Our multidisciplinary community of geoscientists, geochemists and microbiologists apply high-quality scientific research to important societal problems such as: petroleum exploration and production; unconventional geo-energy; carbon and nutrient cycling; and the Earth’s changing climate.
We have extensive research links with the petroleum, waste management, wastewater and biotechnology industries. This enables PhD students to undertake sponsored projects and to spend time in industrial laboratories. It also ensures that the modules on our MSc programmes cover the latest developments and equip you with the skills and knowledge needed within these sectors.
We have a good research reputation. In the Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) 2008, 80 per cent of our work was classed as ‘internationally excellent’ or ‘internationally recognised’ with 15 per cent classed as ‘world leading’. We are committed to developing the next generation of researchers. Our research-active staff supervise MPhil and PhD students and a comprehensive programme of research training and professional development is provided by the Faculty of Science, Agriculture and Engineering. We welcome enquiries from prospective students who wish to undertake research in our areas of expertise, which are: applied and fundamental aspects of the geosciences, with a particular focus on conventional and alternative energy resources: environmental sustainability; climate change; and biosphere and geosphere interactions.
Our taught programmes are designed to provide biology, chemistry, and Earth and environmental science graduates with the advanced conceptual understanding, detailed factual knowledge, and specialist technical skills appropriate for success in science-based environmental businesses.
We are the only place in the UK offering MSc training in Petroleum Geochemistry. All of our MSc programmes are professionally accredited by the Joint Board of Moderators and other relevant bodies, including the Geological Society.
They are also recognised as training relevant to the achievement of Chartered Engineer status or equivalent. The programmes have part-time study options to enable scientists and engineers to study with us as part of their continuing professional development. We have excellent facilities for postgraduate study, including: postgraduate-only teaching suites; laboratories equipped for organic and inorganic geochemistry and microbiology; analytical tools such as GC, GC-MS, GC-IMRS, HPLC, LC-MS, XRD, ICP-AES, PAS, FTIR, UV-Vis, PCR, DGGE, thermal analysis and transmitted and reflected white light and UV-microscopy.