Course summary
Providing professional level Geophysics training and education to open up career opportunities across a number of industries and for future academic research. Developed on the back of a recognised need for qualified geophysicists within industry, this programme is hosted by the Department of Geology & Geophysics and is delivered by staff across the School of Geosciences supplemented by external experts. It equips students with the skills for careers in the energy transition, hydrocarbon and minerals exploration, renewable energy, environmental sciences and associated service industries, or broader geophysics research. This unique programme is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of modern geophysics, with an emphasis on cutting edge techniques for understanding the structure, dynamics and composition of the Earth from the near surface to the deep interior. The content is broad-based and integrative with a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of geophysical data analysis and interpretation. Here, you will learn from experienced geophysics staff and key industry experts, delivered in world-class facilities with dedicated teaching and study space and explore the theory of geophysics and its application to a multitude of research and industry problems across a variety of scales, via a curriculum that covers the broad fundamentals and new technologies. We place specific emphasis on students gaining hands-on experience in using industry-standard software and acquiring geophysical data with our large pool of geophysics equipment (including broadband seismometers, seismic reflection/refraction, ground penetrating radar, resistivity tomography, magnetometers and differential GPS).
Modules
Gain experience in a wide range of geophysical techniques and their applications to subsurface imaging and monitoring, for targets such as civil and environmental engineering, regional and planetary characterisation, natural hazards, resource exploration and the energy transition. Develop a coherent theoretical background in a suite of geophysical methodologies and advanced interpretation methods, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.
Assessment method
Continuous assessment will play a major part in the programme, as well as course specific project work and exams. One-third of the overall assessment will be attributed to an individual project involving original research or applied work. Students may gain direct support from industry during the individual project.
How to apply
International applicants
When you are thinking about studying overseas, it is important that you understand all the costs involved and budget accordingly. It is essential to budget for your studies prior to leaving your home country and to arrange all your funding for BOTH your tuition fees and your living costs. In addition, it is important to check all immigration requirements regularly and before travelling, as they can change. Students without the necessary visa will be refused entry to the UK. You should allow plenty of time to organise your visa and ensure you are aware of all your responsibilities under the terms and conditions of your visa. Please note that the advice provided via the University is the Student Visa category of the UK's Points Based Immigration Scheme. For further information, please visit the United Kingdom Visas and Immigration (UKVI) website: www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration.
Entry requirements
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Geophysics, Mathematics or Physics degree at 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth). Those with a 2:1 in Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Science or similar degree will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate proven ability in Geophysics, Mathematics and/or Physics. Key subjects you should have covered: At least one University-level Mathematics and/or Physics and/or Geophysics module.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Overall - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5 or above; Reading - 5.5 or above; Speaking - 5.5 or above; Writing - 6.0 or above. IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training are not accepted. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | TOEFL iBT and TOEFL Home Edition: Overall - 90 with: Listening - 17 or above; Reading - 18 or above; Speaking - 20 or above; Writing - 21 or above. DI code is 0818 |
| PTE Academic | 62 | Overall - 62 with: Listening - 59 or above; Reading - 59 or above; Speaking - 59 or above; Writing - 59 or above. Online Test is not accepted |
| Institution's Own Test | Academic English Pre-sessional Programme (PSE) - Pass (valid for one year) Academic English Preparation Programme undertaken at other UK HEI - accredited by BALEAP and within 1 year of start of course |
To study for a postgraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write academic English fluently. These skills will allow you to understand lectures, produce high standards of written work, and perform well in examinations. We can assess your English language proficiency through a variety of means: through your nationality, through the qualifications you gained in high school, through the degree you undertook or are undertaking at university, or through a recognised English language test. Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology. Please note certification must be within the two years prior to commencement of your course, unless otherwise stated.
Please use the checklist at the following webpage to determine how you can meet our English language requirements:
https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/international/requirements-pg-266.php
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £13184 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13184 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13184 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13184 | Year 1 |
| EU | £28764 | Year 1 |
| International | £28764 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £28764 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £13184 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Tuition fees given are at the full-time rate. The part-time fee rate for taught postgraduate programmes is 50% of the relevant full-time fee rate.
Sponsorship information
NEO Energy is offering 2 scholarships worth £20,000 each for Home/UK students commencing an energy-related postgraduate degree in September 2023. Full details can be found at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/610. RSK Geosciences is offering one postgraduate scholarship for the MSc Geophysics. Full details can be found at https://www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/619. Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships: www.abdn.ac.uk/study/funding/. The University of Aberdeen provides an Alumni Discount Scheme: The University of Aberdeen is very pleased to offer a 20% discount on postgraduate tuition fees for all alumni who have graduated with a degree from the University of Aberdeen.
Provider information
University of Aberdeen
Directorate of External Relations
King's College
Aberdeen
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