Home / Earth Sciences / Postgraduate Studies / MSc

Master of Science in Petroleum Geosciences

Advance your expertise in petroleum geosciences through a research-led postgraduate program that combines advanced coursework, thesis research, and industry-relevant training in sedimentology, sequence stratigraphy, structural geology, geophysics, and basin studies.

Key Information

Institute
Sultan Qaboos University
Department
Earth Sciences
Qualification Level
Master Degree
Awarded Qualification
MSc in Petroleum Geosciences
Learning Mode
On-Campus Learning
Study Mode
Full-Time and Part-Time
Application Period
January to February
Study Duration
2 years (full-time) / up to 3 years (part-time)
Start Date
Fall Semester: September / Spring Semester: January
Language
English
Tuition Fees
3000 OMR (Omani) / 4000 OMR (International)
Location
Al-Khoudh, Muscat

Why This Program?

🛢️

Industry-Relevant Focus

The program is designed to support petroleum geoscience training relevant to the needs of the oil and gas industry in Oman and the Gulf region.

🧪

Advanced Technical Training

Build expertise in siliciclastic and carbonate sedimentology, diagenesis, sequence stratigraphy, structural geology, geophysics, and basin studies.

📘

Coursework + Thesis

The degree combines taught courses with an independent research thesis, giving students both academic depth and applied research experience.

🌍

Strong Career Potential

The petroleum sector remains a major employer for Earth Science graduates in Oman and internationally, making this program a strong pathway into industry and research.

Entry Requirements

Academic Background

  • A bachelor’s degree (BSc) in geology, geophysics, or related subjects from SQU or a recognized university.

CGPA Requirement

  • Not less than 2.75 without work experience.
  • Not less than 2.50 with two or more years of work experience.

English Proficiency

  • TOEFL score of at least 550, or
  • Academic IELTS score of at least 6.0.

Required Documents

  • Attested bachelor degree certificate
  • Attested official transcript
  • English proficiency certificate
  • Curriculum vitae (CV)
  • Passport
  • Identification card
  • Passport-size photo with blue or white background

Program Objectives

Oil & Gas Industry Relevance Integrated Professional Training Sedimentology Diagenesis Sequence Stratigraphy Structural Geology Geophysics Basin Studies Regional Business Challenges

The program is intended to provide postgraduate-level training in petroleum geosciences that is relevant to the petroleum industry, integrated with real sector needs, and capable of preparing students for contemporary challenges in Oman and the Gulf region.

Degree Structure

24
Taught Credits

Eight taught courses: four core courses and four elective courses.

6
Thesis Credits

Independent research thesis beginning in Year 2 for full-time students and Year 3 for part-time students.

30
Total Credits

Total program load combining coursework and thesis requirements.

The current page states that the MSc consists of eight taught courses (24 credit hours) followed by a 6-credit independent research thesis. Full-time students normally complete coursework in the first year, while part-time students spread coursework across two years.

Tuition Fees

Omani Students

3000 OMR
  • 90 OMR per credit hour
  • 840 OMR thesis fee
  • Available in full-time and part-time fee distribution

International Students

4000 OMR
  • 120 OMR per credit hour
  • 1120 OMR thesis fee
  • Available in full-time and part-time fee distribution
More Information: Prospective Students

Study Mode & Plan

Full-Time Study

The program spans two years. Coursework is normally taken in the first academic year, followed by thesis registration and research in the second year.

  • Year 1: Core and elective courses
  • Year 2: Thesis registration and thesis work

Part-Time Study

The program may extend up to three years. Coursework is distributed across the first two years, with thesis work continuing into the third year.

  • Years 1–2: Coursework
  • Year 3: Thesis registration and thesis work

The current page also lists example study plans with core courses, electives, and MSc Thesis (ERSC7002), plus named electives including ERSC6109 and ERSC6002.

Thesis Seminars

Students enrolled in the MSc in Petroleum Geosciences are required to complete two seminars during their studies to strengthen presentation, argumentation, and research communication skills.

First Seminar

Covers the research background, objectives, and methodology.

  • Must be held before the end of the first semester of thesis registration
  • Usually scheduled on Thursday of week 13
  • Form should be submitted by Thursday of week 12

Second Seminar

Focuses on the research summary and main findings before the thesis defence.

  • Must be held before thesis defence
  • Usually scheduled on Thursday of week 10
  • Completion must be entered and approved in the portal

Seminar Templates

Use the following templates for MSc seminar presentations and thesis defence.

MSc First Seminar

PPT PDF

MSc Second Seminar

PPT PDF

MSc Thesis Defense

PPT PDF

Admissions & Quick Links

📝

Apply

Submit your postgraduate application through the online application system.

💳

Fees

View application and tuition-related postgraduate information.

🎓

Scholarships

Explore scholarship opportunities for Omani and international students.

🎯

Registration

Access registration, postponement, extension, and graduation procedures.

👨‍🏫

Faculty

Browse staff and identify supervisors aligned with your research interests.

Copyright (c) 2026 College of Science