Course summary
In recognition of current climate discussion, there is a need to expand the energy mix to low-carbon sources whilst securing supply from traditional resources. Consequently, our internationally-recognised vocational Petroleum Geoscience programme is developing into our new MSc Energy Geosciences to reflect our timely academic transition at Royal Holloway to a broader geoscience training, encompassing traditional and renewable energy resources. The MSc in Energy Geosciences provides you with the ideal training for a career in the hydrocarbon and renewable industry and growing low carbon energy industry. Our teaching on Energy Geosciences at Royal Holloway, University of London is informed by leading research and strong links to the international energy industry, meaning that you’ll benefit from the most relevant, up-to-date learning. The course is flexible, enabling you to select from a range of course modules to tailor your learning to your own preferences and ambitions on the Petroleum Geosciences or the Renewable Georesources stream. You’ll study in the renowned Department of Earth Sciences, and contribute towards our leading research culture with your own Independent Research Project. You’ll become a part of a vibrant international graduate community, and make use of our extensive range of modern facilities and computer labs equipped with state-of-the-art industry software as you work towards a rewarding future geosciences career in the transforming energy sector. Our MSc programme has run since 1985, and has become recognised as one of the world’s premier training centres for the energy industry. We have established excellent industry links, and have helped over 600 graduates from 32 countries to progress into rewarding careers. Study Energy Geosciences at Royal Holloway and you’ll graduate with excellent employment prospects in a well-paid sector with job opportunities across the globe. Benefit from a pioneering research culture. Study a programme internationally recognised as one of the industry’s best. Graduate with excellent employability prospects in the UK and overseas.
Modules
Course structure Core Modules Geophysical Analysis Structural Analysis Sedimentology Reservoir Geosciences Independent Project You will be able to choose one pathway from the options below Petroleum Geosciences pathway: Tectonics and Lithosphere Dynamics Petroleum Systems Renewable Georesources pathways: CCS and subsurface energy storage Geothermal Energy and Flow Through Rocks Optional Modules All modules are core
Assessment method
The taught course units are assessed by a series of courseworks. Each of the six units comprises 10% of the total assessment for the MSc course. The remaining 40% of the assessment comes from the Independent Research Project.
How to apply
International applicants
With almost a third of our students joining us from outside the UK, Royal Holloway is a diverse community with a strong international spirit. Ranked highly in the UK and the world for international outlook in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings, Royal Holloway’s position recognises our global research impact and partnerships as well as student and staff diversity. Our alumni are found in 160 countries, working in industry, the arts, public sector and other areas, Royal Holloway is truly international both in ethos and impact. Within the 9,850 students enrolled at Royal Holloway, over 130 nationalities are represented, making our campus truly cosmopolitan. In addition, of the 104 societies and associations which enrich the post-study social life of our students, a quarter have an international flavour. We know a diverse community makes for a more creative and harder-working environment which benefits all our students, wherever they are from. Students from overseas can apply for all of our undergraduate degrees. We offer a range of additional support specifically for international students, including through our Centre for the Development of Academic Skills. For example, ‘Academic English’ for international students is provided for non-native speakers of English. The courses are designed to help you meet the challenges of academic work, including writing essays, following lectures, taking part in academic discussion and giving presentations. We also offer additional degree preparation courses for international students. See our website for full details. We have a number of scholarships that are dedicated to international students to help with tuition fees for undergraduate degrees. You can find a list of our current scholarship opportunities on our website.
Entry requirements
2:1 Geology or Geophysics. Normally UK 2:1 (Honours) or equivalent in a relevant subject such as Geology or Geophysics. We will consider high 2:2 or relevant work experience. Where a ‘good 2:2’ is considered, we would normally define this as reflecting a profile of 57% or above. Candidates with a UK 2:1 (Honours) degree, or equivalent, in related subjects, such as Physics, Physical Geography or Oceanography will also be considered, provided that their degree contains significant components relevant to Geology, or they have significant industry experience and/or additional relevant training. Candidates meeting the minimum entry requirement of a UK lower second class degree (2:2) or equivalent will still be considered provided that they can demonstrate significant industry experience and/or additional relevant training.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Republic of Ireland | £13200 | Year 1 |
| EU | £23900 | Year 1 |
| England | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £13200 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £13200 | Year 1 |
| International | £23900 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
These tuition fees apply to students enrolled on a full-time basis. Students studying on the standard part-time course structure over two years are charged 50% of the full-time applicable fee for each study year.
All postgraduate fees are subject to inflationary increases. Please be aware that tuition fees can rise during your degree (if longer than one year’s duration). This means that the overall cost of studying the course part-time will be slightly higher than studying it full-time in one year.
This figure is the fee for EU and international students starting a degree in the academic year 2024/25. Find out more (https://royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/postgraduate/tuition-fees/)
These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2024/25 academic year, and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
Provider information
Royal Holloway, University of London
Egham
TW20 0EX