Introduction

The discovery and development of hydrocarbon resources depend on effective exploration practices that combine scientific knowledge, technical expertise, and sound commercial judgement. Successful exploration requires a clear understanding of geological formations, basin potential, field evaluation, and economic viability.

Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas training course develops the knowledge and skills required to evaluate exploration opportunities, reduce uncertainty, and support sound investment decisions.

This training course provides a practical foundation in the key disciplines that drive exploration activities across the upstream sector. Participants will strengthen their understanding of petroleum systems, geoscience techniques, appraisal processes, economic analysis, and health, safety, and environmental considerations that influence exploration success and long-term asset value.

Key focus areas of this Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas training course include:

Key Learning Outcomes

At the end of this Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas training course, participants will be able to:

Training Methodology

This training course combines expert-led instruction, interactive learning, group discussions, practical exercises, applied scenarios, and real-world examples from the upstream oil and gas industry. Participants will strengthen their understanding through structured learning activities designed to connect technical concepts with operational decision-making.

Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas

Who Should Attend?

This Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas training course is designed for:

  • Exploration Managers
  • Exploration Engineers
  • Operations Managers
  • Operations Engineers
  • Planning Managers
  • Planning Engineers
  • Petroleum Engineers
  • Reservoir Engineers
  • Geologists
  • Geophysicists
  • Contract Managers
  • Financial Managers
  • Cost Engineers
  • Team Leaders
  • Supervisors

Course Outline

Day 1

Petroleum Geology

  • The rock cycle
  • The plate tectonics
  • Hydrocarbon generation
  • Source rocks
  • Reservoirs
  • Traps
  • Seals
Day 2

Geoscience and Basin Exploration

  • Gravity and magnetic surveying
  • Seismic
  • Unconventional resources
  • Basin potential evaluation
  • Basin analysis
Day 3

Field Appraisal

  • The role of appraisal in the field life cycle
  • Identifying and quantifying sources of uncertainty
  • Appraisal tools
  • Expressing reduction of uncertainty
  • Cost-benefit calculations for appraisal
Day 4

Economics

  • Development economics
  • Project cashflow
  • Exploration economics
  • Economic lifetime
  • Abandonment
Day 5

Health, Safety and Environment

  • Health considerations
  • Safety culture
  • Safety management systems
  • Environmental considerations
  • Current environmental concerns

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FAQs

Participants will gain a broad understanding of the upstream exploration process, from petroleum formation and geological concepts to field appraisal, economic assessment, and environmental considerations. The training provides practical knowledge that helps professionals better evaluate exploration opportunities and understand the factors influencing exploration success.

The training course is designed to support both technical and non-technical professionals involved in upstream activities. Concepts are explained in a structured and practical manner, making the content accessible to managers, engineers, planners, and other professionals seeking a stronger understanding of exploration operations.

Exploration activities involve significant technical and financial uncertainty. Participants will examine methods for identifying uncertainties, evaluating basin potential, conducting field appraisals, and assessing economic viability. These skills help support more informed decisions throughout the exploration lifecycle.

Economic evaluation is essential for determining whether exploration opportunities can deliver commercial value. The Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas training course examines exploration economics, project cash flow analysis, development considerations, and economic life assessment to help participants understand the financial drivers behind exploration decisions.

Field appraisal helps organisations gather additional information to reduce uncertainty and improve decision quality before major investments are made. Participants will learn how appraisal activities contribute to reserve estimation, project planning, risk reduction, and capital allocation decisions.

Health, safety, and environmental performance are critical elements of successful upstream operations. This Upstream Exploration for Oil and Gas training course explores safety culture, safety management systems, health considerations, environmental responsibilities, and current industry concerns to support responsible and sustainable exploration practices.

GRC Academy training courses are delivered in leading international business destinations, including London, Amsterdam, and Dubai. Sessions are hosted in carefully selected four- and five-star business hotels with professional meeting facilities that support focused learning, interaction, comfort, and confidentiality.

View All Training Locations

GRC Academy provides both online and in-person options for all our training courses. Participants may join interactive virtual sessions or attend scheduled courses in major international locations, allowing them to select the option that best suits their professional commitments and availability.

GRC Academy develops customised in-house training courses that address each organisation’s strategic priorities, operational environment, and workforce capability requirements. Our team works closely with clients to tailor the course content, learning outcomes, and practical emphasis.

These tailored courses are designed to strengthen organisational capability, improve team performance, and support measurable and sustainable outcomes. For customised in-house training enquiries, please contact the GRC Academy Customer Service team at [email protected]

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