Exploration Geophysics MSc at University of Leeds

Geophysics involves the use of physical techniques to study the Earth's interior. It involves a range of disciplines, including seismic, gravity, magnetic and geo-electrical methods.

Exploration Geophysics is a key element of understanding the resource potential of the subsurface – whether they are water, minerals, geothermal heat, hydrocarbon reserves, or prospective storage repositories. It is applied in engineering site investigations and environmental assessment, and is a significant component of archaeological mapping and glacier monitoring. Our Exploration Geophysics Masters degree gives you the skills to embark on a career in any of these industrial or academic sectors.

Established for over 50 years, MSc Exploration Geophysics has strong links both to sectors of industry and Leeds’ new GeoSolutions centre, which aims to apply geoscience expertise to support the clean-energy transition. The course provides you with a breadth of practical skills, underpinned by a theoretical understanding that equips you to become a professional in your chosen field.

Central to the course is a four-month individual project, typically conducted in close association with an external company or institute, and often in their offices on placements or subsidised internships.

Career opportunities

There is a high demand for geophysicists. A Masters is generally considered an appropriate level to embark on a career in resource exploration or engineering/environmental site investigation, and the course at Leeds has an exceptionally good record of job placement for students.

Many energy, and service-sector companies target the course directly for recruitment with numerous company visits through the year. Other opportunities arise from project placements, the EAGE, or Project Presentation day in September.

Most students join energy or minerals companies, or geophysical acquisition, processing, interpretation or software companies.

Our graduates have secured positions in recent years, including:

• geologist/geophysicist, Agencia Nacional de Hidrocarburos (Colombia)

• geologist/geophysicist, Arup – engineering site investigation

• geophysicist, Bell Geospace – airborne geophysics

• geophysicist, British Geological Survey – geomagnetism unit

• geophysicist, CGG – seismic data processing

• geophysicist, DownUnderGeosolutions – seismic data processing

• geophysicist, ExxonMobil – energy company

• geophysicist, ION GX Imaging – seismic data processing

• geophysicist, NexenCNOOC (now CNOOC) – energy company

• geophysicist, Shell (UK) – energy company

• hydrogeophysicist, Aestsus LLC (USA) – near-surface geophysics

• PhD, University of Bristol – microseismics

• PhD, University of Edinburgh – seismic interferometry

• PhD, University of Stockholm - glaciological geophysics

• software developer, AWE (UK) – forensic seismology

• software developer, BAe Systems – cybersecurity