Exploration and Resource Geology

The MESci builds upon the equivalent BSc programme by means of a fourth year which enables you to undertake a specialist research project in the area of your choice. It is designed for high-quality candidates who might aim to pursue a research career in academia, government or industry.

Cardiff is one of the few universities to run undergraduate courses specifically in Exploration and Resource Geology, which has evolved from the long mining tradition in South Wales.

Globally there is an ever-increasing need for oil, gas, metals and construction materials in a world where resources are finite. Our degree builds on a solid grounding in geology and focuses on the applied understanding of exploration of the Earth’s natural resources.

The course provides knowledge of processes that lead to the formation of a natural resource, be it a hydrocarbon or a metalliferous deposit. Between years two and three it also includes either an industrial placement or an applied geological mapping project.

Because they are trained in specialist fieldwork and the IT skills needed by a professional exploration geologist, our graduates are in great demand in the mineral exploration industry.

The fieldwork activities for this course are similar to those for our Geology programme but with an applied aspect. In year one the main location is Pembrokeshire. In year two students currently visit South West England to study sedimentary basins and the tin mining legacy and northern Spain, where rock exposure is completely different from the UK.

In year three you may visit Cyprus or another location, where all that you have learned previously about the formation and exploitation of ore deposits can be synthesised into a picture that truly shows the essential practical skills needed by exploration geologists

An exploration geologist needs a broad range of skills including an aptitude for fieldwork, good IT skills and the ability to make key decisions from limited information. This applied and vocationally-orientated course will prepare you for a potentially exciting professional career as a geologist working in the global hydrocarbon, metalliferous or bulk mineral industries.

For students interested in professional research careers in Exploration and Resources Geology, the four-year MESci provides a strong basis for investigation and research in this subject.

Distinctive features

You will be studying in a School which has a strong research focus with sophisticated analytical equipment routinely used on site and the involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery.

There are a variety of modules on offer in areas of academic research, applied studies including placement opportunities.

We have a common first term allowing you to experience aspects of Earth Sciences and Geography before finally deciding upon an honours degree course.

The generic nature of the course, provides professional skills appropriate for a range of career pathways or advanced training options and the School has links with local consultancy companies and exploration companies worldwide.

We have a thriving Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) chapter that links us to this international society and allows us to attract specialist visiting lecturers and arrange field visits to working quarries and mines such as Navan in Ireland.

In year four you will complete a master’s research dissertation which can widen your career opportunities.