SQA Advanced Certificate/Diploma Petroleum Engineering

The SQA Advanced Certificate and SQA Advanced Diploma in Petroleum Engineering are broad-based, multi-disciplinary qualifications.

They cover areas including the physical and chemical aspects of petroleum engineering, an introduction to petroleum geology and geophysics, petroleum reservoir engineering, oilfield drilling operations and petroleum recovery techniques, and production processes.

At both levels, learners develop planning, analysis and evaluation skills.

These qualifications are available through a growing number of colleges and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Certificate takes one year to complete and an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years.

Why deliver this qualification

SQA Advanced Certificates and Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities and industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.

The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.

Who does this qualification suit

The SQA Advanced Certificate and Diploma in Petroleum Engineering are designed for learners who wish to pursue a career in business — but who don't wish to commit themselves to a specialist area at the outset.

They are suitable for a wide range of learners including:

  • school leavers
  • adult returners to education
  • learners in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
  • learners who are, or wish to be, self-employed and require a broad grounding in business

Access

As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the college or learning provider. Examples of appropriate entry qualifications are:

  • one National Course at SCQF level 6 in a relevant subject, preferably Mathematics, Physics or Chemistry, plus four National Courses at SCQF level 5
  • a programme of National Units in a suitable subject area, eg engineering or science, at SCQF level 5 and 6
  • qualifications from other awarding bodies, including SVQ/NVQs in an appropriate occupational area, provided that the competences can be identified and matched to the above

Learners with relevant work experience in petroleum engineering or its related industries may also be considered for entry. Work experience should be current, and learners may be asked to provide evidence of this.

Progression

Learners who achieve the SQA Advanced Certificate or Diploma in Petroleum Engineering may gain employment as a trainee production engineer assistant or a trainee process engineer operator.

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Petroleum Engineering can provide progression to degree-level study in courses including geoservices, petroleum engineering, chemical engineering, or chemical engineering: oil and gas. For further information please refer to SQA's progression partners.

Offer this qualification

Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.

Centres without devolved authority must come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.

Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.

Qualification structure

SQA Advanced Certificate in Petroleum Engineering

Group Award Code: GM9H 47 (96 SCQF credit points)

SQA Advanced Diploma in Petroleum Engineering

Group Award Code: GN11 48 (240 SCQF credit points)

Arrangements

For further information on the structures please refer to the arrangements document GM9H 47 and GN11 48 (749 KB).

Unit Specifications