Structural Geology with Geophysics

Develop personal skills and a professionalism that will make you employable, as well as increasing your knowledge and technical ability.

You will take 9 months of taught classes, followed by approximately 3 months of independent research and dissertation writing in association with industry or research collaborators.

Carry-out free fieldwork, which forms an integral part of the course, and is directly linked to learning outcomes in the classroom. Besides local visits, there is a 6-day trip to South West England and a 12-day visit to the Spanish Pyrenees.

Some of the modules you will study are spread over 2 semesters, while most are short and intensive. They are devised to develop your advanced understanding of key topics (including large scale tectonics, basin evolution and reservoir scale deformation) and your technical ability through the use of industry-leading software.

Begin, by reviewing the fundamentals of structural geology, maps, and mathematics before moving onto the more advanced modules.

You’ll receive advanced training in structural geology and tectonics, in geological model construction, and the practical application of structural geology. And gain training in interpreting seismic data and the principals underlying data acquisition and processing.

You’ll also undertake professional and research level training in structural geology and basin evolution from regional, to basin, to reservoir/deposit scale.

In semester 2, you can choose from hydrocarbon or mining modules.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Structural Geology Independent Project 60 credits
• Applied Geophysical Methods 15 credits
• Integrated Sub Surface Analysis 30 credits
• Applied Structural Models 20 credits
• Geomechanics 10 credits
• Applied Geodynamics and Basin Evolution 15 credits
• 3D Structure: Techniques and Visualisation 15 credits

Optional modules

• Reservoir Structural Geology and Hydrocarbon Prospectivity of Basins 15 credits
• Ore Deposits and their Structural Controls 15 credits

For more information on typical modules, read Structural Geology with Geophysics MSc in the course catalogue

Learning and teaching

Teaching is varied, with some of your modules being very practical based e.g. fieldwork, presentations, learning new software. While other methods are tutorial or lecture based. You will also have the opportunity to work individually or as a group. Regardless of method, you will be supported by substantial online learning material.

Facilities

The School of Earth and Environment’s £23m building gives you access to world-class research, teaching and laboratory facilities. As a Masters student, you will have access to a 3D visualisation suite, and to your own dedicated computer facilities, which runs industry standard software.

Industry standard software:

• 2D and 3D seismic interpretation is done via Kingdom Suite software.
• Geocellular modelling is delivered on the Petrel platform.
• Structural modelling and restoration is learnt using Midland Valley's 2DMove software.
• PCs run a range of structural modelling, GIS and 3D visualisation programmes.
• If you choose the optional Ore Deposits module, train in Leapfrog 3D deposit modeller.

Assessment

Given the variety of learning outcomes and teaching methods, you will be assessed differently between modules but generally assessed on a combination of presentations, practicals and/or formal examinations.