Resource and Exploration Geology MSci

Program Overview

This advanced MSci program in Resource and Exploration Geology prepares students to address global resource challenges. Combining fieldwork, hands-on laboratory classes, and an independent research project, it provides technical and transferable skills for careers in mineral exploration, hydrogeology, geotechnics, and environmental industries. Accredited by The Geological Society and IOM3, the program aligns with Chartered Geologist and Chartered Engineer pathways.

Program Outline

MSci Resource and Exploration Geology - University of Exeter

Degree Overview:

This is an advanced four-year program designed to prepare students to tackle global challenges related to the supply of critical raw materials and resources. Students benefit from studying in Cornwall, a region with spectacular, world-class geology and major mineral and geothermal exploration programs. The program provides technical experience through over 60 days of fieldwork, laboratory classes, opportunities for industry placements, and an independent research project.

Outline:

Year 1:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Dynamic Planet (15 credits)
• Earth and Environmental Chemistry (15 credits)
• Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones (15 credits)
• Earth History and Palaeontology (15 credits)
• Field Geology and Geological Maps (30 credits)
• Surveying and Digital Mapping (15 credits)
• Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists (15 credits)
• CSM Professionalism Year 1 (10 credits)
• Fieldwork:
• Nine one-day field classes in iconic locations across Cornwall during terms one and two.
• One-week residential field class in Pembrokeshire during early May.

Year 2:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Structural Geology and Tectonics (30 credits)
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (30 credits)
• Geological Mapping Techniques (15 credits)
• Magmatic and Metamorphic Rocks (15 credits)
• Magmatism and Metamorphism (15 credits)
• CSM Professionalism Year 2 (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Geotechnics (15 credits)
• Geophysics (15 credits)
• Fieldwork:
• Seven one-day field classes.
• Residential field course in Devon and Dorset.
• Training in geological mapping on the Isle of Skye.

Year 3:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Mineral Deposit Geology (15 credits)
• GIS for Geologists (15 credits)
• Applied Field Geology (15 credits)
• Exploration Techniques (15 credits)
• Summer Vacation Project (30 credits)
• CSM Professionalism Year 3 (10 credits)
• Optional Modules:
• Surface Excavation Design (15 credits)
• Contaminated Land Management and Remediation (15 credits)
• Energy Resource Geology (15 credits)
• Hydrogeology (15 credits)
• Safety and Sustainable Development (15 credits)
• Fieldwork:
• Ten-day residential trip to either Cyprus or Spain, focusing on applied mapping, geotechnical engineering, and environmental impact.

Final Year:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Research Project (75 credits)
• Fourth Year Fieldclass (15 credits)
• Research Frontiers in Earth Science (30 credits)
• CSM Professionalism MSc (10 credits)
• Fieldwork:
• Ten-day residential trip to Cyprus, Spain, or Tenerife.

Assessment:

• Assessment methods vary between modules and may include individual or group reports, presentations, practical write-ups, and exams.
• More innovative assessment techniques are also used, and may include the use of websites, posters, social media, videos, science communication, and dragons-den style presentations.
• Students must pass the first year in order to progress to the second year, but first-year marks do not count towards the final degree classification.

Teaching:

• Learning and teaching are delivered through a combination of lectures, practical classes, seminars, tutorials, field-based teaching, and independent study.
• Laboratory practical classes develop students' understanding of geological topics and help put theory into practice.
• On average, students have 18 teaching hours per week and need to undertake additional independent study (e.g., directed reading, assignments, and project work).
• The total workload averages about 40 hours per week during term time.
• Students benefit from being taught by experts active in internationally-relevant research.
• All academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics.
• Students are also taught by leading industry practitioners.

Careers:

• Geologists are required to help the global community deal with a range of environmental problems related to climate, energy, water, air pollution, natural hazards, supply of raw materials, and more.
• Geology and geoscience degrees prepare students to tackle the world's biggest environmental challenges and lead to high employment rates and decent salaries, with graduate opportunities in the UK and around the world.
• The Camborne School of Mines Association and the University of Exeter Careers Service have the skills and a strong network of alumni to help students find employment.
• The program provides essential skills for employment in a modern workplace, including discipline-specific skills like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geological mapping and fieldwork, mineral deposit identification and exploration, scientific programming, and use of technical software, in addition to transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and quantitative data analysis.
• The MGeol course provides extra skills development in independent work, research, and oral presentation, which can be applied to both industry and academia.
• Graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities in a range of subjects, including mineral exploration, hydrogeology, geophysics, geotechnics, and environment-related industries.
• Graduates also go on to roles outside of geology, utilizing the array of transferable skills they have developed.
• Recent graduates work in fields as diverse as the UK civil service, Arup Geotechnics, the National Trust, the Ministry of Defence, and Geomarine Ltd.

Other:

• The program is accredited by The Geological Society, which is the first step on the ladder to Chartered Geologist status after graduation.
• The degree has also been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council.
• Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC).
• The program is flexible, and students can transfer between any of the BSc and MGeol degrees during their first year.
• The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support students' education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students, such as the Global Excellence Scholarships.
• Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households, and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed, and progress through higher education.
• The program provides regular 'Pint and Pasty' employer events throughout term that allow students to network and meet with potential employers and learn more about possible career paths.
• Students report having a highly personal experience that is intellectually stretching but great fun, providing plenty of opportunities to quickly get to know everyone.

UK students: £9,250 per year International students: £29,700 per year