Description

The Inter‑Institutional Postgraduate Program (M.Sc.) “Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation” has been operating since the academic year 2014–2015 and is jointly offered by four leading Greek universities:

• the Department of Geology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki,
• the School of Mining and Metallurgical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens,
• the Department of Geology and Geoenvironment, University of Athens,
• the Department of Economics, Democritus University of Thrace.

This interdisciplinary collaboration brings together expertise from the geosciences, engineering, and economic sciences, forming a comprehensive and modern curriculum aligned with the evolving needs of the international energy industry.

The primary objective of the Inter‑Institutional M.Sc. Program “Hydrocarbon Exploration and Exploitation” is to provide specialized knowledge and develop advanced skills in the critical fields of hydrocarbon exploration, evaluation, and production. The curriculum covers the full spectrum of activities in the petroleum industry ranging from subsurface investigation and geological structure analysis to drilling and reservoir engineering, reservoir management, and reserves estimation.

The educational framework focuses on a broad range of highly specialized subjects, including:

• Petroleum geology and sedimentary basin analysis,
• Sedimentology,
• Multiphase flow in porous media,
• Geostatistics and quantitative subsurface analysis,
• Seismic data interpretation,
• Drilling engineering, including laboratory evaluation of drilling fluids,
• Reservoir engineering,
• Hydrocarbon production and reserves estimation.

Through this structure, the M.Sc. program offers an integrated, interdisciplinary learning environment that meets the real needs of the energy sector and prepares students for demanding professional roles in research, technical operations, and industry‑related project development.

The learning process combines high‑level theoretical training with applied education through laboratory exercises, fieldwork, research projects, and the analysis of real datasets from the Greek and international petroleum industry. This approach ensures that students develop practical, industry‑relevant skills directly applicable to the job market.

A key competitive advantage of the program is training in internationally recognized industry software, including the Petrel suite and supporting software but also IPM, CMG, and tNavigator. Software licenses are provided through sponsorships from major companies in the sector, enabling students to gain hands‑on experience with tools used in real hydrocarbon exploration and production projects.

In parallel, the program promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, teamwork, communication skills, project management, economic evaluation, and risk analysis, while cultivating research thinking and a deep understanding of scientific methodology. Continuous interaction with industry and national authorities, such as Hellenic Hydrocarbons and Energy Resources Management Company S.A. (HEREMA S.A.), ensures that the curriculum remains fully updated, reflecting technological advancements and national energy priorities.

The duration of the Inter‑Institutional M.Sc. Program is four semesters (120 ECTS) and concludes with the completion of a Master’s thesis, which integrates research methodology, the analysis of real or theoretical datasets, and the application of advanced computational and laboratory techniques used in the energy industry.

The M.Sc. program provides high‑level scientific training, shaping graduates capable of contributing to the Greek and international energy market, pursuing doctoral studies, and advancing research, innovation, and sustainable development in the hydrocarbon sector. The comprehensive interdisciplinary education, combined with practical familiarity with industry tools and methods, ensures that graduates possess the full range of competencies required for modern, high‑responsibility professional roles.