Links with industry enliven this vocational programme - helping students develop a grounded perspective on their studies, as well as providing recruitment possibilities. In addition to the industrial experience of many school staff and contributions from University of Leeds geoscience spin-out companies, there are numerous contacts with industry representatives throughout the year.

There are company visits (oil and gas companies, geophysical acquisition, processing and software companies) once or twice a week through the course. These companies come primarily to engage and recruit MSc students. The visits include recruitment information, technical showcases and case studies of integrated geoscience in practice as well as opportunities to network with geoscience professionals.

The majority of students attend the EAGE (European Association of Geoscientists and Engineers) annual meeting in May/June. This provides an opportunity for students to find out about the latest technological developments and to meet industry experts - including potential employers.

Most summer projects are carried out either with collaborating companies or institutes. These projects are linked to current activities - representing actual problems for which a research or business outcome is sought. Some are field-based, often overseas. The projects finish with an Open Day when students present their work to a range of industry visitors.