GeoEnergy MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Sustainability

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026
Part-time
  • MSc | 2 years | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study location

King's Buildings campus

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

Our MSc GeoEnergy enables you to pursue a geosciences-related career in the rapidly evolving energy sector, as it transitions from fossil fuels to a net-zero future.

GeoEnergy encompasses the entire range of energy technologies and sources that interact with the geological subsurface. This includes both established energy technologies, such as hydrocarbons, and developing areas, such as geothermal energy production and the storage of radioactive waste. These technologies require either injection, extraction or interaction with fluids from the subsurface, which are subject to fundamental geological controls. Understanding these controls is essential for the responsible and safe utilisation of these energy-related technologies for a low-carbon future.

The rapidly developing GeoEnergy industry offers you challenges and opportunities to meet the need for reliable low-carbon energy. This is urgently needed to meet internationally agreed global decarbonisation targets and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Through this programme, you will learn about various ways to reduce CO2 emissions from the energy sector to help meet net-zero targets to tackle climate change. For example, you will learn about methods such as carbon capture and storage, along with energy storage technologies that complement renewable energy provision.

You will benefit from learning at a world-leading University, where we are driving efforts to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy. Our research is internationally renowned in the areas of carbon capture and storage, as well as negative emissions (also known as greenhouse gas removals). We are working within the UK and across the world on the delivery of net-zero emissions targets to meet the UN Paris Agreement.

Video: Research-led teaching in the MSc GeoEnergy

Find out about our research-led teaching in the MSc GeoEnergy.

Study options

Part-time study

A two-year part-time study option is available for this programme. 

Part-time study requires daytime weekday attendance. Therefore we recommend living within a commutable distance from Edinburgh.

We encourage you to contact us to discuss part-time study in more detail.

Programme benefits

  • This MSc is ideal for those seeking an environmentally responsible career focused on providing affordable, reliable, and sustainable energy for the future. It is also suitable for those seeking to retrain from the traditional energy industry to meet the low-carbon needs of the future.
  • The pathways in our programme structure enable us to best support you in your MSc journey, regardless of your academic background.
  • The MSc GeoEnergy programme aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, especially:
    • Goal 6: "Clean water and sanitation"
    • Goal 7: "Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy"
    • Goal 13: "Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts".

The MSc GeoEnergy caught my attention, and I was impressed with how the programme took scientific foundations and skills and pivoted them to the energy transition and decarbonisation world. It was ahead of its time from others I’d seen. One thing I really enjoyed was that professors brought in a lot of guest speakers throughout the programme. These ranged from postdoctoral researchers actively working on publishable projects, to industry leaders from the private sector, to public officials actively representing the UK in international settings. Hearing the different perspectives on the opportunities within the industry was really fascinating.

Cameron Henderson MSc GeoEnergy, graduated 2021
Cameron smiling for the camera

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time
Part-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

If you receive an offer of admission you will need to pay a deposit to secure your place.

  • £1,500 (this contributes towards your tuition fees)

Find out more about tuition fee deposits

Costs

Additional programme costs

Field trips and field courses

Your programme fees will cover the costs of travel, accommodation and subsistence on compulsory field trips or field courses. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses. You may wish to budget approximately £100 to £150 for suitable outdoor clothing and footwear for compulsory field work.

Depending on the location of the fieldwork, you may need to pay for any visa costs. However, this cost will be reimbursed.

Dissertation costs

The School of GeoSciences operates a fund to support you with activity related to your dissertation project, such as specialist software licenses or travel expenses for site visits. 

On the rare occasion that costs exceed the funding amount, you may be required to cover additional costs. This is not common, and the University is typically able to provide any resources required to undertake your dissertation project.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a science or engineering subject. We will also take any relevant professional experience into account. 
 
We may also consider your application if your background is not specifically related to these disciplines provided you have relevant work experience in a related area.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

This MSc programme (total 180 credits) comprises:

  • compulsory and option courses (total 120 credits)
  • dissertation (60 credits)

The selection of compulsory courses you will be required to take depends on your academic background. We operate two pathways, depending on whether your background is in GeoSciences. This ensures we are able to best support you and your learning during the programme.

Compulsory courses

You will take 80 credits of compulsory taught courses. 

Compulsory courses currently include:

  • Environmental Geochemistry
  • Carbon Storage and Monitoring
  • Future GeoEnergy Resources
  • Hydrogeology 1: Applied Hydrogeology
  • Project Design and Field Skills
Pathways

You will also be required to take a further 20 credits of compulsory courses, but these vary depending on your academic background.

Option A

If you do not have a background in GeoSciences, you will need to take the following courses:

  • Exploring the Subsurface
  • Geology for GeoEnergy
Option B

If you do have a background in GeoSciences, you will take:

  • Subsurface Reservoir Quality
Dissertation

You will also complete an independent research project called a dissertation. This is your opportunity to explore, in-depth, a topic of your choice in relation to the programme. You can use the dissertation to demonstrate your work to potential employers.

This is worth 60 credits and typically consists of producing a written paper of 10,000 to 15,000 words. You may also be required to write a project proposal or present on the findings from your dissertation.

Your project is mostly completed over a period of several months between April and August. However, the teaching team will work with you throughout the programme to help you prepare for the dissertation project.

Dissertations with external partners

You may also have the option to complete a dissertation project in partnership with an external organisation. We work with our wide network to find opportunities for these projects, enhancing the real-world relevance of your degree.

This option is not guaranteed and may require an additional application or interview, depending on the popularity and competitiveness of the project offered by the external organisation.

Option courses

You will take 20 credits of option courses. 

We offer a recommended list of option courses to choose from, which currently includes:

  • Ore Mineralogy, Petrology and Geochemistry
  • Nuclear Waste Management: Principles, Policies and Practice
  • Hydrogeology 2: Simulation of Groundwater Flow and Transport
  • Seismic Reflection Interpretation

You can also choose from a wider curated selection of option courses from across the University. These courses look at future low-carbon energy in different contexts, such as:

  • policy and decision-making
  • engineering
  • data science
  • environmental monitoring

Although we try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from, these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on option courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of option courses.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time
Part-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Disclaimer

Fieldwork course review

The School of GeoSciences is undergoing a review of its fieldwork courses. This review focuses on improving the inclusivity and accessibility of fieldwork, whilst delivering sustainable and low-carbon experiences, and maintaining pedagogical excellence.

As a result, field course locations may vary year to year, but will always align with course learning outcomes.

Field trips

Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

Our programme includes a geological field excursion, which will provide a real-world synthesis of the separate strands of the MSc GeoEnergy. 

We aim to visit the world-class geological exposures of the Scottish Highlands, which will provide you with a unique opportunity to interpret analogues of the rocks required for GeoEnergy technologies.

We will be able to examine analogues of reservoirs, which are vital for underground gas storage and water production. You will study the seals which direct the flow of underground water and hold buoyant gases in place, for example, in carbon capture and storage. You will see the type of metamorphic rocks that are considered for nuclear waste storage.

You will gain improved geological field skills, including observation, measurement and recording, which are highly transferable. You will also see how the underlying geology affects the visible landscape, and how even a relatively remote area of the Scottish Highlands is at the forefront of clean-energy production.

Local day trips

Scotland is rich in geological diversity. Our programme provides several opportunities for day trips that may encompass either local fieldwork or site visits to various locations across southern Scotland.

Previous day trips have included geological localities along the Lothian coast near Edinburgh, including the world-famous Hutton's Unconformity at Siccar Point.

As part of the programme of events to welcome new students, we also organise a series of visits to local GeoEnergy-related attractions. These have previously included the National Coalmining Museum and the Scottish Oil Shale Museum.

Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend a fieldwork trip, we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes where necessary.

MSc GeoEnergy students on a local field trip in Scotland
MSc GeoEnergy students on a local field trip in Scotland.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

You will experience a range of learning styles, depending on the subject matter and courses you are taking. 

Teaching for this programme will typically involve a mix of:

  • lectures
  • group practical sessions
  • student-led presentations
  • discussion sessions
  • field work

Assessment

You will be assessed in a variety of ways, such as:

  • exams
  • technical reports
  • individual presentations
  • group presentations

Learning outcomes

By studying the MSc GeoEnergy, you will:

  • Acquire cutting-edge knowledge of GeoEnergy technologies, many of which are essential if ambitious emissions-reduction targets are to be achieved. These are taught by experts in their fields who are actively researching these topics.
  • Learn about the critical technical aspects of these technologies, as well as factors that influence acceptance and their use, such as cost, regulation, drawbacks and how the public views the technology.
  • Be provided with opportunities to practise talks to convey your knowledge to your classmates. Communicating your knowledge to others is an essential skill. To help you develop these skills, our staff will provide feedback on these talks, and some are formally assessed.
  • Gain experience writing reports and designing posters, summarising your knowledge on a subject, and drawing conclusions from a wide range of data types. This will equip you with communication skills that are essential to many career pathways.

Support for your studies

Student Experience Team

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a Student Adviser within the School's Student Experience Team, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.

How we support you

Cohort activities

You will also have access to a range of cohort activities. These are a mix of social and academic support events. 

Social events are typically student-led, and often include activities like cohort dinners and film nights. Academic events often include workshops to support you with planning for your dissertation project.

Our academic staff

Courses are delivered by staff who are active researchers in each field. 

You will benefit from the strength and international reputation of our research groups. We are one of the largest groups of geoscientists in the UK actively researching a variety of GeoEnergy technologies, including:

  • carbon capture and storage
  • radioactive waste disposal
  • energy storage, including compressed air, heat and hydrogen
  • geothermal energy
  • sustainable use of water resources
  • supply of critical elements for the energy transition
  • unconventional and conventional hydrocarbons

Our work supports global initiatives to accelerate the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our expertise is supplemented by selected guest speakers from the industry or other related research organisations.

Where you will study

Study location

This programme is primarily based at the King's Buildings campus. Depending on the courses you are studying, you may study at various campus locations in Edinburgh, such as the University's Central campus.

Academic facilities

You will have access to the University's facilities across all University campuses.

For example:

  • libraries
  • study spaces (some of which are open 24 hours)
  • laboratories
  • computing facilities
  • social spaces
  • leisure facilities

You will also have access to the Masters Hub, located in the ECCI building at the Central campus. 

Visit the ECCI website

Specialist software and facilities

We support dissertation projects by providing access to a wide range of specialist software and analytical equipment.

We also host a variety of world-class experimental facilities which can be used for dissertations.

These include:

  • experimental equipment for studying how fluids (CO2, H2, water) interact as they flow through rocks
  • the 'GREAT-cell' for studying the flow of fluids through large rock samples (30 centimetre diameter) under typical subsurface pressure conditions
  • micro-CT scanner for imaging fluids within the porespaces of rocks

Career opportunities

The MSc will allow you to apply subsurface geological knowledge to a diverse range of career paths in low-carbon energy technologies, the disposal of energy-related wastes and the evolving hydrocarbon industry. We have specifically designed this MSc to explore a wide range of energy topics, giving you opportunities for a varied career path.

The expertise gained on this programme will enable you to pursue a career in many energy-related areas, including:

  • energy companies
  • energy sector consultancies
  • civil engineering companies
  • environmental regulators
  • environmental consultants
  • local or national government agencies
  • national research laboratories
  • non-governmental organisations

Graduate destinations

Our graduates have been very successful in gaining employment worldwide in a variety of public and private sector organisations.

Types of roles include:

  • Low carbon consultant
  • Energy and Climate Change Consultant
  • Research Analyst
  • Energy Officer
  • Applications Engineer
  • Hydrographic Surveyor
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Flood Risk and Sustainable Water Management Engineer

Examples of organisations our graduates have gone on to include:

  • Element Energy
  • The Environmental Protection Group Ltd
  • Flexitricity
  • British Geological Survey
  • Wood Mackenzie
  • Ikon Science
  • Wardell Armstrong LLP

Professional links

Networks

We are committed to helping you meet prospective employers and network with those active in the field. Our established network comprises many organisations seeking graduates who possess the skills gained in our MSc programme. We have links with government departments, energy-relevant NGOs, and key industry players from multinational energy companies to start-up geothermal energy companies.

You will have multiple opportunities to interact with these networks, either through activities embedded in the curriculum, such as dissertations with industry partners, or extra-curricular activities, such as Industry Day conferences.

Alumni networks

This programme benefits from an active alumni network. You will be encouraged to join our networking group to allow you to hear about and share opportunities during and after the programme.

We regularly invite alumni back to contribute to the programme and share their knowledge and experience. 

By integrating our alumni throughout the programme, you can build your professional networks from the beginning and establish relevant contacts.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Graduates of this MSc programme may be interested in the Edinburgh Earth, Ecology and Environment Engagement Doctoral Training Partnership (E5 DTP).

Visit the E5 DTP website

Graduate profiles

Rizky Pratama

Rizky smiles for the camera while in his office

Degree: MSc GeoEnergy

Year of graduation: 2024

Current work: Senior Development Geologist, PT Pertamina Hulu Indonesia

I gained a wealth of knowledge during my time at the University! From the latest technical skills in geoenergy to effective communication skills through presentations and academic writing. The assignments throughout the programme challenged me to give my best efforts and develop my critical thinking. All of these are transferable skills to my current role, allowing me to review and deliver tasks thoroughly and look for possible alternative solutions. Additionally, the public speaking skills I developed at the University enabled me to effectively showcase the impact of my work for the company, and the technical skills make me ready and keep me relevant in this energy transition era.

Rizky's profile

Hear from our alumni about their experiences during, and after, postgraduate study

School of GeoSciences postgraduate alumni profiles

Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your wider student experience at the University, providing:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance and personal assistance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying at the University of Edinburgh will lay the foundations for your future success, whatever shape that takes.

Careers Service

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

You should avoid applying to more than one degree within the School of GeoSciences. Applicants who can demonstrate their understanding and commitment to a specific programme are preferred.

If you plan to apply to more than one programme within the School, you should discuss your choices with us before you submit your application.

Where possible, we may make an alternative programme offer if you have been unsuccessful in your chosen programme.

School of GeoSciences deadlines

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 30 August 2026

We encourage you to apply at least one month prior to entry so that we have enough time to process your application. If you are also applying for funding or will require a visa then we strongly recommend you apply as early as possible.

When to submit your supporting documents

You must submit all supporting documents by the application deadline, or we will be unable to consider your application. Regardless of when you apply, you have 28 days from submitting your application to supply any supporting documents through the Application Hub, after which we will automatically reject your application.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

For this programme, you will need to submit a CV/Resume with your application.

Find out more about applications and CVs for further study

References

You must submit one reference with your application.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves. Our students are sharing their experiences - from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Admissions

Lines open Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm.

College of Science and Engineering Admissions Enquiries
Phone:+44 (0)131 650 5737

Academic contact

For programme-specific enquiries, please get in touch with the Programme Director.

Prof Stuart Gilfillan

Programme Director

Contact details

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