GeoEnergy

The University of Edinburgh
Postgraduate MSc Full-time 1 Year Environmental and earth sciences

About this course

Your career in a low-carbon future starts here.

Our MSc GeoEnergy enables you to pursue a geosciences-related career in the rapidly evolving energy sector, as it transitions from fossil fuels to a net-zero future.

Your training aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, especially:

* Goal 6: "Clean water and sanitation"

* Goal 7: "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy"

* Goal 13: "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts"

The programme uses subsurface geological knowledge to open diverse career paths in low-carbon energy technologies, the disposal of energy-related wastes and the evolving hydrocarbon industry.

You will learn about various ways to reduce CO2 emissions from the energy sector to help meet net-zero targets to tackle climate change. For example, you will learn about methods such as carbon capture and storage, along with energy storage technologies that complement renewable energy provision.

We have specifically designed this MSc to explore a wide range of energy topics, giving you opportunities for a varied career path.

What is GeoEnergy?

GeoEnergy encompasses the entire range of energy technologies and sources that interact with the geological subsurface.

This includes both established energy technologies, such as hydrocarbons, and developing areas, such as geothermal energy production and the storage of radioactive waste.

These technologies require either injection, extraction or interaction with fluids from the subsurface, which are subject to fundamental geological controls.

Understanding these controls is essential for the responsible and safe utilisation of these energy-related technologies for a low-carbon future.

You will benefit from the strength and international reputation of our research groups. We are one of the largest groups of geoscientists in the UK actively researching a variety of GeoEnergy technologies, including:

* carbon capture and storage

* radioactive waste disposal

* energy storage (including compressed air, heat and hydrogen)

* geothermal energy

* sustainable use of water resources

* supply of critical elements for the energy transition

* unconventional and conventional hydrocarbons

Our work supports global initiatives to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Is the MSc for me?

The rapidly developing GeoEnergy industry offers you challenges and opportunities to meet the need for reliable low-carbon energy. This is urgently needed to meet internationally agreed global decarbonisation targets and the United Nations' sustainable development goals.

This MSc is ideal for those seeking an environmentally responsible career focused on providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the future.

It is also suitable for those seeking to retrain from the traditional energy industry to meet the low-carbon needs of the future.

When to apply

Please note: We may close applications to this programme earlier than the published deadline if there is high demand.

We strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

For dates and details, please refer to 'Application Deadlines' on our website.

You should also avoid applying to more than one degree. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

Study Options

This course is available in 2 study options:

Part-time

Duration: 2 Years

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Full-time Shown above

Duration: 1 Year

Qualification: MSc

Location: Edinburgh

Career Prospects

Graduates from this course typically go into the following occupations:

1123 Production managers and directors in mining and energy
2114 Physical scientists
3119 Science, engineering and production technicians
3114 Building and civil engineering technicians
2121 Civil engineers
2152 Environment professionals

Course Details

Qualification
MSc
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Year
Start Date
2025
Academic Year
2025
Campus / Location
Edinburgh
Scheme
Postgraduate
Subjects
Environmental and earth sciences