Postgraduate Course

Course details

Study options

Full-time: 1 year, Part-time: 3 years

UK fee

£10,450 for the full course* (2024/25)

International fee

£19,950 for the full course (2024/25)

Start date

September

Introducing GeoEnergy

GeoEnergy is a broad and rapidly evolving field incorporating a spectrum of traditional and innovative geologically focused energy generation and storage strategies as well as the provision of carbon mitigation technologies to the wider energy sector.

The field of GeoEnergy includes both conventional energy generation technologies, such as hydrocarbons, as well as new and developing strategies including geothermal resources and hydrogen exploration and production.

GeoEnergy also encompasses other energy provision technologies, including the subsurface storage of natural gas and hydrogen and Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) systems.

GeoEnergy practitioners are key to the adoption of carbon mitigation technologies including Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), enhanced weathering and radioactive waste storage.

The safe efficient adoption of these technologies requires a detailed understanding of the subsurface geological environment – such understanding can only be provisioned by geoscientists.

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A working geothermal plant

Be prepared for the Global Energy Transition

This innovative course has been designed to produce world-class graduates with the transferable skills to actively contribute to the global energy transition, have the ability to address climate change and the expertise to integrate emerging and conventional technologies. You will consider a variety of energy sources, with your main focus being on how to responsibly obtain energy from the Earth and how we employ geological resources to mitigate global warming.

The course studies all aspects of the GeoEnergy sector including energy exploration and production, environmental impact assessment, and protecting the climate while powering the economy and providing for society. The course is taught by our research-active teaching team as well as by industry experts bringing you the latest practises and developments from the GeoEnergy sector.

On the course, you will:

Students on a fieldtrip analysing rocks

Demand for new energy 

Energy is vital to our everyday lives, but how we obtain it is changing. Many parts of the world are stepping up to the energy challenge, with governments in Germany, Denmark and Kenya actively pursuing new geothermal district heating schemes, and petroleum companies already running CO2 injection projects in Algeria, Norway and further proposed sites. Local and UK governmental authorities are starting to consider energy needs of the population and CO2 impact of choices in deciding future energy resources.

The UK 25 Year Environment Plan identifies 'mitigating and adapting to climate change' as a key goal. In addition, the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals seek to build a platform for the future, in particular the goals below:

Geoscientists play a crucial role in this transition as their specialist skills include being able to help not only secure future energy, but also ensure that solutions are implemented in an environmentally-sensitive manner.

Our course prepares students to produce a range of energy-producing techniques that can be applied in the UK and globally.

Prime location

Our campus is situated in the heart of England, with easy access to a wealth of world-class geological localities, as well as the British Geological Survey offices and several major geo-technical companies for off-site visits. During the course, you will participate in residential and non-residential field trips to a fabulous range of geological localities spanning much of the geological record.

A group of students on a fieldtrip
Multi-Faith Centre, Kedleston Road

Postgraduate Open Event

Join us at an upcoming Postgraduate Open Event, where you will get the opportunity to meet our expert academics and find out more about your course.

Book your Postgraduate Open EventBook your Postgraduate Open Event

What you will study

During the course you will study modules such as: 

MSc GeoEnergy students working in the computer labs

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

How you will learn

Learning and teaching methods will vary between modules. The course is delivered face-to-face, by University lecturers and industry experts, and learning materials can be accessed online. Your transferable skills will be assessed on written reports and essays, oral presentations, independent and group assessments practical exercises, including mastery of industry-standard software suites.

Technical specialist skills include:

Parts of some modules are taught by industry experts, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with the latest developments and techniques within the GeoEnergy sector.

An expert, research-active teaching team

This course sits within the School of Environmental Sciences, home to a broad range of research-active specialists, currently studying topics such as the implications of renewable energy for urban communities, climate change, the potential of biofuels, and fluid flow in carbonate host rocks. The programme team for this course includes:

Who will teach you

Stephen Lokier teaching sedimentology in the Abu Dhabi Sabkha

Dr Stephen Lokier
Programme leader

Stephen is a Senior Lecturer in Applied Sedimentology and GeoEnergy and Programme Leader for the MSc GeoEnergy Programme. Stephen teaches across the broad field of sedimentology, stratigraphy and subsurface analysis and characterisation at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. He undertakes a wide range of field and laboratory activities with collaborators around the globe.

View full staff profileView full staff profile

Entry requirements

We typically require at least a 2:1 Honours degree in Geology or a closely related subject, such as Geophysics with Geology. Your application may also be considered if you have relevant work experience.

We also offer a self-guided short online Bridge to GeoEnergy course for those with a science degree in a subject other than geology, for those with an engineering background and for geology graduates returning to geosciences. This course provides a practical foundation in the areas of applied geology that are critical to studying for a higher degree in GeoEnergy.

International students should have the above or an international equivalent. If English is not your first language, you will need to hold IELTS 6.0 or above.

Fees and funding

2024/25 (August 2024 - July 2025)

TypeFull-timePart-time
UK

£10,450 for the full course*

£1,161 per 20 credits

International

£19,950 for the full course

N/A

Please note fees normally increase in line with inflation and the University's strategic approach to fees, which is reviewed on an annual basis. The total fee you pay may therefore increase after one year of study.

* UK full-time fees paid within one academic year are rounded down to the nearest £50 if applicable

Additional costs and optional extras

About postgraduate awards

Please note at postgraduate level, you’ll need to gain the following number of credits in total to obtain the respective awards. If you have any questions please contact us.

AwardCredits
Postgraduate Certificate60 Credits
Postgraduate Diploma120 Credits
MA or MSc180 Credits

This means you will gain 180 credits in total to complete the full MA or MSc. If you are studying part time you will normally complete your studies over two or three years, depending on the course structure.

Funding your studies

Find out more about fees, postgraduate loans and support you may be entitled to.

Find out about funding your studiesFind out about funding your studies

Alumni discount for Derby graduates

We offer a discount on postgraduate course fees for all Derby alumni.

Find out about the Alumni discountFind out about the Alumni discount

Students chatting to each other

International student scholarships

We have a range of scholarships and discounts available to international students which can be used together to offer a reduction in your tuition fees.

Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship Find out if you're eligible for an international scholarship

How to apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.


Careers

Over the past few years there has been a major shift by energy providers and government to ensure the provision of more sustainable, low-carbon energy. 

To succeed in this new era of energy production and secure a sustainable mixed-energy economy, the sector requires leaders who are bold, knowledgeable and inventive in their approach. Our MSc in GeoEnergy equips you with applied knowledge of the employment of a wide range of geological techniques to identify energy-rich areas, and the ability to select and carry out the appropriate methods of producing energy while reducing CO2 output to the atmosphere. The course prepares you to excel in organisations who produce strategies with a single energy focus, as well as those with combined energy strategies. Your newly acquired transferable skill sets are vital not only to oil and gas industries but also to environmental agencies and consultancies, alternative energy companies and geo-technical companies.

The UK Government predicts 220,000 jobs will be required to support the UK’s energy transition over the next 10 years.
Potential employment opportunities include:

an iceberg

Environmental Sustainability Research Centre (ESRC)

Specialising in securing clean environments, nature recovery, and resilience to natural hazards, we work collaboratively to safeguard our planet for future generations.

Learn more about our research Learn more about our research

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Contact us Contact us

Additional information about your studies

Download programme specification

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

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