Geoscience Research - MSc

Program Overview

Keele University's MSc Geoscience Research program equips graduates with advanced knowledge and research skills in geoscience, focusing on sustainability and data science. The program offers a structured approach to project management, hands-on experience through projects or industrial placements, and opportunities for international collaboration. Graduates are prepared for careers in industry, academia, or the public sector, with skills in critical thinking, scientific communication, and subject-specific research methods.

Program Outline

MSc Geoscience Research - Keele University

Degree Overview:

• Aims to equip graduates with advanced knowledge, technical skills and substantial hands-on research training in Geoscience for careers in industry, academia or the public sector.

• Focus on sustainability and data science.

• Provides opportunities to gain hands-on experience through a project or an industrial placement.

• Develops a structured approach to the design and management of projects.

• Offers research links with institutions around the world for collaboration opportunities.

• Develops scientific critique, writing and presentational skills for research, academia or industry.

Outline:

• The programme comprises 5 compulsory modules designed to develop research skills:
• Project Management and Business Skills
• Research Design
• Digital Geoscience and Spatial Analysis
• Sustainable Extraction
• Dissertation module
• Students can also choose from optional taught modules in the wider sustainability field.

Assessment:

• Assessments for core programme modules are coursework-based and may include:
• Oral and poster presentations
• Reports
• Reviews
• A blog
• Reflective writing
• Project proposals
• A research project portfolio
• The main assessment is the dissertation, a 15,000-20,000 word project completed in conjunction with a research supervisor at Keele or with international partners or collaborators.

• Optional modules may have a range of assessment types, such as essays, reports, consultancy or technical reports, exams, poster presentations, etc., depending on the modules.

Teaching:

• Teaching methods include:
• Lectures
• Tutorials
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Practical/laboratory classes
• Problem-based learning
• Directed reading
• Independent study
• Project work
• Individual presentations
• Linked discussions
• One-on-one meetings/discussions with research supervisors
• There is a strong emphasis on student-led learning and research, and support from teaching staff to develop independent and technical research skills.

Careers:

• The programme equips students with skills and knowledge required to pursue a career in:
• Academia
• Industry (public and private sectors, and consultancies)
• Government and public policy
• Skills developed include:
• Critical reading and thinking
• Reflective writing
• Scientific communication (written and oral)
• Project design
• Subject-specific research skills (laboratory and/or field methods)
• Data analysis and interpretation
• Past students have secured employment within the geography, geology, and environment sectors, as well as pursuing PhD programs.

Other:

• Keele University is one of the UK's handful of universities with a dedicated postgraduate students' union, the Keele Postgraduate Association (KPA), which serves as a focal point for social life and welfare needs throughout their studies at Keele.

Additional Notes:

• The course is offered both full-time and part-time, with start dates in September and January.
• The program also includes modules on project management, research design, digital geoscience and spatial analysis.
• Students have the opportunity to undertake research projects in collaboration with industrial partners or with international institutions.
• Keele University offers strong links with the industry, providing graduates with excellent career opportunities.

UK - Full time £11,000 per year. Part time £6,000 per year. International - £20,700 per year.