Structural Geology with Geophysics MSc

at University of Leeds

You will take nine months of taught classes, followed by approximately three months of independent research and dissertation writing in association with industry or research collaborators.
 

Develop personal skills and a professionalism that will make you employable, as well as increasing your knowledge and technical ability.
 

You'll carry out fieldwork, which forms an integral part of the course, and is directly linked to learning outcomes in the classroom. Besides local visits, there is a 6-day trip to South West England and a 12-day visit to the Spanish Pyrenees.
 

Some of the modules you will study are spread over a full semester, while most are short and intensive. They are devised to develop your advanced understanding of key topics (including large scale tectonics, basin evolution and reservoir scale deformation) and your technical ability through the use of industry-leading software.
 

Begin, by reviewing the fundamentals of structural geology, maps, and mathematics before moving onto the more advanced modules.
 

You’ll receive advanced training in structural geology and tectonics, in geological model construction, and the practical application of structural geology. You will also gain training in interpreting sub-surface data and the principals underlying data acquisition and processing and will have the opportunity to specialise in either hydrocarbon, geothermal or ores options within semester two.
 

You’ll also undertake professional and research level training in structural geology and basin evolution from regional, to basin, to reservoir/deposit scale.

Modules

Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Structural Geology Independent Project  
• Applied Geophysical Methods   
• Advanced Structural Modelling and Data Analytics    
• Structural Geology in Resources and Geo-Energy    
• Structural Models and Subsurface Interpretation    
• Geomechanics    
• Geodynamics and Basin Evolution   
• 3D Structure: Techniques and Visualisation    

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or above in a geological, geophysical, environmental geology, mining or related subject. Mathematics to A-level is also preferred, although GSCE level is accepted.
 

If you have a lower qualification and a non-standard geology degree, you may be considered on an ad-hoc basis, supported by relevant experience. You may also have to take an entrance exam.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component.
 

Fees

• UK: £11,750 (total)
• International: £29,500 (total)
   

There is a need for well-trained structural geologists with geophysical skills and training, within both the hydrocarbons and minerals industries, but also within sectors such as geothermal and hydrothermal energy and carbon sequestration. With a Masters being generally considered as a good level to enter into a career within the resource exploration industry the longer-term employment prospects are very good, with many companies targeting the course directly for recruitment.
 

We maintain excellent links with industry and professional bodies and many energy and service-sector companies engage directly with our students via specific company recruitment talks and workshops held throughout the year. Other opportunities for recruitment can arise from project placements and the final presentations day at the close of the programme in September.
 

You will develop transferable skills, from 4D thinking, time management, and critical and analytical thinking to team working, presentation and report writing skills. We also run a number of company-led training workshops that develop your skills using industry software such as Petrel, Kingdom and Leapfrog.