MSc Subsurface Characterisation and Geomodelling
This unique and forward-looking MSc is designed to provide you with a solid grounding in key modern principles and methods required for a career in applied geology in our changing world. The Subsurface Characterisation and Geomodelling programme is offered at the University College Dublin.
Quick Facts
| Duration | 1 year full-time |
| Start Date | September |
| Tuition Fee | €24,960 per year |
| Location | Dublin, Ireland |
The course is taught by experts from diverse geoscience disciplines, including pure and applied geology, geophysics, geomodelling and computational geoscience, with experience of the minerals and geoenergy sectors. It focuses on generic aspects of data interpretation, analysis and computer modelling of the deeper and shallow subsurface using real-world data and leading industry software (e.g., Petrel, Leapfrog, ArcGIS).
This sought-after and transferable expertise will provide you with the flexibility needed for a geoscience career in an increasingly populous and resource-constrained world.
The Subsurface Characterisation and Geomodelling programme offered at the University College Dublin combines classroom-based instruction, practical workstation experience, team-based exercises and field visits. It also includes a three-month applied research project.
The course is industry facing and designed to equip you for a career in a broad range of industries and research organisations requiring digital subsurface characterisation and modelling. Application areas include mineral resources, the energy sector including oil and gas, geothermal, groundwater, carbon sequestration and storage, geotechnical services, national geological surveys and waste management. You will also receive training in the range of soft skills (e.g. reporting, programming) required by industry.
Courses included:
- Applied Geoscience
- 3D Mapping and Modelling
- Stratigraphic Prediction
- Rock Engineering
- Applied Structural Geology
- Geophysical Methods
- Geostatistics
- Geomodelling
- Geocomputation
- Drilling and Well Logging
- Geofluids and Geomechanics
- Quaternary Geology
- Remote Sensing
- Fractured Rock Characterisation
- Team-Based Modelling Exercises
- Geological Field Skills
Research Project
Students will undertake a three-month applied research project in the technical area of their choosing. Projects will be selected and developed in consultation with relevant staff members and will have an industry focus in terms of the issues addressed, the data on which the project is based.
Career Opportunities
The course is industry facing and designed to equip you for a career in a broad range of industries and research organisations requiring digital subsurface characterisation and modelling.
Application areas include mineral resources, the energy sector including oil and gas, geothermal, groundwater, carbon sequestration and storage, geotechnical services, national geological surveys and waste management. You will also receive training in the range of soft skills (e.g. reporting, programming) required by industry.
"I had never been to Ireland or the campus before I applied, but the amount of available information and support I received from the UCD Global office was beyond any of my expectations...choosing UCD was the biggest and scariest decision I have ever made, but I could not be more satisfied and proud of my choice. I’m excited to see what my upcoming years at UCD will look like!"
Raelene
Vision and Values
This programme provides graduates and company staff seeking career advancement with the key knowledge, skills and tools required to be successful geoscientists across a range of industries and applied research organisations working with subsurface data. We value ambition and passion to be expert problem-solvers through the application of sound geological reasoning, models and quantitative techniques.
We provide a learning environment that develops students’ ability to solve complex subsurface problems in a creative but pragmatic manner, to present results effectively to management and clients, and to work both individually and in teams as required in a business context. A strong emphasis is placed on learning and assessment through individual and team-based practical exercises in both the classroom and field.
Students work with a wide range of industry datasets and workflows, using state-of-the-art techniques and software. The curriculum facilitates direct engagement with industry personnel via tailored short courses, site visits, joint fieldwork and business-style technical presentations.
Why study with us?
UCD is consistently ranked in the top 1% of higher education institutions worldwide. In the 2022 QS World University Rankings, UCD was again named as one of the best universities globally, and was placed 173rd in the world.
UCD is the most international and diverse university in Ireland with 8,500 international students from 130 different countries. Our network of 288,000 successful and influential alumni can be found in 169 different countries around the world.
The UCD campus is one of the largest urban campuses in Europe and is situated just 5 kilometres from Ireland’s capital city of Dublin. Our students enjoy world-class teaching and learning facilities, modern and comfortable student accommodation, state-of-the art sports and fitness amenities, an Olympic sized swimming pool, a cinema, cafes and student centre all on our beautiful, nature-filled campus.