3rd best Geology Department in Scotland
Geology at Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in Scotland by the Complete University Guide 2020
Providing professional level Geophysics training and education to open up career opportunities across a number of industries and for future academic research.
Developed on the back of a recognised need for qualified Geophysicists within industry, this programme is delivered by our Department of Geology and Geophysics 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.
- GL5052 Seismic Reflection
- GL5308 Time Series
15 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this course- GL5537 Geophysical Inverse Theory and Statistics
- GL5704 Topics in Advance Applied Geophysics
15 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this course60 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this courseFee category | Cost |
---|---|
EU / International students | £28,200 |
Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year | |
Home / RUK | £11,300 |
Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year |
15 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This module will cover on the most important essentials of reflection seismics: from basic to advanced information on how seismic data are acquired and processed to generate images of the subsurface. Practical exercises involving processing of seismic reflection data will form a significant part of the curriculum with the aim of familiarising students with key industry software packages.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This module is designed to give students a range of skills associated with data-driven approaches and machine learning. Machine learning has revolutionised numerous scientific fields and it has begun to change the paradigm in geosciences by providing real-time solutions to non-trivial and computationally intense problems. Throughout the module the students will become familiar with the basic concepts and tools of machine learning. This will open up multiple career paths in geoscience and STEM in general.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This module will take students to the boundaries of applied geophysics. The course content is drawn from recent high-impact academic research, advanced industry geophysics case studies, dedicated applied geophysics training and PhD research skills. It provides skills that open up career paths to graduates both within and outside the resource industries. The balance between topics may shift from year to year in response to changing patterns of research and changing employer demand.
View detailed information about this course60 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This module focuses on the application of geophysical techniques for solving near surface environmental problems. It covers basic theory and practical aspects of modern data collection for near surface magnetic, gravity, resistivity, electro-magnetic (EM), ground penetrating radar (GPR) and seismic refraction, along with case study examples of application to the assessment and monitoring of a range of scientific and technical environmental problems including water resources, geotechnics, contaminated lands, civil engineering, mining, geothermal resources, archaeology. The module will be taught so that the students will be equipped to plan and undertake their own geophysical experiments focusing on a variety of near surface geophysical targets. The use of a variety of geophysical equipment in the field will form a significant component of this module.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
This module is designed to give students a range of computational skills associated with time-series analysis and inverse theory. The module content will be delivered in the form of lectures, practicals and webinars.
Time series analysis and inverse theory is of paramount importance in exploration geophysics and computational sciences. The students will get familiar with signal processing and optimisation. This will open up multiple career paths in geoscience and STEM in general.
View detailed information about this course15 Credit Points
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.
View detailed information about this courseFee category | Cost |
---|---|
Home Students | £11,000 |
Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year | |
International Students | £27,600 |
Tuition Fees for 2020/21 Academic Year | |
EU / International students | £28,200 |
Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year | |
Home / RUK | £11,300 |
Tuition Fees for 2021/22 Academic Year |
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.
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.
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.
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 - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
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.
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Eligible self-funded international Masters students will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship. Visit our Funding Database to find out more and see our full range of scholarships.
On Thursday 4 March, The University of Aberdeen will hold a Postgraduate Virtual Open Day.
It is open to everyone who is interested in Postgraduate Taught and Research study.
Find out moreSuccessful 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.
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.
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.
Student-led social and professional events and networking.
Find out more