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Subsurface Characterisation & Geomodelling

MSc (NFQ Level 9)
Sustainable Development Goals

This course is available through the following application route(s)

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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.

About This Course

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.

 

Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.

Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.

Module Type Module   Trimester Credits
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40530 Applied Structural Geology Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40550 Drilling and well logging Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40570 Geocomputation Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40650 Careers in Geoscience Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40660 Stratigraphic prediction Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40750 Methods in Geomodelling Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40760 Geofluids and Geomechanics Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40770 Digital Field Skills and GIS Autumn  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40780 Seismic Interpretation Autumn  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40580 Remote Sensing Spring  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40620 Team-based modelling I Spring  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40630 Team-based modelling II Spring  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40720 Near surface Geophysics Spring  2.5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40790 Mineral Systems Geoscience Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40800 3D Modelling of Ore Systems Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40810 Geostatistics and Geomodelling Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40820 Fieldwork Spring  5
Stage 1 Core Modules
 GEOL40610 Applied Research Project Summer  30

UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.

Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:

SDG6 SDG7 SDG8 SDG9 SDG10 SDG 12 SDG 13

Hannah Talbot

One of the best aspects of this course was the variety of modules which included group-based projects, hands-on practical classes, lectures and fieldwork. During this course, training was provided for modelling software such as Pretel subsurface software and LeapFrog which are actively used in industry. This training is only offered at UCD and is one of the main reasons I chose this course. I enjoyed having the opportunity to explore many aspects of applied geology which allowed me to find my own interests and build on my skillset. I am now working as a geologist at a consultancy firm focusing on modelling mineral deposits and producing resource estimates.

Subsurface Characterisation & Geomodelling (F181) Full Time
EU          fee per year - € 9530
nonEU    fee per year - € 24960

***Fees are subject to change

Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please visit International Scholarships.

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.

Full Time option suitable for:

Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes


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General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Subsurface Characterisation & Geomodelling:

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F181
Subsurface Characterisation & Geomodelling
Master of Science

Full-Time
Commencing September 2025
Graduate Taught
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