Key information
- Funding
- Self-funded
- School
- Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Delivery type
- Full-time, Part-time
- Start date
- September
A sound reputation has been established within the oil and gas industry for the delivery of quality, focused research, which is reflected by the large number of companies that regularly offer support via joint research council/industry research awards.
There are extensive analytical facilities housed within two laboratories, both recently refurbished, and a thermostatically controlled environment room. Equipment includes:
- A tandem mass spectrometer equipped with gas chromatography and liquid chromatography interfaces
- Gas chromatography (FID and ECD)
- Atomic absorption, infrared and ultraviolet fluorescence spectrophotometry
- Ion chromatography
- A MICROTOX toxicity testing system for the study of offshore and terrestrial discharges
Research projects
Research is of a truly multi-disciplinary nature and reflects our ongoing interest in understanding and minimising environmental risks associated with oil and gas exploration and production.
For example, projects include:
- Industrial uses for crops, including the development of ‘environmentally friendly’ vegetable oil-based drilling muds
- The development of oil spill fingerprinting for identifying the source of oil slicks
- Toxicity studies of produced water discharges from offshore oil and gas installations
- The measurement of oilfield chemical residues in the marine environment
Over the past 10 years projects have received financial support from a diverse range of sources including EPSRC, NERC, LINK, the European Commission, as well as industry. Several studies have related to the treatment of produced water offshore and avoiding adverse environmental impacts of petroleum developments on the continental margins, such as west of Shetland.
Collaborative ventures are undertaken with other groups/researchers, both within other areas of the University and with external organisations, the most recent example being a collaborative project with the FRS Marine Laboratory in Aberdeen.
Entry requirements
Candidate criteria
Contact the School to discuss
Funding information
| Status | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| Scotland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £5,151 | £2,575.50 |
| International | £26,604 | £13,302 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
We offer a number of competitive funded scholarships for research degrees. Full or partial support may be available for well-qualified candidates from UK research councils, research pools, charities or industry.
View our full range of scholarships.
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
