Exploration Geophysics

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.