School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

ResM Geological Sciences

Duration

Full time: 1-1.5 years
Part time: 2-3 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Plymouth
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This programme will give you the opportunity to conduct research alongside staff at the forefront of their academic disciplines across the geological sciences, spanning the spectrum of disciplines from structural geology, palaeomagnetism, volcanoes, landslides and geomorphology to the evolution of life on Earth. You will be supported within an active interdisciplinary research environment, working on a project in collaboration with your supervisor leading to a formal postgraduate qualification.

The programme offers you the flexibility to shape your research in an area of particular interest to you, alongside the opportunity to gain research skills from our taught modules both within the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences and across the University.

Key features
  • A flexible programme of research that is ideal if you are interested in pursuing a specific shorter-term research project.
  • Focus on a geological sciences project within a vibrant interdisciplinary research community.
  • A bespoke training pathway tailored to your individual needs.
  • Modules may be chosen from a variety of existing taught masters programmes and can span disciplines as appropriate.
  • Personalised expert supervision (you'll be assigned a Director of Studies and an additional supervisor).
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .

Course details

  • Overview

  • This programme incorporates taught elements (a minimum of 40 credits and a maximum of 120 credits) and an extended research phase.
    You must take and pass at least two taught and assessed modules (40 credit) to equip you with the appropriate level of research skills. The specific modules will be agreed together with your supervisor. These taught elements typically focus on research methods, contemporary issues and methodological skills, but may vary according your individuals needs and the subject area.
    On passing these modules you will progress to your research project.

Entry requirements
You will need a good 2:1 or first class honours degree, or international equivalent, in an area of study appropriate to your project, and at least a 2:1 in the research project component of your degree.
An IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 (5.5 in all four components) or equivalent is required if you are an international student –. English language requirements .
Before applying you should approach a potential supervisor for your research project and agree a project title and module combination. Your offer letter will then reflect the specific combination of modules and project agreed.

Fees, costs and funding
Please visit tuition fees for postgraduate research for information about fees. The ResM Geological Sciences is in Band 2 for fees purposes.
If you are a full time student, you will pay full time fees for one year. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you will have to pay for an optional six month 'writing up' period to complete your thesis (that is, half of the 'writing up' fee indicated on this page).
If you are a part time student, you will pay part time fees for two years. If you have not submitted your thesis by the end of this period, then you will have to pay for an optional one year 'writing up' period to complete your thesis.
You are responsible for meeting all of the costs related to your own research project, beyond the resources available in the department.
This programme is eligible for a postgraduate loan .

How to apply

Apply online

Submitting your application
Complete your application and upload supporting documents to the Doctoral College by completing our online application form.

Questions on the application process?
We're here to help. Please contact the Doctoral College team , we'll be happy to assist you.
You can view or download our admissions policy from the student regulations, policies and procedures page. Prospective students are advised to read the policy before making an application to the University.
If you have a disability and would like further information on the support available, please visit Disability Services .
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office .
Find more information about Apply for a postgraduate research programme .
Francesca Wilcocks - ResM Geological Sciences
Francesca Wilcocks - current student
Cağatay carrying out fieldwork in Sparta, Greece with his project supervisors Dr Sarah Boulton and Dr Zoë Mildon to collect data on a prominent geological fault.
Cağatay Cal - graduate

Discover facilities in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

As student in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences you will have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities.
These will support your learning in the field and in the laboratory – whether in traditional chemistry lab or a high-performance computing room. Many are solely for the use of our students and researchers and you will also have access to LABplus Resource Centre and the Marine Station.
Students using a petrographic microscope

Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES)

Our world-class research keeps staff at the cutting edge of recent scientific developments within the field.
Explore the interdisciplinary research carried out within Earth sciences.
Aerial shot of an active volcano.
Coastal Processes Research Group Perranporth beach
Postgraduate research students listening to a talk

Academic staff