About

You’ll gain a skillset combining advanced structural techniques and interpreting seismic data, an understanding of structural systems in time and space, and an appreciation of both the geological and geophysical constraints of seismic interpretation and model building.

This will enable you to use a combination of structural and geophysical techniques to solve geological problems. As a capable seismic interpreter you’ll be able to contribute in an industry role from day one.

Our teaching is research led, with direct links to active applied research. You’ll be taught by a range of research and industry experts, as well as through industry-led workshops. Strong industry links are a feature of this course.

• A key focus of this Masters is on understanding structural evolution in various settings and the use of 3D and 4D thinking in geological contexts. Skills that are essential for your employment in industry.
• Undertake free fieldwork in the UK and EU that is directly linked to your classroom learning.
• Choose from hydrocarbon and mining module options, depending on your interests.
• Access high-spec computing facilities and industry-standard software.
• Produce an industry or research focused dissertation in your final year.

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, despite industry fluctuations in employment and recruitment, 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 teamworking, 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.

Starting salaries as a professional geoscientist in hydrocarbons and mining industries are commonly around £30-35,000 per year.