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    MSc 12 months full time

Course Description

Exploration Geophysics is a key element of understanding the resource potential of the subsurface – whether these resources are water, minerals, hydrocarbon reserves or geothermal heat, or if a site is to be developed for CO2 or hydrogen storage. It is applied in engineering site investigations and environmental monitoring, helping to decontaminate sites and assess structural integrity ahead of construction. It is also a well-developed tool in archaeological mapping and glacier mapping. The School of Earth and Environment’s Exploration Geophysics MSc degree gives you the skills to embark on a career in any of these industrial or academic sectors.

Established for over 50 years, Exploration Geophysics MSc has strong links with industrial partners, global research institutes and Leeds’ new Geosolutions centre, each combining to support the application of geoscience expertise in the transition to clean-energy. The course provides you with a breadth of practical skills, underpinned by a theoretical understanding, equipping you with the skills for a profession in your chosen field.

Entry Requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in geosciences (e.g. geology or geophysics) or in a relevant numerate subject, such as physics, mathematics, or some engineering discliplines. Relevant and extensive industry experience can also be taken into account.

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Fees

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Programme Funding

Please see our website for funding opportunities.

Student Destinations

There is a strong and continuing demand for geophysicists. A Masters qualification is generally regarded as an essential entry-level requirement in the geoscience sector, whether in resource exploration or in the environmental/engineering industry. Graduates from MSc Exploration Geophysics have an exceptionally good track record at securing employment on completion. Many graduates can be found throughout the energy sector, taking leading roles in the processing and interpretation of seismic data or with the development of relevant software. Elsewhere, graduates secure employment in the minerals industries. MSc-level training in geophysics also equips you for the developing job market in CO2 storage and geothermal energy, or any other sector that requires strong numeracy and skills of data analytics.

Our graduates have secured positions in recent years, including:

  • geologist/geophysicist, Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (Colombia)
  • geologist/geophysicist, Arup – engineering site investigation
  • geophysicist, Bell Geospace – airborne geophysics
  • geophysicist, British Geological Survey – geomagnetism unit
  • geophysicist, CGG – seismic data processing
  • geophysicist, DownUnderGeosolutions – seismic data processing
  • geophysicist, ExxonMobil – energy company
  • geophysicist, ION GX Imaging – seismic data processing
  • geophysicist, NexenCNOOC (now CNOOC) – energy company
  • geophysicist, Shell (UK) – energy company
  • hydrogeophysicist, Aestsus LLC (USA) – near-surface geophysics
  • PhD, University of Bristol – microseismics
  • PhD, University of Edinburgh – seismic interferometry
  • PhD, University of Stockholm – glaciological geophysics
  • software developer, AWE (UK) – forensic seismology
  • software developer, BAe Systems – cybersecurity

Module Details

Compulsory modules
Exploration Geophysics: Project and Dissertation 60 credits
Computational Inverse Theory 15 credits
Geophysical Reservoir Evaluation 15 credits
Near-Surface Geophysics 15 credits
Gravity and Magnetic Methods 15 credits
Geological and Physical Methods for Subsurface Characterisation 15 credits
Seismic Fundamentals and Acquisition 15 credits
Seismic Data Processing 15 credits
Seismic Reflection Interpretation and Sequence Stratigraphy 15 credits

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