Geoscientist Online

Fugro Robertson Limited (FRL) has announced that it has formed what it describes as “an innovative alliance” with Royal Holloway, University of London (RHUL) to offer a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Petroleum Geoscience. The company and the university have been working towards offering an oil and gas industry-focused postgraduate qualification, and this has now received university validation and is now open for business.

Dave Waltham, Head of Department of Earth Sciences, Royal Holloway, University of London said: “The Department of Earth Sciences at Royal Holloway, University of London has been involved in training for the hydrocarbon industry for 24 years and over 500 graduates from our postgraduate programmes now work in the oil and gas sector worldwide.

“We are delighted to be a partner with Fugro Robertson, which will further enhance our strong links with the hydrocarbon industry. The establishment of academic credentials for highly regarded commercial training courses provides new opportunities for industry staff to receive recognised qualifications as part of their continuing professional development, and we believe that this collaboration has long-term value for both parties”.

The Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Petroleum Geoscience has been tailored specifically to meet the needs of candidates in full-time employment and their employers. The time commitment has been kept to a minimum, with each module comprising an intensive teaching period of 5-10 days followed by on-line assessment and an exam at a regional location.

Candidates will be required to complete six modules from a choice of 12; this can be undertaken at their own pace to fit around work commitments, with a time limit of up to 3 years to complete their programme. The diploma will be offered on a public open course basis in the UK or at clients’ offices or regional centres. For further information, view the FRL website (see below).

Fugro Robertson has offered upstream geology, geophysics, reservoir engineering and economics courses to the oil and gas industry for the last 40 years. By utilising its own industry professionals the company says it can to offer a unique service combining real world experience with up-to-date knowledge of technologies.

“With our world renowned expertise in upstream training and Royal Holloway’s involvement in graduate programmes we are delighted to offer a blended industry-university programme. This partnership will provide an excellent range of industry focused modules, tailored specifically to the clients’ needs” says Dr Chris Burgess, Director, Fugro Robertson Limited.

“It is our intention that this qualification will make a significant difference to individuals’ career pathways, their core technical skills and competencies. In addition, employers will benefit from the participants’ increased knowledge-base and skills set.”