Overview

The Structural Geology with Geophysics MSc is a unique and globally leading Masters programme. This course will provide you with the advanced theoretical and practical training needed to flourish in a career in applied structural geology both across a range of geo-energy industries and as preparation for independent academic research.

Fundamental to the emerging Energy Transition is the need to understand structural controls in the sub-surface, for both renewable and traditional energy acquisition/storage. This course will focus on the practical application of structural geology, preparing you for employment in a breadth of energy and resource facing industries, including geothermal, hydrothermal, CCS (carbon capture and storage), hydrocarbons, rare minerals and ores, energy and hydrogen storage and shallow hazard risking.

You will gain a skillset combining advanced structural techniques and interpretation and assimilation of sub-surface data, an understanding of structural systems in time and space, at a geodynamic, basin and resource scale. You will develop an appreciation of both the geological and geophysical constraints of sub-surface interpretation and model building and the associated uncertainties

This will enable you to use a combination of structural and geophysical techniques to solve geological problems. At the end of the programme as a skilled subsurface interpreter and modeller, you’ll be able to contribute in an industry-facing role from day one and, with many of our students following on to PhD study, have the potential to pursue a research career. The skill-sets you acquire will be widely applicable and transferable enabling you to have flexibility in your choice of industry into the future.

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 multi-industry links are a feature of this course.

Accreditation

When you choose a degree with accredited status, you can be assured that the teaching is of the highest standard. 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.

If you have an appropriate degree, our Geological Society accreditation will reduce the amount of experience required for you to reach Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status, an important career step in Geoscience.

Learning and teaching

Teaching is varied, with some of your modules being very practical based e.g. fieldwork, presentations, learning new software. While other methods are tutorial or lecture based. You will also have the opportunity to work individually or as a group. Regardless of method, you will be supported by substantial online learning material.

Career opportunities

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, with many companies targeting the course directly for recruitment.