The programme provides knowledge of processes that lead to the formation of a natural resource, be it a hydrocarbon or a metalliferous deposit. Between years two and three it also includes either an industrial placement or an applied geological mapping project.

Because they are trained in specialist fieldwork and the IT skills needed by a professional exploration geologist, our graduates are in great demand in the mineral exploration industry.

The fieldwork activities for this course are similar to those for our Geology programme but with an applied aspect. In year one the main location is Pembrokeshire. In year two students currently visit South West England to study sedimentary basins and the tin mining legacy and northern Spain, where rock exposure is completely different from the UK.

In year three you may visit Cyprus or another location, where all that you have learned previously about the formation and exploitation of ore deposits can be synthesised into a picture that truly shows the essential practical skills needed by exploration geologists.