Program 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.

Course highlights

• 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. These skills are essential for your employment in industry for the duration of your career regardless of which energy/resource facing industry you start in.
• Undertake fieldwork that is directly linked to your classroom learning.
• Depending on your interests, specialise with a choice between hydrocarbon, mining and geothermal options embedded in the second semester. This will give you flexibility in the industry but can also allow you to retrain if you are seeking an alternative career path.
• Access high-spec computing facilities and industry-standard software.
• Complete an individual project, typically in association with an external company or institute.

Specialist facilities

The School of Earth and Environment’s building gives you access to world-class research, teaching and laboratory facilities. As a Masters student, you will have access to a 3D visualisation suite, and to your own dedicated computer facilities running industry standard software, such as:

• 2D and 3D seismic interpretation and geocellular modelling is done via Petrel and other industry-standard software.
• Structural modelling and restoration is learnt using a range of industry standard software.
• PCs run a range of structural modelling, restoration, GIS and 3D visualisation programmes.
• Resource specific software, for example in the Ore specialisation you will train in Leapfrog 3D deposit modeller.