Introduction
Providing professional level Geophysics training and education to open up career opportunities across a number of industries and for future academic research.
This programme is studied on campus.
Developed on the back of a recognised need for qualified Geophysicists within industry, this programme is delivered by our Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology and equips students with the skills for careers in the hydrocarbon, minerals exploration or associated service industries, or broader geophysics research.
This unique programme is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of modern Geophysics, with an emphasis on cutting edge techniques for understanding the structure, dynamics and composition of the Earth from the near surface to the deep interior. The content is broad-based and integrative with a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of geophysical data analysis and interpretation.
Key Programme Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- MSc
- Duration
- 12 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
What You'll Study
- Semester 1
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Semester 1
Compulsory Courses
- Earth Physics, Structure and Processes (GL5036) - 15 Credit Points
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This module aims to provide a common level of understanding among students on how geophysics has been used historically and is being used at present (state-of-the-art) to image the structure of the interior of the Earth and to make inferences about the geodynamic processes within the Earth responsible for formation of its surface and near surface (including sedimentary basin formation) where society lives and relies upon the exploitation of its resources.
- Seismic Reflection Processing, Imaging and Quantitative Interpretation (GL5052) - 15 Credit Points
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The student will be trained on the most important essentials of reflection seismics: The theory of seismic waves and their application to data processing both in pre-stack (CMP processing, velocity analysis, stacking, migration) and post-stack environments. Practical exercises involving processing of seismic reflection data will form a significant part of the course with the aim of familiarising students with the key software packages.
- Time Series Analysis and Signal Processing (GL5308) - 15 Credit Points
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An introduction to the theory of time series analysis applied to geophysical data acquisition and real and synthetic seismic signals, including an understanding of the underlying philosophy and mathematical foundations. The main focus will be on signal processing and 1D-2D filtering techniques with consideration to Fourier analysis, seismic travel times and geomagnetism problems. Familiarisation with practical application in a computational laboratory using commercial computational software (such as Matlab and Mathematica).
- Field Geophysical Data Acquisition (GL5037) - 15 Credit Points
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This module focuses on the design, implementation and quality control of geophysical data acquisition in the field. The theory and practical aspects of modern data collection for seismic reflection, seismic refraction, magnetic, resistivity, gravity, electro-magnetic (EM) and passive seismology will be taught so that the students will be equipped to plan and undertake their own geophysical experiments focusing on a variety of geophysical targets. The use of a variety of geophysical equipment in the field will form a significant component of this module.
- Semester 2
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Semester 2
Compulsory Courses
- Seismology and Earth Imaging (GL5526) - 15 Credit Points
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Modern seismology is wide-ranging and encompasses topics such as earthquake and tsunami hazard, the structure and dynamics of the Earth and other terrestrial planets, exploration for hydrocarbon and minerals, monitoring of micro-seismicity for a variety of purposes (carbon sequestration, induced fracturing and aftershock surveys) and even ocean circulation and weather variations. This course will teach the fundamentals of modern seismology, from exploration to the solid Earth, and will include a component on seismic imaging, which is the premier tool for illuminating Earth structure from small to large scales.
- Borehole Geophysics and 4d Reservoir Monitoring (GL5538) - 15 Credit Points
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Borehole Geophysics provides critically important information about the subsurface through well logging and core analysis. This course will cover the fundamentals of Petrophysics and its use in the analysis of cores and geophysical well logs for reservoir characterisation and hydrocarbon assessment.
- Geophysical Inverse Theory and Statistics (GL5537) - 15 Credit Points
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With the advent of larger and more complex datasets, the solution of inverse problems is becoming increasingly relevant in modern geophysics. In this course, as well as learning the fundamentals of inverse theory and statistics, students will be exposed to cutting edge methods used in a wide variety of applied geophysics problems, from receiver function analysis to full waveform inversion. A solid knowledge of statistics is required to properly understand modern geophysical inversion theory, which is why the two components of the course work well together.
- Topics in Advanced Applied Geophysics (GL5704) - 15 Credit Points
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This module is takes students to the boundaries of applied geophysics with content drawn from four areas that are currently the focus of much academic research and which also garner much attention in the media:
- Potential field theory and applications [gravity and magnetic];
- Electrical/electromagnetic methods and applications, including ground penetrating radar [GPR];
- Geophysical hazards; and
- Engineering/environmental geophysics. This module is important as it opens up career paths to graduates outwith the resource industries. The balance between the four topics may shift from year to year in response to changing patterns of research and changing employer demand.
- Semester 3
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Semester 3
Compulsory Courses
- Project in Geophysics (GL5910) - 60 Credit Points
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This course provides the student an opportunity to design and execute the workflow of the data treatment (including in exceptional cases the possible of acquisition), processing, analysis and modelling, and interpretation of a geophysical dataset in the context of Earth structure or processes and/or exploration goals relevant to resource industries. The project is an extended, independent, self-directed, piece of practical work integrating and reinforcing the material taught on the course, and giving a detailed insight into the demands of, and ways of working in academia or industry.
Course Availability
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Research
- Tutorials
Assessment Methods
Continuous assessment will play a major part in the programme, as well as course specific project work and exams.
One-third of the overall assessment will be attributed to an individual project involving original research or applied work. Students may gain direct support from industry during the individual project.
Why Study Geophysics?
- Explore the theory of geophysics and its application to a multitude of research and industry problems across a variety of scales, via a curriculum that covers the broad fundamentals and new technologies.
- Learn from experienced geophysics staff and key industry experts, delivered in world-class facilities with dedicated teaching and study space.
- Gain hands-on experience in using industry-standard software and acquiring geophysical data with our large pool of geophysics equipment (including broadband seismometers, seismic reflection/refraction, ground penetrating radar, resistivity tomography, magnetometers and differential GPS).
- Develop your own ideas, strategies and solutions during the self-directed geophysics project with academic and industry mentorship.
- Form part of and share experiences with a close community of academic staff, research fellows, PhD students and other MSc. students in the Department of Geology and Petroleum Geology.
- Experience local, national and international fieldwork, both through postgraduate teaching and active student chapters, which offer great networking opportunities and form an essential bridge into careers.
- Join and take an active role in running an EAGE and SEG student chapter in Aberdeen, our AAPG Geology Student Chapter, the Aberdeen Geological Society and the PESGB. These active societies provide you with networking and learning opportunities through lecture series, fieldwork excursions and social events.
- Benefit from research active, industry experienced academics and industry professionals – learn more about our academic experts working in the department.
- Study in a Department ranked 1st in Scotland - Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences (Geology and Geosciences) and 1st in Scotland for Impact – Geosciences in the 2014 REF results.
- Study in a Department whose research focusses on subsurface Earth science and its deeper time record. Traditional strengths in petroleum geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, geochemistry have been recently expanded by adding expertise in geophysics, tectonics and structural geology. Current research and teaching partnerships include: Apache, Statoil, Baker Hughes, BP, Chevron, Conoco Phillips, Dana Petroleum, Halliburton, Shell, Pemex and Saudi Aramco, to name a few.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Geophysics, Mathematics or Physics degree at 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth).
Those with a 2:1 in Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Science or similar degree will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate proven ability in Geophysics, Mathematics and/or Physics.
Key subjects you should have covered: At least one University-level Mathematics and/or Physics and/or Geophysics module.
Please enter your country to view country-specific entry requirements.
English Language Requirements
To study for a Postgraduate Taught degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 51; Reading - 51; Speaking - 51; Writing - 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
Document Requirements
You will be required to supply the following documentation with your application as proof you meet the entry requirements of this degree programme. If you have not yet completed your current programme of study, then you can still apply and you can provide your Degree Certificate at a later date.
- CV
- an up-to-date CV/Resumé
- Degree Certificate
- a degree certificate showing your qualifications
- Degree Transcript
- a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
- Personal Statement
- a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme
International Applicants
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| Home / EU / RUK Students | £10,600 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year | |
| International Students | £27,600 |
| Tuition Fees for 2019/20 Academic Year |
International non-EU Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Funding Opportunities
- Society of Exploration Geophysicists Scholarships
- Postgraduate Tuition Fee and Living Cost Loan 2017-18 (SAAS) (Scotland and EU)
- Postgraduate Loans (UK Government webpages)
- Postgraduate Loans (Findamasters.com webpages)
- Aberdeen International Masters Scholarship
- Aberdeenshire Regional Energy Scholarships
- Aberdeen Alumni Scholarship
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Successful completion of this programme will open up opportunities for students with oil and gas operators and mineral exploration companies, as well as dedicated geophysics service companies. Over half of our graduates now enjoy a Geophysics Industry or Lecturing career, with a quarter undertaking Geophysics research towards a PhD and the remainder are employed in the Digital Technology sector.
Our Experts
- Other Experts
- Professor Randell Stephenson
- Dr David Iacopini
- Dr Jean-Christophe Comte
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr David Cornwell
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Features
Geophysics Field Trips
Field-trips play a major part in the learning process. Students get the chance to test out their new-found skills whilst using state-of-the-art equipment.
Aberdeen University Geological Society
Student-led social and professional events and networking.
Find out moreGet in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions Service
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX