Find out more about studying Exploration Geophysics MSc at University of Leeds? We've gathered all the key details, entry requirements, modules, fees, and more. Take the next step by booking an open day to explore it for yourself.
MSc - Master of Science
Leeds, Main
Full Time
Sep 2026
1 Year
Earth’s resources are essential for our energy future. Exploration geophysicists play a crucial role in identifying where resources are located – whether these are water, mineral deposits, hydrocarbon reserves or geothermal heat. 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 global demand for geophysicists will always be high, as organisations worldwide seek to develop the sustainable solutions to resource management that exploration geophysicists can provide. Our Exploration Geophysics MSc degree provides 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 are integrated with field geology and modern computational approaches. Our taught-course modules culminate in an independent research project, in which you will be able to make your own contribution to a genuine research challenge. Established for over 60 years, our Exploration Geophysics MSc course has strong links with diverse industrial partners, global research institutes, and the Leeds Geosolutions Centre, each combining to develop the next generation of expert geophysicists and tackle emerging resource priorities. We have an excellent track record in providing skilled geophysics graduates into a range of industrial and research sectors. Why study at Leeds: This Masters degree is accredited by The Geological Society of London. Our active and globally-renowned research conducted here on campus feeds directly into the course, combining theoretical knowledge with authentic industrial practice. Leeds paves the way in sustainable energy development: independent research projects can integrate with our pioneering “Campus Geothermal” living-lab, a network of geothermal boreholes that explore subsurface heat processes for the decarbonisation of campus energy use. You’ll advance your knowledge and skills in key areas like industrial applications of seismic, gravity, magnetic and geo-electrical methods, complemented with machine learning technologies and applied authentically across a broad range of survey environments. You'll make your own contribution to the field of geophysics through an individual research project, focused on a genuine research challenge and tailored to suit your interests. Very often, projects are undertaken in close collaboration with external partners and sometimes the potential to undertake an internship. Our specialist facilities include industry-grade computers equipped with commercial software packages – plus geophysical field equipment you can use for your own field-based research. We provide a network of professional contacts and early awareness of internship and employment opportunities through visits throughout the year by representatives from industry and research institutes. You’ll benefit from expert practical and theoretical teaching, delivered by a programme team made up of geoscientists from the School’s Institute of Applied Geoscience and Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics. AccreditationThe Geological Society of LondonAccreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.
In this module, students will learn to use unix/Linux operating systems for scientific computation applications, scientific programming and plotting using Matlab, and the application of inverse theory to geophysical data.
In this module, students will apply and extend relevant elements of the taught-course module(s) to a single exploration geophysical project, with credible industrial or research outcomes. It is typically 15 weeks of full-time work, leading to a Dissertation and other forms of assessment emulating industry practice.
In this module, students will learn the fundamentals of geological and petrophysical analysis required to characterize subsurface formations in order to understand and manage environmental and economic resources. Such resources include fresh and salt water aquifers and porous reservoirs, for the sequestration of CO2, short-term storage of energy or the production of hydrocarbons. Resources may also include mineral and ore deposits, or formations in the shallow subsurface which can be developed for civil engineering projects.
The purpose of this module is to provide an understanding of rock mechanics and the sensitivity of seismic attributes to rock physical, petro-physical and fluid properties. New developments in seismic reservoir characterisation are also provided, with special attention to an overview of the fundamentals of time-lapse seismic technology, passive seismic monitoring, seismic geomechanics and seismic characterisation of unconventional reservoirs.
In this module students will learn the theory and practice of gravity, magnetic and EM methods as applied to petroleum exploration. To understand the application of gravity, magnetic and EM methods to petroleum exploration; to understand the procedures of gravity, magnetic and EM data acquisition and processing, such that they can take part in operations or review the work of others; to apply processing and interpretation tools to derive geological information from gravity and magnetic data sets.
This module provides a training in the geophysical approaches commonly used in near-surface exploration - typically for hydrological, environmental, engineering and archaeological applications - and for characterising the weathered zone for larger scale exploration. Students will become familiar with electrical and electromagnetic approaches, near-surface seismic methods, and the typical considerations that must be made in near-surface site investigations. This is undertaken through lectures, data processing practicals and a field deployment.
In this module, students will learn principles of digital signal analysis and learn to process seismic reflection data. After completing this module, students will be able to: ?- understand the theory and principles behind surface-seismic reflection and VSP data processing; ?- have a practical understanding of, and be able to apply, processing tools to 2D seismic reflection lines and to a VSP to a credible professional standard; then to be able to report on and document the work, also at a credible professional standard. ? Learning outcomes will be assessed using practical exercises, an independent processing report, and an unseen exam.
The purpose of this module is to review the fundamentals of seismology, provide practical application of seismic theory to petroleum exploration, and to develop an understanding of the techniques and technologies used in seismic reflection acquisition and of the considerations for survey design.
On completion of this module, the student will be able to understand the principles and practice of interpreting industry seismic reflection data, in both a general geological and structural context and in a detailed sequence-stratigraphic context. The student will be able to produce 3D-based geological models by interpreting 2D seismic lines and 3D seismic cubes, both using paper sections and computer-based software.
