Global Management of Natural Resources MSc

About this degree

Why the GMNR programme?

The natural resource industries are critical to the continued development of both technology and society. However, they face challenges on many fronts: environmental and social practice and perception; financial, policy and governmental constraints; geopolitical impact on resource flows and supply chains; technological limitations; inefficient operations; very high levels of energy consumption and the availability of resources into the future.

This programme aims to deliver graduates who have a broad understanding of natural resources: where they come from, how we extract and use them as well as and the consequences of doing so. They will become aware of their socioeconomic responsibilities, will be able to operate within international constraints and will develop insight into the technical complexity of the challenges faced.

This will be key to leading the drive towards a more sustainable future for these industries and society. The programme is multidisciplinary in its approach, drawing upon specialisms across UCL and beyond, and aims to deliver an interdisciplinary outcome for graduates.

The programme is transcontinental (offered by UCL and the University of South Australia (UniSA)), is delivered in London by UCL Chemical Engineering, UCL Earth Sciences, UCL Bartlett, UCL School of Management. In Australia, teaching is delivered by the Future Industries Institute (FII) at UniSA. The programme was designed with input from industry.

Students will be expected to be in London from the start of the first term at the end of September, until the end of the second term at the end of March. Students must then travel to Adelaide, typically beginning studies the week after Easter in April. Studies typically finish in Adelaide at the end of the second full week of September. Final dates for the academic year are confirmed in the first term of studies in London. Details on costs associated with these overseas elements can be found in the additional costs section of this webpage.

UCL is solely responsible for admissions to the programme, and the degree issued is UCL only.

Who is this programme for?

The programme is designed to cater for a range of academic and career backgrounds, with optional modules to tailor the learning experience to the prospective student. The programme will consider prospective students from any academic background who are looking to improve their understanding of elements of the natural resource industries, including hydrocarbons, hard rock minerals (including nuclear fuel production and usage) and water management.

Examples include, but are not limited to:

• Those with business, marketing, management and finance backgrounds, wishing to gain a broad understanding of the scientific and technical elements of resource genesis, extraction and processing, along with an understanding of the environmental, social and sustainability impacts of such operations;
• Those with a background in Earth Sciences, wishing to develop a more complete understanding of the extractives industries, improving their managerial and decision-making skillset, along with evaluating the impact of sustainability, social and environmental practice on the future of these operations;
• Those with a background in science or engineering, wishing to develop their understanding of elements of natural resource development and use, decision making processes, the social and environmental impacts and how sustainability is impacting on the future of resources.

The international components and field trips in this programme are subject to national and international Covid-19 regulations and restrictions, and/or other significant future events. Field trips and the period of overseas study may not be possible; in such circumstances the field trips will be substituted by alternative learning (e.g., virtual field trips or lecture based material), and the material taught in Australia (Social Licensing and the Dissertation) will be delivered remotely in London, but with significant input from the University of South Australia.

More than ever, there is a growing demand for versatile specialists and managers in the globalised natural resources and commodities industries. These industries rely on effective collaboration between scientists, engineers, analysts, managers, and investors. This programme gives students the opportunity to develop an integrated understanding of resource genesis, production, supply, socio-environmental footprint and sustainable practice, which is now essential.

Please note this programme involves approximately 5 months of overseas study. The programme is taught in London between September and March, and in Adelaide, Australia between April and mid-September.

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline – preferably engineering, Earth sciences, chemistry or finance/business - from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Relevant work experience may be taken into account.

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Examples of alumni careers and further study following graduation from this programme can be found on our student life webpage and alumni testimonial web page.