Mineral Resources MSc

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2018–2019 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2019 entry.

Semester 1

Students must take the following three compulsory modules in their first semester of study:

• Advanced Petrogenesis: explores the genesis and evolution of magmatism that creates Earth's crust and the petrography and geochemistry of the associated minerals and rocks.
• Applied Digital Field Methods: field-based module that focuses on creating and interpreting surface and underground maps, and drill core logs.
• Magmatic-related Ore Deposits: focuses on the geodynamic setting, geometry and mineralogy of the principal metallic mineral deposits related to magmatic processes.

Students must take the following four compulsory modules in their second semester of study:

• 3D Geological Modelling: introduces three-dimensional geological modelling using industry-standard software and emphasises the creation, validation and interpretation of geological and structural models, as well as their use in mineral exploration and mineral resource estimation.
• Geodynamics: studies the geodynamic evolution of Earth's crust through geological time, the evolution of convergent and divergent margins, and the relationships between tectonics, erosion and climate. The module develops skills of geodynamic interpretation, field observation and use of numerical models.
• Hydrothermal Ore Deposits: focuses on the geodynamic setting, geometry, and mineralogy of the principal metallic mineral deposits related to hydrothermal processes.
• Mineral Exploration: explores the fundamental geochemical, hyperspectral and geophysical concepts used by the mineral exploration industry.

In the final three months of your course, you will focus on independent research which concludes with a 15,000-word field- and laboratory-based dissertation. The topic is defined by the student in conjunction with an academic advisor and would normally be based around one of the research foci within the School and include industry involvement.

In order to maximise the time for independent research to be conducted, formulation of the research dissertation project, a background literature review, proposal writing and development of the analytical design is all completed by the end of Semester 2.

The third semester then concentrates on data collection, data integration and interpretation, and presentation of the research within a poster conference, before final submission of the 15,000-word dissertation towards the end of August.

If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MSc, there are exit awards available that allow suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will finish your degree at the end of the second semester of study and receive a PGDip instead of an MSc.