Exploration Geophysics - MSc

University of Leeds School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability

Full time September MSc 1 year full time

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About the course

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Earth’s resources are essential for our energy future. Exploration geophysicists play a crucial role in identifying where resources are located – whether these are water, mineral deposits, hydrocarbon reserves or geothermal heat. They also conduct long-term monitoring of underground storage facilities, to ensure that hazardous material (e.g., CO2 or radioactive waste) remains contained. Geophysicists also perform the site investigations that ensure safe construction and development operations, minimising the risk from environmentally hazardous or archaeologically sensitive material in the ground.

Entry Requirements

A 2:1 (hons) in geosciences (e.g. geology or geophysics) or in a relevant numerate subject. Relevant and extensive industry experience can also be taken into account.

You must have mathematics to a good A-level grade (or equivalent) as a minimum. Your mathematical competence will be assessed prior to joining and additional training may be required. The course is computer-intensive and we assume you have basic computer literacy, including Windows and MS Office. EDCL/ICDL qualifications are not formally required, but represent the level expected. Familiarity with Linux would also be advantageous.

Fees

Please see our website for details.

Where will I study?

University of Leeds

Invest in your future with a postgraduate degree at Leeds: a prestigious World Top 100 university with a reputation for pioneering research. Learn in cutting-edge facilities from renowned academics whose globally recognised research informs your course. Add to that extensive industry experience opportunities and practical studies designed alongside business, and you have everything you need to propel your career. Become a member of our supportive campus community – close to the centre of one of the UK’s most diverse, vibrant and growing cities. Be challenged to explore, question and discover. Become a specialist in your subject. Then make a global difference.

Student Profile

Yasmin Roberts

Yasmin Roberts studied Exploration Geophysics MSc at the School of Earth and Environment.

Yasmin studied her Geophysics undergraduate degree at Leeds, where she had a “great experience”.

"I was already familiar with the department and its excellent teaching staff and facilities. I chose to study the course because of its great industry reputation."

Career

Yasmin is now working as a seismic processing geophysicist at DUG, where she undertook my MSc project as an internship.

“The seismic processing module has been directly relevant for my career, but I have also found a well-rounded understanding of exploration geophysics to be especially useful. Each module emphasised how the skills learnt can be applied to the clean energy transition.”

"The breath of topics covered by the course at Leeds and excellent teaching puts you in a great position to enter a variety of geoscience careers."

Geosolutions funding

Yasmin highlights that the “funding from Geosolutions to support my studies was invaluable”.

“I was attracted to the Geosolutions funding for not only the financial support, but the help that attaining a prestigious scholarship would give to my career prospects. It was great to see funding coming from an institution which supports the application of geophysics for the clean energy transition.”

Exciting projects

Yasmin undertook a high frequency reflection full waveform inversion (FWI) imaging project.

“This used high frequency seismic data to produce high resolution models, which could be applicable to near surface imaging projects. These applications could have a crucial role in the production of clean energy, such as imaging the shallow subsurface for wind farm foundations.”

Course highlights

“It was great to use industry software for practicals throughout the course.”

"The course also provided some excellent networking opportunities, such as the PETEX conference, where I was able to meet industry professionals and discuss possible future career options."

“Leeds is also a really fun city to study in.”

Advice for future students

“If you would like a career in exploration geophysics, then this is definitely one of the best courses to do, which is highly regarded by the industry.”

"You’ll be amazed by the amount that you learn in a year from excellent teaching staff, alongside wonderful peers!"