Geophysics (Taught)

Providing professional-level geophysics training and education to open up career opportunities across a number of industries and for future academic research.

The MSc Geophysics offers three distinct study pathways based on your areas of interest. Choose from the Geophysics, Energy Resources Geophysics, or Environmental Sustainability Geophysics Pathway.

Qualified geophysicists are in demand globally. This programme equips you with the skills for careers in energy transition, hydrocarbon and minerals exploration, renewable energy, environmental sciences, Earth data science and machine learning, and geophysics research/PhDs.

This unique programme is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of modern geophysics, with an emphasis on cutting edge techniques for understanding and visualising the structure, dynamics and composition of the Earth from the near surface to the deep interior.

The content is broad-based and integrative with a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of geophysical data analysis and interpretation, with a foundation in Earth science and geophysics methods, conventional approaches such as inversion and signal processing, and advanced applications of data science and machine learning.

Choose from 3 study pathways:

• Geophysics – for careers in a broad range of industries with advanced geophysics activities (primarily energy sector, environmental and construction sectors, marine exploration) or geophysics research (PhDs)

• Energy Resources Geophysics – for careers in the hydrocarbons and/or renewables energy industry, consultancy, government, or policy

• Environmental Sustainability Geophysics – for careers which address environmental challenges associated with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals

You will learn from experienced geophysics staff and industry experts, in world-class facilities with dedicated teaching and study space. You will explore the theory of geophysics and its application to a multitude of research and industry problems across a variety of scales. You will also gain hands-on experience in using industry-standard software and acquiring geophysical data with our vast range of geophysics equipment.

Gain experience in a wide range of geophysical techniques and their applications to subsurface imaging and monitoring, for targets such as civil and environmental engineering, regional and planetary characterisation, natural hazards, resource exploration and the energy transition. Develop a coherent theoretical background in a suite of geophysical methodologies and advanced interpretation methods, such as machine learning and artificial intelligence.

Continuous assessment will play a major part in the programme, as well as course specific project work and exams. One-third of the overall assessment will be attributed to an individual project involving original research or applied work. Students may gain direct support from industry during the individual project.