GeoEnergy MSc	| The University of Edinburgh
Programme website: GeoEnergy
GeoEnergy is an emerging field and is of increasing importance globally as the world battles climate change, but relies on a secure supply of low carbon energy. I chose the programme as it focuses on an applied area of geoscience and allows you to apply existing knowledge, gain new knowledge and skills, all while focusing on real world applications. My advice for those studying for an MSc is to make the most of the one year you have!
Christopher McMahon MSc GeoEnergy
GeoEnergy encompasses the entire range of energy technologies and sources that interact with the geological subsurface.
The rapidly developing GeoEnergy industry offers you challenges and opportunities in meeting the need for reliable low carbon energy. This is urgently needed to meet internationally agreed global decarbonisation targets and the United Nations' sustainable development goals.
Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. Their expertise is supplemented by selected guest speakers, generally from industry or other research organisations.
By studying the MSc GeoEnergy, you will:
acquire cutting-edge knowledge of GeoEnergy technologies, many of which are essential if ambitious emissions-reduction targets are to be achieved. These are taught by experts in their fields who are regularly publishing on these topics.
learn about the critical technical aspects of these technologies, as well as factors that influence acceptance and their use, such as cost, regulation, drawbacks and how the public views the technology.
be provided with opportunities to practise talks to convey your knowledge to your classmates. Communicating your knowledge to others is an essential skill. To help you develop these skills, our staff will provide feedback on these talks, and some are formally assessed.
gain experience writing reports and designing posters, summarising your knowledge on a subject, and drawing conclusions from a wide range of data types. This will equip you with communication skills that are essential to many career pathways.
The MSc GeoEnergy provides a range of career opportunities in this emerging industry and the ability to work toward a lower-carbon future.
You will be equipped with the advanced knowledge and skills required to use subsurface geological knowledge for future GeoEnergy applications.
This will open a diverse range of career pathways in GeoEnergy technologies and the disposal of energy-related wastes.
Potential employment opportunities may be within:
Local or national government agencies
Alternatively, many of our previous students have gone on to further study, including PhD programmes.
The programme includes a geological field excursion which will provide a real-world synthesis of the separate strands of the MSc GeoEnergy.
We aim to visit the world-class geological exposures of the Scottish Highlands, which will provide you with a unique opportunity to interpret analogues of the rocks required for GeoEnergy technologies. You will also gain improved geological field skills, which are highly transferable.
Scotland is rich in geological diversity. The programme provides several opportunities for day trips that may encompass either local fieldwork or site visits to various locations across southern Scotland.
Previous day trips have included geological localities along the Lothian coast near Edinburgh, including the world-famous Hutton’s Unconformity at Siccar Point.
As part of the programme of events to welcome new students, we also organise a series of visits to local, GeoEnergy-related attractions. These have previously included the National Coalmining Museum and Scottish Oil Shale Museum.
There are no additional charges for field trips.
Specialist software and facilities
We support our dissertation projects by providing access to a wide range of specialist software and analytical equipment. We also host a variety of world-class experimental facilities which can be used in dissertations by our students.
Experimental equipment for studying how fluids (CO2, H2, water) interact as they flow through rocks.
The ‘GREAT-cell’ for studying the flow of fluids through large rock samples (30 cm diameter) under typical subsurface pressure conditions.
Micro-CT scanner for imaging fluids within the porespaces of rocks.
Video: About the MSc GeoEnergy
A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a science or engineering subject. We will also take any relevant professional experience into account.
We may also consider your application if your background is not specifically related to these disciplines provided you have relevant work experience in a related area.
Room 332, Grant Institute
Programme: GeoEnergy
MSc Geoenergy - 1 Year (Full-time)
MSc Geoenergy - 2 Years (Part-time)