Program Overview

MSc Subsurface Geomodelling

The MSc Subsurface Geomodelling is a one-year, full-time program that provides geoscience graduates with skills and knowledge for a career in the broad range of industries and organizations requiring digital subsurface characterization and modeling.

Course Content

The program consists of the following modules:

• Geoscience characterization:
  • Stratigraphic prediction
  • Applied Structural Geology
  • Geofluids and Geomechanics
  • Mineral Systems Geoscience
  • Geological field skills
• Geomodelling principles:
  • Methods in Geomodelling
  • Geostatistics and Geomodelling
  • 3D Modelling of Ore Systems
  • Seismic Interpretation and framework modelling
• Data acquisition and processing:
  • Drilling and well logging
  • Digital Field Skills and GIS
  • Geocomputation with Python
  • Near surface Geophysics
  • Remote Sensing
• Industry-focused applications:
  • Careers in Geoscience
  • Team-based modelling I
  • Team-based modelling II
  • Applied Research Project

Course Structure

The program combines classroom-based instruction, practical workstation experience, team-based exercises, and field visits. It also includes a three-month applied research project.

Autumn Trimester (September December)

• Applied structural geology (2.5 credits)
• Careers in Geoscience (5 credits)
• Digital Field Skills and GIS (2.5 credits)
• Drilling and well logging (2.5 credits)
• Geocomputation (2.5 credits)
• Geofluids and Geomechanics (5 credits)
• Methods in Geomodelling (2.5 credits)
• Seismic Interpretation (5 credits)
• Stratigraphic prediction (2.5 credits)

Spring Trimester (January April)

• 3D Modelling of Ore Systems (5 credits)
• Geological Field skills (5 credits)
• Geostatistics and Geomodelling (5 credits)
• Mineral Systems Geoscience (5 credits)
• Near surface Geophysics (2.5 credits)
• Remote Sensing (2.5 credits)
• Team-based modelling I (2.5 credits)
• Team-based modelling II (2.5 credits)

Summer Trimester (May - August)

• Applied research project (30 credits)

Entry Requirements

Entry to the program requires an Honours undergraduate degree at 2.1 or higher (or equivalent) level in Earth Science or Geoscience. Consideration will be given to applicants with similar qualifications in cognate areas (e.g., Geophysics/Physical Geography), and to those with significant and relevant work experience but who do not meet this criterion. Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.

Fees

• EU fee: 9,720
• Non-EU fee: 25,310

Vision & Values

This program provides graduates and company staff seeking career advancement with the key knowledge, skills, and tools required to be successful geoscientists across the range of industries and applied research organizations working with subsurface data. We value ambition and passion to be expert problem-solvers through the application of sound geological reasoning, models, and quantitative techniques.

Learning Outcomes

On completion of the program, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a broad technical grounding and strong competence in characterizing subsurface resources critical to modern society.
• Appreciate the main subsurface challenges in each industry sector, the controls on resource volumes, and how they are constrained, and the value and business drivers that govern activity in various geoscience-based industry sectors.
• Show an advanced level of 3D and 4D understanding of the subsurface as well as critical reasoning skills developed through a wide range of practical exercises and a broad field-based curriculum.
• Assess and balance the requirement for resource development against the inevitable environmental impacts.
• Work with limited data and multiple hypotheses, balancing and assessing the merits and implications of competing models and designing work programs to limit uncertainty.
• Manage, QC, analyze, and integrate large subsurface geophysical and borehole datasets with an awareness of data limitations and interpretation pitfalls.
• Work with a range of digital subsurface and georeferenced data across different application areas, including geophysical and borehole data, and be able to load, visualize, manipulate, and interpret these data using industry-standard software.
• Create deterministic and nondeterministic geological models of the subsurface to help visualize, manage, and develop resources and convey concepts to management and the public.
• Work in mixed ability and multidisciplinary teams and engage in effective dialogue with cognate disciplines (drilling, engineering, environmental, energy).
• Display a high level of professional and ethical integrity, particularly in relation to data confidentiality, intellectual property, and social license to operate.
• Operate to industry-standard Health and Safety requirements, particularly with regard to field work in remote areas and working on industrial sites.
• Clearly communicate ideas and results to management, regulatory bodies, and public forums.
• Develop skills in technical report writing and presentations as required for industry and research positions.
• Formulate, drive, and execute a piece of independent research addressing an applied subsurface geoscience question.
• Build on an early network of contacts in the geoscience community.