Overview
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Geophysics is the remote study of the Earth through physical techniques - principally analysing seismic data, but also applying gravity, magnetic and electrical methods. It is a key element of geological analysis, whether for oil, gas and mineral exploration or for environmental and engineering assessment.
The MSc in Exploration Geophysics has been running for over 35 years. It provides students with a broad range of practical skills underpinned by a theoretical understanding that will equip them to become professionals in their chosen field. Demand for graduates remains high, with virtually all graduates finding employment within geophysics or related areas. Various scholarships are available.
Excellent Career Prospects
Demand for geophysicists has always been high. An MSc is generally considered to be an appropriate level to embark on a career in oil and gas exploration and the course at Leeds has an exceptionally good record of job placement for both UK/EU and overseas students.
Many oil and gas, and service-sector, companies target the course directly for recruitment with numerous company visits through the year. Other opportunities arise from project placements, the EAGE, or the September Open Day of project seminars and presentations with which the course closes.
Most students join, oil and gas, or minerals companies, or geophysical acquisition, processing, interpretation or software companies. Career prospects for students with an MSc are expected to be very good for the foreseeable future. Starting salaries are around £30,000-£35,000pa, with additional benefits for working overseas and/or offshore. Increasingly, most students have these destinations secured well before the end of the course. Graduates are, of course, equipped for success in a wide range of disciplines and some take up related careers such as IT or finance sector jobs or jobs with government agencies. A significant number continue to higher degrees.
The 12 month course includes a 4 month individual project mostly in association with an external company or institute and often taking place in their offices. Teaching by leading academic geoscientists is enhanced by input from industry experts throughout the programme, whilst practical aspects are supported by a substantial investment in field equipment and a dedicated computer lab running industry standard software.
