Exploration geophysicists play a crucial role in identifying where Earth’s resources are located – whether these are water, mineral deposits, or 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 also perform the site investigations that ensure safe construction and development operations, minimising the risk from environmentally hazardous or archaeologically sensitive material in the ground.
The Exploration Geophysics MSc degree provides advanced 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 integrate across field practice and computational analysis.
Leeds geoscientists are experts in their field and adopt a research-based approach to teaching. Having run for six decades, our programme benefits from close working relationships with external partners, many of whom are course alumni. Our students benefit from instant access to this professional network, through year-round visits to the School from representatives of industry and research institutes. Exploration Geophysics MSc is accredited by The Geological Society of London, recognition which provides the first step towards a graduate’s professional chartership.
This full-time degree is taught over 12 months and consists of 180-credits, delivered through eight 15-credit taught-course modules and a 60-credit independent research project. The taught course content occupies Semesters 1 and 2, with Semester 1 material establishing core competencies and Semester 2 developing their application to authentic geoscience challenges. The dissertation module is conducted over summer, under the guidance of a supervisor from either the university and/or an external company. Through a combination of different learning opportunities, you will receive training in both the core competencies of Exploration Geophysics, while refining your experience with communication geophysical concepts to a range of audiences. Graduates of our programme therefore possess comprehensive technical knowledge and have the work-ready skills to thrive in whichever career path they choose.
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE5110M | Exploration Geophysics: Project and Dissertation | 60 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE5117M | Computational Analysis Techniques | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE5136M | Geophysical Reservoir Evaluation | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE5141M | Near-Surface Geophysics | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE5147M | Gravity and Magnetic Methods | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE5150M | Geological and Physical Methods for Subsurface Characterisation | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE5169M | Seismic Reflection Surveying | 15 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE5245M | Seismic Data Interpretation | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE5980M | Machine Learning and Statistics | 15 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Last updated: 29/04/2025 13:17:01
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