St Petersburg University and Gazprom Neft implement a joint master’s programme

The partner master’s programme has been developed with the support of Gazprom Neft. The teaching staff from St Petersburg University and specialists from the Gazprom Neft Science and Technology Centre contributed to the development of the curriculum.

The programme covers not only fundamental sciences but also includes the study of geological and geophysical disciplines. This comprehensive approach enables future specialists to effectively tackle even the most challenging tasks.

‘Our master’s programme focuses on developing cross-functional competencies for petroleum geology specialists. It is crucial that students have the opportunity to work on real projects at Gazprom Neft starting from their first year of study. This provides them with in-depth theoretical knowledge in both fundamental and applied disciplines, as well as practical experience to apply their knowledge,’ said Vladimir Lushpeev, Associate Professor in the Department of Geology of Mineral Deposits at the University and the head of the academic programme.

Successful collaborations between St Petersburg University and Gazprom Neft have resulted in various projects. For instance, scientists of the Chebyshev Laboratory at St Petersburg University together with specialists from the Euler Mathematical International Institute and Gazprom Neft have developed a new technology for injecting water-soluble polymers into petroleum reservoirs. This method will help save up to 17% of expensive chemicals in crude oil production.

The programme covers geostatistical methods for constructing two-dimensional and three-dimensional geological models, as well as the assessment of uncertainties and their impact on oil and gas potential forecasts. Alongside the theoretical component, students also engage in practical tasks on petrophysics, seismic survey interpretation, geological and hydrodynamic modelling, and uncertainty assessment. The multidirectional training modules enable students to gauge their personal interest in studying individual disciplines as well as provide a comprehensive understanding of deposit assessment.