Geology and Geophysics

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom, Aberdeen

University RankQS Ranking

236

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Home/United Kingdom/Aberdeen /University of Aberdeen/Geology and Geophysics

University of Aberdeen

United Kingdom , Aberdeen

Key Facts

Program Level

Master by Research

Study Type

Full Time

Delivery

On Campus

Campuses

Main Site

Program Language

English

Start & Deadlines

Next Intake Deadlines

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Geology and Geophysics

About

Introduction

The Department of Geology and Geophysics is at the forefront of innovative research in earth sciences, focusing on areas such as tectonics, sedimentology, petrology, and environmental geoscience. We explore key issues like natural resource management and geohazards with our interdisciplinary approach driving new insights and sustainable solutions.

We welcome PhD applications from highly motivated students keen to contribute to impactful research, offering a supportive and collaborative environment that fosters academic excellence and professional development.

Study Information

At a Glance

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The Department of Geology and Geophysics at the University of Aberdeen has earned an international reputation for excellence, with many of our graduates now holding prominent positions in academia, industry, and government worldwide. Our research is supported by a highly skilled technical and administrative team, enabling cutting-edge scientific inquiry.

Our laboratory facilities are world-class, providing state-of-the-art equipment for a wide range of geochemical, geophysical, and petrophysical studies. These include advanced resources for seismic interpretation and petrophysics, allowing in-depth analysis of rocks, sediments, soils, and fluids. Our facilities are equipped to support specialised research in:

Organic geochemistry (GCMS, TOC)
Particle size analysis
Elemental geochemistry
Petrophysics
Palynology
Water chemistry

These tools allow us to push the boundaries of geological research and provide our students and researchers with the best possible environment to advance their work.

Requirements

Entry Requirements

The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen. For information relating to your degree please check the online prospectus for specific requirements.

Undergraduate

Students who follow the national curriculum (Thanaweya Amma) need to apply to our foundation programme: https://www.aberdeen-isc.ac.uk/programmes/ug. Students who follow an international curriculum (A-levels, IB, SAT/AP) can be considered for direct entry into first year.

Postgraduate: A 4-year bachelors degree with a GPA of 3.75-4.39 from a well ranked institution is considered comparable to a UK 2.1, while a GPA of 3.10-3.74 is considered comparable to a UK 2.2.

English Program Requirements

For postgraduate study, there are two main distinct English language criteria, referred to as Postgraduate Standard and Postgraduate Higher as outlined in the table below.

Postgraduate Standard requirements are used by the Schools of Biological Sciences; Engineering; Geosciences; Natural and Computing Sciences; and Psychology.

Postgraduate Higher requirements are used by the Schools of Business; Divinity, History and Philosophy; Education; Language, Literature; Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition; Music and Visual Culture; Law; and Social Sciences. The MSc in Oil and Gas Enterprise Management and MSc in Integrated Petroleum Geoscience also make use of the Postgraduate Higher requirements.

IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI Academic (not IELTS Indicator or IELTS General Training) or IELTS Online The University accepts valid IELTS One Skill Retake test scores Listening - 5.5 or above Reading - 5.5 or above Speaking - 5.5 or above Writing - 6.0 or above Overall - 6.5 Listening - 5.5 or above Reading - 6.0 or above Speaking - 5.5 or above Writing - 6.0 or above Overall - 6.5

TOEFL iBT and TOEFL iBT Home Edition The University accepts MyBest scores for the TOEFL iBT test in addition to TOEFL iBT scores from a single test date TOEFL DI code is 0818 Listening - 17 or above Reading - 18 or above Speaking - 20 or above Writing - 21 or above Overall - 90 Listening - 17 or above Reading - 21 or above Speaking - 20 or above Writing - 21 or above Overall - 90

Career

Careers

Our postgraduate research programmes equip students to address some of the most pressing challenges in Earth sciences, whether in industry, consulting, or academia. Aberdeen's strong connections with industry further enhance employability, making our graduates highly sought after across their chosen fields.

Our students have a strong track record of securing rewarding careers, particularly in the resource and energy sectors, where their expertise in geology and geophysics supports exploration, production, and resource management. They contribute to oil and gas exploration, mining, and renewable energy projects, playing key roles in both efficient extraction and sustainable energy development.

In addition to the energy sector, many geology and geophysics graduates pursue careers in environmental consulting, applying their skills in environmental impact assessments, geohazard management, water resource planning, and land reclamation, helping organizations and governments make informed, sustainable decisions.

Many of our students continue their academic careers by pursuing postdoctoral research positions. Our department provides robust support for academic research, with opportunities for collaboration, conference presentations, and publication in leading journals.