The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Petroleum) is a four-year accredited undergraduate degree that equips students with the technical, scientific, and business skills required to work in Australia's oil, gas, and energy resources sectors. The program builds a strong foundation in mathematics, physics, geology, geophysics, computer applications, and core engineering principles before progressively narrowing into highly specialised petroleum-related topics. Students are introduced to key geological, physical, and chemical principles that govern hydrocarbon recovery from petroleum reservoirs in the early years, then advance into a broader range of petroleum engineering and geosciences topics in years two and three. In the final year, students deepen their technical expertise and develop critical business skills such as economic evaluation and project management, culminating in a major research project.

This degree integrates core petroleum engineering with geosciences, management, and sustainability considerations. Graduates are trained to apply knowledge of chemistry, physics, geology, and economics to the discovery, development, and production of energy and material resources below the Earth's surface. The course also addresses how petroleum engineering intersects with modern energy challenges, including carbon capture and storage, geothermal resources, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions — ensuring graduates are prepared for a transitioning energy landscape.

Graduates are accredited by Engineers Australia and qualify for professional membership, with their qualifications acknowledged under the Washington Accord for global recognition. Key employers in Australia include major oil and gas companies such as Santos, Woodside, Chevron, INPEX, Shell, and BHP, as well as government agencies, consulting firms, and international energy corporations. Career paths span reservoir engineering, drilling, production, geoscience, project management, and emerging energy roles in carbon capture and storage and geothermal development.

Domestic students typically need to complete their Senior Secondary Certificate of Education (SSCE) with strong results in prerequisite subjects. Most Australian universities offering this degree require passes or high grades in Mathematics (Methods or Specialist level) and Physics, with Chemistry also commonly expected. Competitive ATAR scores are generally required, reflecting the rigorous academic content of the program. Some institutions offer bridging or pathway mathematics programs for students who have not completed the required level of senior mathematics, allowing them entry with additional preparation. Pathway options via foundation programs or diplomas are also available for students who do not meet direct entry requirements.

For international students, English language proficiency must be demonstrated through an approved test. Typical minimum requirements include an IELTS Academic score of 6.5 overall (with no individual band below 6.0) or a TOEFL iBT of 87–90 overall. PTE Academic and other approved tests are also accepted at equivalent bands. Students from countries where English is the primary medium of instruction may be eligible for exemptions.

Students applying directly from an International Baccalaureate (IB) should typically present Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches (Higher Level) and Physics as prerequisite subjects. Mature-age applicants or those with relevant vocational qualifications or professional experience in oil and gas may be considered for entry on an individual basis. All graduating students are expected to meet Engineers Australia Stage 1 Competency Standards to be eligible for professional membership upon graduation.