia and Caspian region, as well as the international student paper contest at ATCE 2024, where I had three papers published. My time at Nazarbayev University allowed me to grow significantly as an engineer.
My time at Nazarbayev University not only prepared me for the challenges of a globalized world but also gave me lifelong friends—people I can now call family.
One of the highlights of my experience was spending time with my classmates, especially during coffee breaks at Daily Cup. Kazakh hospitality will always hold a special place in my heart. I am also grateful to the professors, who were experts in their fields and fostered an environment where diverse perspectives were welcomed—a beautiful multicultural approach.
Nazarbayev University also offered incredible opportunities for practical application through internships, research projects, and study abroad programs. I spent one summer in Japan, collaborating with Akita University, then spent over two months with a company focused on consulting for the Oil and Gas industry. I also had the honor of representing the university at the SPE paper contest for the Russia and Caspian region, as well as the international student paper contest at ATCE 2024, where I had three papers published. My time at Nazarbayev University allowed me to grow significantly as an engineer.
My time at Nazarbayev University not only prepared me for the challenges of a globalized world but also gave me lifelong friends—people I can now call family.
Aida Sagindykova
Major: MSc in petroleum engineering
Graduation Year: 2022
Graduation Year: 2022
Hello, my name is Aida. I graduated from SMG at NU in 2022 with a major in Petroleum Engineering. The story of how I applied here is quite interesting. I was a teacher at an educational center, helping students prepare for the ENT and IELTS exams. In 2019, we decided to bring the students to NU’s Open Day. When I visited, I fell in love with the campus, especially the library. I thought to myself, ‘OK, I want to study here and be part of NU.’ The following year, I became a student at SMG, pursuing a master’s degree in Petroleum Engineering.
Unfortunately, my studies took place during the quarantine, but despite that, I made great friends, had the best professors, and we had access to the laboratories, which helped us complete our theses and Research Assistant jobs. One of the best things was that we still had an offline graduation ceremony, and I’m very thankful to SMG and NU.
After graduating from NU, I became part of SLB (formerly known as Schlumberger) as a Performance Live Engineer in the Wireline section. I’ve been working at SLB for two years now, and during this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different countries, including the UAE in Abu Dhabi, Kazakhstan in Aksai and Atyrau, and India in two locations—Kakinada and Nazira. Thank you! Bye.
Unfortunately, my studies took place during the quarantine, but despite that, I made great friends, had the best professors, and we had access to the laboratories, which helped us complete our theses and Research Assistant jobs. One of the best things was that we still had an offline graduation ceremony, and I’m very thankful to SMG and NU.
After graduating from NU, I became part of SLB (formerly known as Schlumberger) as a Performance Live Engineer in the Wireline section. I’ve been working at SLB for two years now, and during this time, I’ve had the opportunity to work in different countries, including the UAE in Abu Dhabi, Kazakhstan in Aksai and Atyrau, and India in two locations—Kakinada and Nazira. Thank you! Bye.
Aida Sagindykova
Major: MSc in petroleum engineering
Graduation Year: 2022
Graduation Year: 2022
General information
- Campus: Astana, Kazakhstan
- Language: English
- Delivery mode: Full time, on-campus
- Duration: 2 years
- Total ECTS credit: 120
Program Aims
The program mirrors the mission of the School of Mining and Geosciences by aiming:
- To equip students with the advanced level scientific skills and knowledge needed within the petroleum industry.
- To train engineers to solve complex engineering problems within the petroleum industry using their analytical, intellectual and critical thinking skills.
- To conduct research to expand knowledge and technology to ensure safe, environmentally friendly and economically viable prospection and extraction of hydrocarbons.
Key Advantages
- 95%+ job placement rate within 1–2 months of graduation1
- Work in companies: KazMunaiGas, Schlumberger, Chevron, and more2
- Access to modern labs and industry-standard software for reservoir modeling and well performance analysis.3
- Thesis connected with real industry needs4
- Diverse, supportive academic environment with professors from around the world5
- Opportunities to publish research and present at international conferences6
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of the program students will be able to:
- Apply advanced level scientific, engineering, and technological principles to solve complex problems in the field of petroleum engineering.
- Critically analyze fundamental and current issues in the petroleum industry and propose new hypotheses.
- Analyze and practice how to plan, design, manage and operate hydrocarbon extraction operations.
- Apply available information, technologies and petroleum engineering software tools to accomplish hydrocarbon extraction feasibility studies.
- Define a research problem, develop and implement an appropriate research method to solve it and communicate the results.
- Evaluate and manage the economic, legal, social, ethical and environmental aspect of petroleum industry projects.
- Effectively communicate individually as well as in the team environment.
Offers advanced, specialized training in:
- Reservoir simulation tools
- Geomechanics
- Production optimization
- Enhanced oil recovery
- Data analytics
- Strong focus on research, internships, and industry-ready skills
Curriculum
Handbook
Core modules
The list of core modules
In this course, fluid flow types and mechanisms in the porous media will be discussed. Classifications of flow and descriptions of fluid flow in porous media will be studied. Conservation laws, constitutive relations of fluid flow, and equation of transient fluid flow in porous media will be analyzed in details. Different types of fluid flow such as steady, pseudo-steady, and transient flow in linear, radial and spherical systems will be discussed and analyzed.
Course learning outcomes
1. Classify different types and levels of fluid flow.
2. Apply flow potential, stream functions, and iso-potential lines in porous media.
3. Derive microscopic/macroscopic conservation equations.
4. Develop dispersion-advection equation.
5. Solve diffusion equations for liquid, gas, and multiphase systems.
6. Apply Buckley-Leverett theory/Welge’s method to two phase fluid flow in porous media.
Course learning outcomes
1. Classify different types and levels of fluid flow.
2. Apply flow potential, stream functions, and iso-potential lines in porous media.
3. Derive microscopic/macroscopic conservation equations.
4. Develop dispersion-advection equation.
5. Solve diffusion equations for liquid, gas, and multiphase systems.
6. Apply Buckley-Leverett theory/Welge’s method to two phase fluid flow in porous media.
In this course, fundamental sections of upstream petroleum engineering is introduced. These fundamental subjects will be used in other courses of the program. Fundamental aspects of reservoir and rock properties, reservoir fluid properties and E&P processes will be presented in this course.
Course learning outcomes
1. Evaluate petroleum systems and different processes in E&P.
2. Construct data necessary for reservoir decision-making.
3. Demonstrate the interplay between disciplines in petroleum engineering.
4. Appraise the role of petroleum engineers in the energy transition.
Course learning outcomes
1. Evaluate petroleum systems and different processes in E&P.
2. Construct data necessary for reservoir decision-making.
3. Demonstrate the interplay between disciplines in petroleum engineering.
4. Appraise the role of petroleum engineers in the energy transition.
Review of conventional and contemporary well logging and core analysis methods and technologies. Log and core data interpretation techniques for lithology and hydrocarbon identification and calculation of reservoir parameters, including computerized processing and interpretation. Utilization of well-log and core data in evaluating well performance before, during, and after production of hydrocarbons. Sensitivity of hydrocarbon in place determination to formation evaluation parameters. Regular, special (SCAL), and integrated core-log analysis of formation resistivity, saturation, porosity, and lithology. Lithology and stratigraphy estimations from spectral gamma ray logging, fluid and permeability characterization from nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), and thin bed, stratigraphic, and structural (e.g. fracture) analysis from formation micro-imaging (FMI).
Course learning outcomes
1. Improve reservoir characterization using SCAL and integrated core-log data.
2. Perform formation evaluation with methods such as spectral gamma ray logs, NMR, and FMI.
3. Characterize carbonate, sandstone and shale reservoirs with information derived from various logs.
4. Integrate the log, core and other well data to produce a consistent interpretation of a given reservoir.
Course learning outcomes
1. Improve reservoir characterization using SCAL and integrated core-log data.
2. Perform formation evaluation with methods such as spectral gamma ray logs, NMR, and FMI.
3. Characterize carbonate, sandstone and shale reservoirs with information derived from various logs.
4. Integrate the log, core and other well data to produce a consistent interpretation of a given reservoir.
The main objective of this course is to introduce traditional drilling technologies and basic design parameters such as drilling fluid properties and pressure control. Methods for optimizing drilling operations for special formations will also be analyzed.
Course learning outcomes
1. Apply basic petroleum unit conversions, understanding of drilling rigs and its mechanism, and well control and monitoring system.
2. Conduct experiments to measure drilling fluid and cement slurry rheological properties.
3. Relate fluid properties to the fluid formulation.
4. Calculate pore pressure, fracture pressure.
5. Describe different mathematical models related to drilling hydraulics and drill bit selection and evaluation.
Course learning outcomes
1. Apply basic petroleum unit conversions, understanding of drilling rigs and its mechanism, and well control and monitoring system.
2. Conduct experiments to measure drilling fluid and cement slurry rheological properties.
3. Relate fluid properties to the fluid formulation.
4. Calculate pore pressure, fracture pressure.
5. Describe different mathematical models related to drilling hydraulics and drill bit selection and evaluation.
This course addresses the primary need for graduate students to undertake formal training that will help them in understanding how to conduct their research. The course will develop students’ understanding of research planning and engender skills enhancement for reading, interpreting, writing about and presenting key ideas. The course will also instill an understanding of a variety of research methods and ethics, as well as implementation of appropriate strategies in lecture and workshop settings.
Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the research process, research methodology, research methods, and research ethics.
2. Effectively use modern technology to plan and manage research projects.
3. Effectively apply the research methodology and appropriate research methods to formulate and validate engineering research problems.
4. Critically analyze and evaluate research findings.
5. Effectively employ appropriate communication techniques to summarize, document and present the research results to both specialists or non-specialists.
6. Develop the skills to maintain good working relations in a research team environment.
Course learning outcomes
1. Discuss the research process, research methodology, research methods, and research ethics.
2. Effectively use modern technology to plan and manage research projects.
3. Effectively apply the research methodology and appropriate research methods to formulate and validate engineering research problems.
4. Critically analyze and evaluate research findings.
5. Effectively employ appropriate communication techniques to summarize, document and present the research results to both specialists or non-specialists.
6. Develop the skills to maintain good working relations in a research team environment.
In this course different concepts and methods will be presented to enhance the capability of students to analyze the petroleum production system, design different components, optimize the oil/gas production, and enhance the production from wells.
Course learning outcomes
1. Critically evaluate the production system from reservoir to surface, including Inflow Performance and Outflow Performance Relationships for oil and gas wells.
2. Evaluate well deliverability under different operating conditions.
3. Optimize a production system (select flowlines, tubing size, chokes, sensitivities, etc.) based on IPR and the principles of multiphase flow in wells.
Course learning outcomes
1. Critically evaluate the production system from reservoir to surface, including Inflow Performance and Outflow Performance Relationships for oil and gas wells.
2. Evaluate well deliverability under different operating conditions.
3. Optimize a production system (select flowlines, tubing size, chokes, sensitivities, etc.) based on IPR and the principles of multiphase flow in wells.
Introduction to fundamental concepts in reservoir engineering; Defining reserves; Different methods to estimate oil and gas reserves; Material balance equations for different types of oil and gas reservoirs; Definition and classification of water aquifers and basic concepts for water influx; Well performance behavior and calculation of productivity index; Decline curve analysis; Improved oil recovery methods and Enhanced oil recovery methods.
Course learning outcomes
1. Assess the reservoir characteristics by advanced interpretation for complex reservoir engineering problems.
2. Estimate hydrocarbon originally in place in the reservoir using modern reservoir techniques and tools.
3. Evaluate the reservoir performance using different techniques.
Course learning outcomes
1. Assess the reservoir characteristics by advanced interpretation for complex reservoir engineering problems.
2. Estimate hydrocarbon originally in place in the reservoir using modern reservoir techniques and tools.
3. Evaluate the reservoir performance using different techniques.
Different aspects of reservoirs simulation will be presented and analyzed in this lecture. Governing equations of fluid flow in reservoirs, numerical modeling of them, and solving methods will be discussed by black oil and compositional approaches. Different case studies will be solved by appropriate commercial simulator in lab sessions.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand the importance of reservoir simulation in oil and gas industry.
2. Derive the equations of conservation of mass and momentum and energy balance.
3. Explain the physical laws that govern fluid flow for single-phase and multi-phase flow.
4. Discretize equation systems using finite difference methods and to solve them.
5. Demonstrate ability to build reservoir models to simulate water flooding problems.
6. Develop practical experience through parameter tuning in reservoir simulation studies.
7. Apply reservoir simulation knowledge and skills to more complex case studies.
8. Demonstrate ability to finish a complex reservoir simulation case study using different approaches, analyze results, write a report, and present the results in group of 2 or 3 students (Final Project).
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand the importance of reservoir simulation in oil and gas industry.
2. Derive the equations of conservation of mass and momentum and energy balance.
3. Explain the physical laws that govern fluid flow for single-phase and multi-phase flow.
4. Discretize equation systems using finite difference methods and to solve them.
5. Demonstrate ability to build reservoir models to simulate water flooding problems.
6. Develop practical experience through parameter tuning in reservoir simulation studies.
7. Apply reservoir simulation knowledge and skills to more complex case studies.
8. Demonstrate ability to finish a complex reservoir simulation case study using different approaches, analyze results, write a report, and present the results in group of 2 or 3 students (Final Project).
Master students in petroleum engineering work on their thesis in the second year. In this course, students will work on their research thesis, submit their thesis after successful completion of the work, and present their finding in an oral defence session.
Course learning outcomes
1. State the problem to be solved as a MSc thesis.
2. Analyze similar works in the literature.
3. Design methods to answer to the questions of the thesis.
Course learning outcomes
1. State the problem to be solved as a MSc thesis.
2. Analyze similar works in the literature.
3. Design methods to answer to the questions of the thesis.
Well testing methods are used to estimate parameters of reservoirs such as permeability, skin factor, and drainage area. Different methods of well testing for oil and gas reservoirs are discussed and analyzed in this course. Hence, students will be able to design a well test operation and analyze data obtained from tests to improve the knowledge from hydrocarbon formations.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand the role and objectives of well testing in petroleum engineering.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of transient flow models and their application in well testing.
3. Demonstrate the ability to extract reservoir characteristics from standard tests.
4. Apply the use of pressure derivatives in well testing to determine flow regime.
5. Develop a working knowledge of well test analysis for gas reservoirs.
6. Demonstrate the ability to design a well test.
7. Understand well testing complexities in application to horizontal wells.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of well test analysis for fractured reservoirs.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand the role and objectives of well testing in petroleum engineering.
2. Demonstrate knowledge of transient flow models and their application in well testing.
3. Demonstrate the ability to extract reservoir characteristics from standard tests.
4. Apply the use of pressure derivatives in well testing to determine flow regime.
5. Develop a working knowledge of well test analysis for gas reservoirs.
6. Demonstrate the ability to design a well test.
7. Understand well testing complexities in application to horizontal wells.
8. Demonstrate knowledge of well test analysis for fractured reservoirs.
The content of this course will focus on analyzing datasets generated in oil and gas industry using various analytical techniques. Students are expected to understand the fundamental principles and master different data analytics techniques after attending this course. Knowledge and skills will enable students to quickly adapt to petroleum engineer or researcher roles in both industry and academia.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand the role and objectives of digital oilfield.
2. Explain system thinking and the application of digital techniques in digital oilfield.
3. Demonstrate the ability to extract and manage data related to petroleum engineering.
4. Master fundamental knowledge and skills of statistics and data analyses.
5. Develop programming skills of building and testing data analytics models.
6. Gain hands-on experience of tuning models for solving realistic example problems.
7. Identify data analytics problems and potential models in petroleum engineering.
8. Demonstrate ability to solve a complex data analytics problem using different data.
Course learning outcomes
1. Understand the role and objectives of digital oilfield.
2. Explain system thinking and the application of digital techniques in digital oilfield.
3. Demonstrate the ability to extract and manage data related to petroleum engineering.
4. Master fundamental knowledge and skills of statistics and data analyses.
5. Develop programming skills of building and testing data analytics models.
6. Gain hands-on experience of tuning models for solving realistic example problems.
7. Identify data analytics problems and potential models in petroleum engineering.
8. Demonstrate ability to solve a complex data analytics problem using different data.
Master students in petroleum engineering work on their thesis in the second year. In this course, students will work on their research thesis, submit their thesis after successful completion of the work, and present their finding in an oral defence session.
Course learning outcomes
1. Practice and manage a research project to successful completion and achieve its objectives.
2. Present the research findings in the form of a thesis dissertation and conference style paper.
3. Present the research results in the form of a conference-style oral presentation to the thesis committee.
Course learning outcomes
1. Practice and manage a research project to successful completion and achieve its objectives.
2. Present the research findings in the form of a thesis dissertation and conference style paper.
3. Present the research results in the form of a conference-style oral presentation to the thesis committee.
Elective Courses
In this course different concepts and methods will be presented to enhance the capability of students to analyze the performance of chemical/thermal/solvent EOR methods. Mechanisms behind the performance of each method and ways to improve and optimize each approach will be discussed and analyzed in this course.
Course learning outcomes
1. Analyze macroscopic and microscopic sweep efficiency parameters in porous media.
2. Recommend methods to improve sweep efficiencies.
3. Screen the appropriate EOR method based on the oil reservoir condition.
4. Design main aspects of different EOR methods and the main governing mechanisms and parameters.
5. Recommend suggestions for improvement of the performance of an EOR method in oil fields.
Course learning outcomes
1. Analyze macroscopic and microscopic sweep efficiency parameters in porous media.
2. Recommend methods to improve sweep efficiencies.
3. Screen the appropriate EOR method based on the oil reservoir condition.
4. Design main aspects of different EOR methods and the main governing mechanisms and parameters.
5. Recommend suggestions for improvement of the performance of an EOR method in oil fields.
This course introduces geodetic surveying, geospatial and earth observation technologies applied for marine and onshore petroleum and gas & mining industry.
Course learning outcomes
1. Identify and justify appropriate geospatial and remote sensing technology for petroleum industry.
2. Apply software for geospatial data management, analyses and mapping for petroleum industry.
3. Identify and justify appropriate space and terrestrial surveying technology for petroleum industry.
Course learning outcomes
1. Identify and justify appropriate geospatial and remote sensing technology for petroleum industry.
2. Apply software for geospatial data management, analyses and mapping for petroleum industry.
3. Identify and justify appropriate space and terrestrial surveying technology for petroleum industry.
This course aims to summarize the thought process or key considerations in developing an exploration drilling strategy for unconventional resources that takes into account geological, environmental, drilling and construction perspectives.
1. Understand the developing drilling strategy used to drill in an unconventional reservoir.
2. Perform drilling fluid design in unconventional reservoir.
3. Perform drilling hydraulics design and solving problems.
4. Design bit and casing while drilling.
5. Design wellbores and well paths, including directional and horizontal well trajectories.
6. Recognize situational drilling problems in deep well and solution approaches.
7. Choose the optimal technology in monitoring during drilling a well.
1. Understand the developing drilling strategy used to drill in an unconventional reservoir.
2. Perform drilling fluid design in unconventional reservoir.
3. Perform drilling hydraulics design and solving problems.
4. Design bit and casing while drilling.
5. Design wellbores and well paths, including directional and horizontal well trajectories.
6. Recognize situational drilling problems in deep well and solution approaches.
7. Choose the optimal technology in monitoring during drilling a well.
Where do our graduates work?
- Career opportunities
- Oil and gas companies (exploration and production, national/international oil companies)
- Service companies (oilfield services, drilling/production contractors)
- Engineering and consulting companies
- Energy related government sectors
- Renewable energy sectors
- Engineering procurement and construction
- Safety engineering
- Groundwater engineering
- Environmental engineering
- Where?Companies: KMG Engineering, SLB (Schlumberger), Chevron, KazMunaiGas, Shell, TengizChevrOil (TCO), Haliburton, KPO (Karachaganak Petroleum Operating)
and others in Kazakhstan, UAE, UK, India, and beyond
Admissions & Apply now
Our Contacts
Feel free to write, call, and visit us.
Regarding consultation on admissions
On academic issues
Address:
Address: 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan.
Phone numbers
+7 (7172) 64 25 84
+7 747 094 02 30
+7 747 094 02 30
Fees and Funding:
For more detailed information about tuition fees, please contact the Bursar's Office:
For more detailed information about tuition fees, please contact the Bursar's Office:
- Phone: +7 (7172) 70 60 32, 70 91 99
- Email: bursars_office@nu.edu.kz
- Office: 1.248B Block 1
- Address: 53, Kabanbay batyr Ave., Astana, 010000, Kazakhstan
Call or email us:
Admissions Manager (MSc PhD programs):
Admissions Manager (MSc PhD programs):
+7(7172)69-4628