Exploration Geology Cardiff University

Overview

People have been using Earth’s natural resources like metals, minerals, oil and gas for centuries to build our towns and cities, power our homes, and make the vehicles, devices and tools that we depend on. New resources are increasingly hard to find, and specialist skills and technology are required to locate and use them responsibly. 

On the Exploration Geology programme from Cardiff University , you will learn how Earth’s processes have created natural resources and how to explore for them to meet future demand. You will develop skills in data analysis, confident decision making and fieldwork, both above and underground. 

Through specialist exploration modules and practical classes, you will learn to characterise minerals and experience modern software and datasets used by professionals in the sector. All students will gain an introduction to the environmental, social and governance factors affecting the exploration industry and can choose sustainability-focused modules on topics such as hazard resilience and environmental geology as options.

Key facts

Cardiff University has been training mining engineers and geologists for over 100 years, and our Exploration Geology degree is the only undergraduate degree in the UK that focuses on specialist training in resource exploration. We have a strong and established network of industry connections that allows us to offer our students summer placement opportunities, working in exploration organisations around the world.

As a student on this course, you will gain access our Alumni Mentorship Scheme, a digital support resource run via LinkedIn, where you can get career advice, support and inspiration from our graduates.

The MSci involves the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to do a fourth year of study where you work on an exciting research project with an academic from the School and their research staff.  This research can be in resource exploration, or in other geological fields. You will gain advanced research and problem-solving skills that will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry.

Career prospects

The constant demand for metals, construction materials and other natural resources means the knowledge and skills of an exploration geologist are in high demand. With a degree in Exploration Geology, you have a range of career options open to you and can apply for roles like an exploration geologist, a hydrogeologist, a mineralogist or an environmental consultant. The practical and business-focused aspects of the degree will give you essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education also look for.

Your advanced research skills, innovation and initiative from your postgraduate degree will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry. Many senior positions in exploration geology-related careers ask for a minimum of a master's degree level qualification and it is often the entry-level qualification for PhD research programmes.

Some of our past students have gone on to work for Anglo American Plc, North American Nickel, Mineco, Karelian Gold Ltd, 6 Alpha Associates, Gemfields Ltd, Terravision Exploration Ltd, Bibby Hydromap and the engineering and mining consultancies Golder Associates and Royal HaskoningDHV.

Accreditation

• Accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.