BSc. Petroleum Engineering

Petroleum engineering is the branch of engineering that deals with extracting oil and gas from beneath the earth's surface. The BSc Petroleum Engineering at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR) prepares students for this demanding and rewarding field, combining physics, chemistry, and mathematics with hands-on engineering principles.

What petroleum engineering involves

Programmes of this kind usually cover the entire journey of hydrocarbons from underground reservoirs to the surface. You will learn about reservoir behaviour, drilling techniques, well design, production processes, and the equipment used to extract oil and gas safely and efficiently. You also study how to manage reservoirs to get the maximum amount of oil or gas out of the ground. This is a practical field, so expect plenty of problem-solving, computer simulations, and team projects.

How hard it is to get a place

Entry to petroleum engineering at UENR is less competitive compared to similar programmes at other Ghanaian universities. For example, the same programme at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology is highly competitive, while at the University of Mines and Technology it is also less competitive. This means that if you meet the subject requirements and have a solid WASSCE result, you stand a good chance of gaining admission. The required subjects are Core English, Core Mathematics, Integrated Science, and Elective Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. Students from General Science and Technical Studies backgrounds are considered.

What graduates go on to do

Most graduates of petroleum engineering find work in the oil and gas industry, both onshore and offshore. Common roles include drilling engineer, reservoir engineer, production engineer, and well-site supervisor. You might work for companies that explore for oil, drill wells, or operate production facilities. Some graduates also work in government regulatory bodies or in consulting firms that advise on energy projects. The skills you build—in data analysis, project management, and understanding complex systems—are also valuable in broader energy and infrastructure sectors.