Geoscience for Subsurface Exploration, Appraisal and Development (GeoSEAD) – (M.Sc.)

This unique programme draws on worldclass research and teaching expertise in subsurface geoscience within the three universities of Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Newcastle; it is jointly awarded by all three. It is supported by major oil companies such as Total, Exxon, BP and Shell.

The programme´s objective is to train a broad range of subsurface geoscientists to address the use of the subsurface for the source of energy (petroleum, gas, coal), vital resources (water) and disposal of waste (eg carbon dioxide and nuclear) to sustain the economies of the world. It aims to facilitate the development of world leaders and innovators in petroleum geoscience who will be sought after by the hydrocarbon, water and waste industries, allied companies and institutions, and research institutes.

The course is intensive, and typically consists of 5 day weeks of lecture and practical work, with 20 -25 hours per week in class or labs. A field excursion to the Wessex basin of the UK is included, which will act as an integration of the basin-to-local scale philosophy of the course combining rock properties with engineering aspects, with the subsurface fluid system. The local petroleum basin of the Forth, is used as a guided team-based exploration excercise - to combine exposure and subsurface information. Finally, each student has to undertake an individual Dissertation project, producing an examinable report. Diagrams (below) show in outline terms how this MSc (in Green ellipse) relates to the modular structure of existing MSc at Heriot-Watt, and a poster format image provides more detail of the course modules. Students must make specific checks with Heriot-Watt if particular modules are essential for their studies or sponsorship.

The programme will be presented by selected key academics and consultants attached to the three Universities. These staff each have unrivalled research and consultancy expertise.