Subsurface Characterisation & 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 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 Pro).



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.



Further information about this course is available on the UCD School of Earth Sciences website.



The programme combines classroom-based instruction, practical workstation experience, team-based exercises and field visits. It also includes a three-month applied research project.

Stage 1 Core Modules

GEOL40530 Applied Structural Geology Autumn 2.5

GEOL40550 Drilling and well logging Autumn 2.5

GEOL40570 Geocomputation Autumn 2.5

GEOL40640 Introduction to geomodelling Autumn 5

GEOL40650 Applied Geoscience Autumn 5

GEOL40660 Stratigraphic prediction Autumn 2.5

GEOL40670 3D mapping and modelling I Autumn 5

GEOL40700 Applied Quaternary Geology Autumn 2.5

GEOL40730 Geophysical Methods 1 Autumn 2.5

GEOL40520 Rock Engineering Spring 2.5

GEOL40560 Geofluids and geomechanics Spring 2.5

GEOL40580 Remote Sensing Spring 2.5

GEOL40590 Geostatistics and geomodelling Spring 2.5

GEOL40600 Fieldwork Spring 7.5

GEOL40620 Team-based modelling I Spring 2.5

GEOL40630 Team-based modelling II Spring 2.5

GEOL40680 3D mapping and modelling II Spring 2.5

GEOL40690 Fractured rock modelling Spring 2.5

GEOL40720 Geophysical Methods 2 Spring 2.5

GEOL40610 Applied Research Project Summer 30

An honours undergraduate degree at 2.1 or higher (or the International equivalent ) in the broad Earth Science/Geoscience area is required. Consideration will be given to applicants with similar qualifications in cognate areas (e.g. Geophysics or Physical Geography) and to those with significant and relevant work experience but who do not meet this criteria.



Applicants whose first language is not English must also demonstrate English language proficiency of IELTS 6.5 (no band less than 6.0 in each element), or equivalent.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

1 year full-time. Delivery: On Campus

Next Intake: September 2025.

Career & Graduate Study 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.