Course summary
Earth’s resources are essential for our energy future – resources like water, minerals, hydrocarbon reserves or geothermal heat, as well as natural ‘geoassets’ in which CO2 or hydrogen could be stored. Exploration geophysicists play a critical role in sourcing natural resources — and understand the full resource potential of the subsurface. That’s why the demand will always be high in this area, with organisations worldwide seeking more sustainable solutions that exploration geophysicists could provide. Our Exploration Geophysics MSc degree will train you in utilising physical techniques and a range of disciplines to study the Earth’s interior, including seismic, gravity, magnetic and geo-electrical methods, applied throughout marine and onshore settings. Established for over 50 years, our Exploration Geophysics MSc here at Leeds has strong links with industrial partners, global research institutes and the new Leeds Geosolutions Centre, each combining to support the application of geoscience expertise in the latest innovations in industry. Our industry-relevant modules will equip you with the theoretical understanding and specialist skill set you’ll need to pursue a career in this exciting profession. Why study at Leeds:
- Learn the most urgent issues in geoscience from the active and world-leading research conducted right here in our School of Earth and Environment, which feeds directly into the course.
- Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas like seismic monitoring, near-surface geophysics, petrophysics, potential field techniques and geological processes.
- Undertake an individual research project that focuses on a genuine research challenge. This is tailored to suit your interests and is often conducted in close collaboration with external partners, with the potential to undertake a subsidised internship.
- Access specialist facilities including geophysical survey equipment, industry-standard software packages and a dedicated computer cluster.
- Build a network of professional contacts through our weekly seminars from geoscience practitioners, from a range of international industries and research institutes.
- Experience expert practical and theoretical teaching, delivered by a programme team made up of geoscientists from the School’s Institute of Applied Geoscience and Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics.
- Enhance your career prospects and join our successful alumni who have pursued careers in related positions throughout professional and academic geoscience.
- Join one of our societies, such as ROCSOC or SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as comedy and film nights, trips and through sports. You could even be elected as a member of the committee, which is a great opportunity to develop your management and leadership skills.
Assessment method
You will be assessed by written exams, and by coursework (in-class and independently completed, project report writing and group presentations) in roughly 55%:45% proportion overall.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- The Geological Society
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. 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 as it forms the platform for much of the workstation based training. Applicants with a 2.2 will be considered on a case by case basis where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field. Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional experience in the sector will also be considered. We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Provider information
University of Leeds
Woodhouse Lane
Leeds
LS2 9JT