Exploration Geophysics MSc

Geophysics is the remote study of the Earth's interior through physical techniques – principally analysing seismic data, but also applying gravity, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic methods.

It is a key element of oil, gas and mineral exploration, environmental and archaeological assessment, and engineering site investigation.

This course prepares you to embark on a career in resource exploration, environmental and engineering geophysics.

Running continuously for over 50 years it is very firmly established and has strong links to industry. It provides you with a broad range of practical skills, underpinned by a theoretical understanding that equips you to become a professional in your chosen field.

You will also undertake a four-month individual project, mostly in association with an external company or institute and often in their offices.

Demand for geophysicists continues to be high and this well-established course has an exceptionally good record of job placement for both UK/EU and overseas students.

Course highlights:

• Network with energy, geophysical acquisition, processing and software companies, who visit regularly to engage and recruit our students.
• Complete a 4 month individual project, mostly in association with an external company or institute and often in their offices.
• Access our state-of-the-art computer suite that runs a comprehensive range of industry-standard software on hi-spec twin-screen workstations.
• Develop your field skills with our sector-leading portfolio of field geophysical equipment.
• Apply for a scholarship – we have a large number of School and dedicated external (industry) scholarships for UK/EU applicants.

Programme team

The course is delivered by a large pool of internationally recognised experts in geophysics and related subjects from the Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics (IGT) and the Institute of Applied Geoscience.

Dr Roger Clark is the Programme Manager for this course.

Accreditation

Be assured that the quality and relevance of our teaching has been recognised by an independent body of academics and industrialists through our Geological Society of London Professional Accreditation.

You will study 8 taught modules and an individual project.

Taught modules cover a broad range of geophysical disciplines as applied to resource, environmental and engineering industries.

The individual project is the most challenging and exciting part of the course. It runs from May to September and tests your skills in applying the experiences acquired over the year to a specific problem.

Most projects have an association with an exploration company or other external organisation and you could work alongside geoscience professionals in the offices of industrial partners.

Projects typically include investigations of specific geological prospects, comparisons of novel seismic processing algorithms and integrated geophysical investigations from basin to quarry scale.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules

Year 1

For more information on typical modules, read Exploration Geophysics MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Be taught by leading academic geoscientists, with input from industry experts throughout the course.

Learn through field-based and practical-based (individual and group) training, while your lectures and seminars are supplemented by desk-based and workstation-based practicals and fieldwork.

Facilities

The School's £23m building gives you access to world-class research, teaching and laboratory facilities.

As a Masters student you will have access to specific facilities as well as the general facilities available through the School and the University.

Ongoing investment in leading geophysical survey equipment means that you can effectively demonstrate and practise a range of techniques in the field including shooting seismic reflection surveys.

Equipment includes seismic, gravity, magnetics, GPR, resistivity/IP, EM, GPS/positioning. These datasets are subsequently used in your classroom/computer exercises to establish a practical link between field practice and data quality and interpretability.

A dedicated computer lab containing a suite of high-powered computers enhances your learning experience by providing you with access to a comprehensive range of industry-standard geophysical processing and interpretation software packages, e.g. MESA, SeisSpace/ProMAX®, KINGDOM, Petrel™, Geosoft, RokDoc, OpendTect and OpenCPS.

You can use these for individual projects, or in workstation-based teaching sessions. The software will also facilitate your individual and team-based exercises designed to simulate industry practice, e.g. processing a reflection seismic line, assessing a hydrocarbon prospect for a drilling/ license bid.

Assessment

You will be assessed on your written exams, coursework (both in-class and independently completed), project report writing and group presentations.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or above in geosciences (e.g. geology or geophysics) or a numerate discipline, such as physics or mathematics, although relevant and extensive industry experience can also be taken into account.

You should 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.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For information contact the School of Earth and Environment 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

If English is not your first language, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course before you begin your studies. This can help if you:

• don't meet the English language requirements for your course or
• want to improve your understanding of academic language and practices in your area of study.

Our pre-sessional courses are designed with a progression route to the degree programme and are tailored to the subject area. For information and entry requirements, read Language for Science (6 weeks) and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks). 

How to apply

Read School of Earth and Environment advice on how to apply.

Application deadline

This course is very competitive. We advise you to submit your application for 2018 entry as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

Apply

This link takes you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.
 
If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read School of Earth and Environment advice on how to apply.

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

Faculty of Environment Taught Postgraduate Admissions Policy

Fees

• UK/EU: £10,000 (total)
• International: £26,750 (total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

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 about additional costs

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.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

Industry scholarships

We appreciate that funding to undertake a postgraduate degree is a significant issue for individual students.

Based on the course's long history of developing well qualified graduates, it has had the largest number of Masters-level geophysics industry scholarships open to UK/EU students.

Scholarships are typically available from Apache North Sea, BG Group, BP, ConocoPhillips, Chevron, ION GX Technology, NexenCNOC, Shell, TOTAL. Most scholarships cover full fees, living costs, and project and conference attendance allowances (eg the EAGE).

Industry scholarships usually include a summer internship at the sponsoring company.

Find out more about Industry scholarships.

PetroleumLeeds scholarships

You cannot apply directly for this scholarship but you will be automatically considered if you have applied for an Industry scholarship, and are not in receipt of any other source of funding. Scholarships are worth £5,000.

The Dave Marsden Alumnus Award

You cannot apply directly for this scholarship but you will be automatically considered if you have applied for an Industry scholarship, and are not in receipt of any other source of funding. Scholarships usually cover partial or full tuition fees.

Other funding sources

Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB)

For information about full and partial scholarship awards, visit PESGB. Applications should be made directly to PESGB.

Society of Exploration Geophysics (SEG)

For information about full and partial scholarship awards, visit SEG. Applications should be made directly to SEG.

Career Development Loan

Past students have secured funding through a career development loan, for details visit UK Government website.

Many students on the course are sponsored by their employer. There are also a number of organisations which provide sponsorship for international students – often country specific.

***If you are thinking about funding the course yourself you should consider that historically graduates have had a high success rate in gaining (generally well paid) employment.***

Demand for geophysicists has always been high. A Masters is generally considered an appropriate level to embark on a career in resource exploration and the course at Leeds has an exceptionally good record of job placement for both UK/EU and overseas students.

Many energy, and service-sector companies target the course directly for recruitment with numerous company visits through the year. Other opportunities arise from project placements, the EAGE, or the September Open Day of project seminars and presentations, with which the programme closes.

Most students join energy or minerals companies, or geophysical acquisition, processing, interpretation or software companies.

Career prospects for students with a Masters are expected to be very good for the foreseeable future. Starting salaries are around £30,000-35,000 a year with additional benefits for working overseas and/or offshore.

Often, students have these destinations secured before the end of the course.

Graduates are, of course, equipped for success in a wide range of other disciplines and some take up related careers, such as IT or finance sector jobs or jobs with government agencies. A significant number continue to higher degrees.

Careers Support

We offer extra support and activities to help you stand out in your chosen field and achieve your career goals. The School of Earth and Environment has a strong commitment to enhancing student employability and has its own dedicated Employability Officer. Read more about our careers and employability.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.

Strong links with industry reinforce this vocational Masters degree, helping you to develop a grounded perspective, as well as providing you with recruitment possibilities.

In addition to the industrial experience of many School staff and contributions from University of Leeds geoscience spin-out companies, you will have numerous contacts with industry representatives throughout the year.

We have many visits from energy, geophysical acquisition, processing and software companies, primarily to engage with you and recruit Masters students throughout their degree. These visits include recruitment information, technical showcases and case studies of integrated geoscience in practice, as well as opportunities for you to network with geoscience professionals.

You will have the opportunity to attend the EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers) annual meeting in May/June. This provides you with a chance to find out about the latest technological developments and to meet industry experts, including potential employers.

Your summer project is mostly carried out either with collaborating companies or institutes. These projects are linked to current activities, representing actual problems for which a research or business outcome is sought. Some are field-based: with placements often overseas, while others result in journal publications or conference presentations. The projects finish with an Open Day where you will present your work to a range of industry visitors.