Course overview
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 or other energy sources. They also conduct long-term monitoring of underground storage facilities to ensure that hazardous material (e.g., CO2 or radioactive waste) remains contained. Geophysicists perform site investigations for offshore wind farms, but also ensure safe construction and development operations onshore, minimising the risk from environmentally hazardous or archaeologically sensitive material in the ground.
The global demand for geophysicists will always be high, as organisations worldwide seek to develop the sustainable solutions to resource management that exploration geophysicists can provide.
Our Exploration Geophysics MSc degree provides training with a broad spectrum of techniques that are used to understand the Earth’s interior. In studying with us, you will experience authentic industrial applications of seismic, gravity, magnetic and geo-electrical methods, and how they are integrated with field geology and modern computational approaches. Our taught-course modules culminate in an independent research project, in which you will be able to make your own contribution to a genuine research challenge.
Established for over 60 years, our Exploration Geophysics MSc course has strong links with diverse industrial partners, global research institutes, and the Leeds Geosolutions Centre, each combining to develop the next generation of expert geophysicists and tackle emerging resource priorities.
We have an excellent track record in providing skilled geophysics graduates into a range of industrial and research sectors.
Why study at Leeds:
- This Masters degree is accredited by The Geological Society of London.
- Our active and globally-renowned research conducted here on campus feeds directly into the course, combining theoretical knowledge with authentic industrial practice.
- Leeds paves the way in sustainable energy development: independent research projects can integrate with our pioneering “Campus Geothermal” living-lab, a network of geothermal boreholes that explore subsurface heat processes for the decarbonisation of campus energy use.
- You’ll advance your knowledge and skills in key areas like industrial applications of seismic, gravity, magnetic and geo-electrical methods, complemented with machine learning technologies and applied authentically across a broad range of survey environments.
- You'll make your own contribution to the field of geophysics through an individual research project, focused on a genuine research challenge and tailored to suit your interests. Very often, projects are undertaken in close collaboration with external partners and sometimes the potential to undertake an internship.
- Our specialist facilities include industry-grade computers equipped with commercial software packages – plus geophysical field equipment you can use for your own field-based research.
- We provide a network of professional contacts and early awareness of internship and employment opportunities through visits throughout the year by representatives from industry and research institutes.
- You’ll benefit from 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.
Explore Leeds
Discover our campus, facilities and accommodation with our 360 virtual experience platform.
With immersive 360 experiences, image galleries, virtual tours, videos and day-in-the-life content, you can take a personalised, interactive tour of campus and explore the University's academic, social and residential environments from anywhere in the world.
You can get a feel for what it's really like to live, learn and belong at the University of Leeds – all from the comfort of home.
Accreditation
Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
The quality and relevance of our teaching has been recognised by an independent body of academics and industrialists from The Geological Society of London. This accreditation provides a valuable step towards your professional chartership and certifies that our geophysics curriculum meets the requirements of professional geoscience employment.
Course details and modules
In semester 1, you’ll learn the theoretical tools of the trade. Regardless of your academic background, you’ll receive fundamental training in geological concepts, computational methods, and digital data systems, and discover how to analyse seismic, gravity and magnetic datasets.
Throughout semester 2, you’ll put this theory into practice. You will discover how machine learning methods are used as an assistive technology in geophysics, alongside physics-based methods of seismic interpretation. Our near-surface geophysics module includes training with field survey systems: these are typically applied in a residential field course in Wales, in which we explore the role of geophysical site investigation for a hypothetical windfarm development.
All your learning from semesters 1 and 2 will culminate in your own project and dissertation, where you’ll be able to apply your skills to a real-world topic in exploration geophysics.
Throughout the year, you’ll meet a diverse range of external guest speakers. Targeting our Exploration Geophysics course specifically, their visits will keep you informed of the latest project, internship and career opportunities in their companies, and give you an impression of what it’s like to be a professional geoscientist.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.
Compulsory modules
Computational Analysis Techniques (15 credits)
In this module, you’ll learn how to estimate subsurface properties from geophysical data using the techniques and theory of data inversion. You will also learn the fundamental considerations in designing a digital recording system. You'll receive training in the use of the Python scientific programming language, building inverse theory algorithms in Python and learning programming skills to take into other Exploration Geophysics modules.
Geology and Petrophyics (15 credits)
This module provides the basic tools required to characterise rocks at all depths and spatial scales, in the context of striking a balance between economic growth and environmental safeguarding. The module starts by reinforcing your fundamental geological skills through a one-day field trip and explores the seismic expression of basin-scale structural geology. Thereafter, you will receive training in the quantitative petrophysical analysis of rocks at a well-log to microscopic scale.
Seismic Reflection Surveying (15 credits)
In this module, you’ll discover the fundamental considerations that enable seismic reflection imaging of the Earth’s interior. You will apply seismic processing techniques using an industry-standard software package and learn how acquisition technologies contribute to improved imaging potential.
Geophysical Reservoir Evaluation (15 credits)
At the heart of this module is interpreting the physical properties of subsurface materials from seismic data. Based in rock mechanics principles, you will discover the use of quantitative seismic methods to detect petrophysical and fluid changes in the subsurface. The module provides new developments in seismic reservoir characterisation, with special attention to seismic monitoring for low-carbon geotechnologies.
Near Surface Geophysics (15 credits)
This module provides training in the seismic and geo-electrical approaches commonly used in near-surface exploration, including for hydrological, engineering and archaeological applications. In addition to technical training, you’ll become familiar with writing a field report and the logistical considerations that must be made in near-surface site investigations. The module culminates in a residential field trip, in which you can put geophysical learning into field practice.
Rock Mechanics (15 credits)
In this module, you will learn about the theory governing the mechanical properties of rocks, such as stress, strain, strength and failure in rock, and how this impacts subsurface structure and its geophysical characterisation.
Seismic Data Interpretation (15 credits)
On completion of this module, you’ll be familiar with the methods of seismic interpretation methods across a range of scales. You’ll learn how to build geological models from 2D and 3D seismic volumes, how to expand the interpretability of a seismic volume, and discover how the key elements of reservoir architecture are expressed in seismic data.
Machine Learning and Statistics (15 credits)
Discover how to choose and apply appropriate statistical methodologies in your research, including significance testing, regression, and non-parametric statistics. You’ll learn how to use machine learning models, such as deep learning, to aid your applied projects or research.
Exploration Geophysics: Project and Dissertation (60 credits)
Over the summer, you'll apply your expertise to an independent project that explores an authentic research challenge. These projects are tailored to the individual interests of students and often involve an external collaborator, with the potential to undertake an internship for part of the project period. This is your opportunity to make your own contribution to the field of Exploration Geophysics – a beneficial experience, whether your future direction is in industry or continuing academic research.
Fieldwork
There are two fieldwork sessions in the Exploration Geophysics year. In semester 1, you will undertake a day-trip focused on field geology: if you have no geological background, the trip helps to embed key geological principles, and otherwise serves as a refresher of geological fundamentals. In semester 2, you will complete a week-long residential field trip in which you’ll use our geophysical survey systems to conduct a site investigation of a shallow bedrock target. This typically takes place in a scenic area of North Wales.
Depending on its theme, you may also undertake fieldwork as part of your independent research project.
Learning and teaching
You will learn through a mix of lectures and software practicals, and active-learning workshops that blend the two formats. Most instruction takes place through synchronously scheduled sessions, but all learning resources can be accessed remotely to facilitate private study in your own time. Your background instruction in geological principles is complemented by a day of in-field training, and our residential geophysics fieldtrip is an opportunity to put classroom theory into authentic practice.
With a diverse international cohort, we aim to be as inclusive and integrative as possible. You will discover the campus and the wider city during a pre-sessional induction week, which also introduces the various support facilities in the university including the Library, Language Centre and Careers Service; you will also meet your MSc peers and relevant teaching teams. All course materials are made available through our e-learning platform in advance of scheduled sessions, and all students are assigned a personal tutor who will advise on academic and pastoral issues throughout the year.
On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
There are a number of different means of conveying geophysics understanding, and accordingly you will be assessed via different means during the course. Examples of assessment may include:
- submission of written reports,
- diagnostic tests to validate analyses,
- recorded audio commentary on your workflows,
- poster presentation,
- delivering a seminar, and
- preparation of an example technical conference submission.
These represent authentic deliverables that you might be expected to supply in professional practice and are thus complementary to your professional development. Certain modules are also assessed by time-limited exams, which may be held in online or in-person formats. For your summer research project, we encourage you to identify a research theme that is of interest to you and thus personalise your project experience to your own expertise and ambition.
The majority of assignments are individually assessed, although some teamwork also features. Opportunities for learning are provided through formative assessment (i.e., for feedback and not for credit) ahead of summative assessment. All assessments are accompanied by marking schemes and rubrics, to help you appreciate the detailed requirements of any submission.
Applying
Entry requirements
A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in geology, geophysics or another science, technology, engineering, mathematics discipline or a related numerate subject.
We also encourage you to apply if you have a 2:2 (hons) in one of the subjects listed above, relevant work experience or professional qualifications. We take a flexible and inclusive approach and consider every application on its individual merits.
International
We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks).
We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional.
You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.
How to apply
Please visit our How to Apply page for full details of the application process and the supporting documents required as part of your application.
We encourage all applicants to apply as early as possible.
Application deadlines
- International applicants: Friday 30 July 2027
- UK applicants: Friday 10 September 2027
To apply, click the button below to access the University’s online application system.
International applicants can find further information on visas, immigration requirements and student support on our International students pages. We recommend applying as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing before your programme starts.
If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2027
This course is taught by
School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability
Contact us
School of Earth, Environment and Sustainability Postgraduate Admissions Team
Fees
UK: £14,900 (Total)
International: £38,400 (Total)
Read more about paying fees and charges.
For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.
Additional cost information
Standard travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for some subsistence, incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing, footwear and any related visa costs associated with overseas travel.
There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.
Scholarships and financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Learn more about Masters funding.
Scholarships are also available to help fund your Masters. Find out more and check your eligibility below:
We have strong company links which typically offer a number of industry scholarships.
Career opportunities
There is a growing demand for geophysicists. A Masters qualification is generally regarded as an essential entry-level requirement in the geoscience sector, whether in resource applications or in the environmental/engineering industry. The extensive set of practical and computational skills that you’ll learn on our Exploration Geophysics MSc will be highly sought after in many industries.
Graduates from the course have an exceptionally good track record at securing employment on completion. They can be found throughout all career stages in the resource industries, taking leading roles in the processing and interpretation of geophysical data or with the development of relevant software. The area of net-zero technologies is undergoing significant growth, and many of our graduates are in demand in this sector.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:
- Remote sensing and data scientist, Climate X
- Project leader, CGG
- Seismology PhD researcher, University of Edinburgh
- Geophysicist, data management and GIS, The Government of Tanzania
- Geotechnical engineer, WSP
- Software engineer, Alan Turing Institute
- Chief consultant geophysicist, Wood Thilsted
- Geophysicist, General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration, Turkey
- Engineering geophysicist, British Geological Survey
- Geophysicist, Fugro Geoservices Ltd.
- Marine acquisition geophysicist, Gardline Ltd.
- Reflection seismologist, Shearwater GeoServices
- Consultant geophysicist, OWC.
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years
by the UK's leading employers
Careers support
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go wel beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.
- Dedicated Employability Team – meet with our qualified careers consultants and specialist employability and placements officers, on hand to help you choose the right path and develop the skills to get there. They can support with CV and cover letter writing, LinkedIn profile building, mock interviews and navigating AI: get confident with tailored advice and techniques.
- Employability and networking events – get involved in a full range of events, including careers fairs and specialist industry talks with employers who are actively recruiting. You’ll also benefit from mentoring and a supportive careers community, helping you make connections, build your network, and shape your journey as a future professional.
- Skills training – we embed transferable skills training in all our programmes to support your transition to the workplace. Gain expertise employers value, such as communication, problem-solving and research and data analysis.
- MyCareer system – access a dedicated portal where you can book careers appointments, view helpful resources and browse vacancies and events. Access digital tools, including LinkedIn support, video interview preparation, plus global job market and visa guidance. We also offer pre‑arrival support to help you prepare for career planning in the UK and make the most of your time with us.
- Exclusive opportunities – bring your enterprise to market with our award-winning business advice service, Spark. Apply for vacancies only available to our students. And hone your skills further with Leeds University Union, home to volunteering opportunities and over 300 clubs and societies.
Explore more about your employability opportunities at the University of Leeds.
Work placements and industry experience
As a Masters student at Leeds, you’ll have the unique opportunity to gain real-world industry experience with our Global Industry Programme.
You’ll develop key professional skills and gain invaluable insight into working in your chosen field, helping to solve a real business problem from a live company brief.
This experience will enhance your CV, helping you stand out in the competitive graduate jobs market and improving your chances of securing the career you want.
Benefits of the Global Industry Programme:
- Fully online and designed to fit around your studies.
- Opportunities to make professional networks in areas such as digital marketing, business growth, sustainability and funding strategy.
- Gain valuable insight and build consultancy experience with a UK or international organisation, working on a time limited brief.
- Work as part of a team across disciplines to tackle real business needs.
- Advance your experience and hands-on skills by putting the course teachings into practice.
- Improve your employability prospects.
- Make new friends, build confidence and consider your future plans.