Kick-off for Norwegian-Russian double-degree in oil technology
Two Norwegian and Russian universities offer students a Master’s double-degree in field development technology. After graduation the students can work on both sides of the Barents Sea delimitation line.
The University of Stavanger (UiS) and the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas have jointly established a postgraduate program in offshore field development and technology that will give graduates diplomas from both universities, UiS’ web site reads.
The program will meet a growing need in the offshore industry for specialized expertise in offshore field development in cold regions.
- After graduation, students will have the opportunity to participate in both Norwegian and Russian projects, says Ove Tobias Gudmestad, professor in marine technology at UiS. – In the former disputed area there will be large joint projects they can take part in, he adds.
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- I believe it’s important that Norway and Russia cooperate thoroughly when it comes to technology for the High North. For reasons of safety and security is important to work together. Moreover, according to delimitation agreement between Norway and Russia, if an oil field spans across the border, it has to be developed jointly by both countries, Gudmestad says.
Students will be taking courses both in Norway and in Russia – the first semester at their home university, the second in Moscow and the third in Stavanger. The fourth semester the students will be writing their post-graduate thesis in the town most relevant for their thesis.
The Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated NOK 1.7 million to the project. The Russian part of the project is paid by large Russian oil and gas companies. So far no Norwegian oil companies have shown interest to support the project financially.
Read also: Russian students are crowding to Norway
