MSc Geo-Energy with Machine Learning and Data Science
Join the next generation of subsurface geoscientists and engineers
Key information
Overview
Data science and machine learning are revolutionising the study of subsurface geoscience and engineering.
If you’re a mathematician or a physical or computer scientist keen to apply your skills to this field, or you have a geoscience or engineering background and you want to learn data science and machine learning tools and approaches, this is the ideal course for you.
You’ll cover the fundamental processes and various applications of subsurface geoscience and engineering, while learning to apply data science, numerical methods and machine learning to problems in the sector.
There are opportunities to apply these concepts to real-world settings, which you’ll do on a geological field trip and to a technical problem you identify, for which you'll design and present your own computational or data science-based solution.
The course provides you with the opportunity to develop in-demand skills for a range of careers, from geoenergy, tech, computing and consultancy or go into further research.
Structure
This page reflects the latest version of the curriculum for this year of entry. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about changes we have made.
Page last reviewed on 22 October 2021.
Structure
Compulsory modules
You'll take all the modules below.
Numerical Programming in Python
Receive an introduction to numerical programming using Python and using it to understand, interpret and solve earth science problems.
Data Science and Machine Learning
Explore concepts central to a data science apporoach and different types of classical machine learning algorithms.
Computational Mathematics
Derive the essential mathematics underpinning computational science, data science and machine learning.
Applying Computational/Data Science
Delve into three applied computational and data science group projects, where you'll synthesise material covered in other modules and develop your problem solving skills.
Introduction to Resource Geology and Geophysics
Discover the characterisation of geological formations and uncover the fundamental geological processes that lead to their formation.
Fluids and Fluid Flow in Porous Media
Learn about fluids with single and multiphase flow properties in porous media and how to use analytical and numerical methods to solve flow problems.
Geomechanics and Pressure Analysis
Use equations and geomechanical concepts to solve for pressure changes at wells for deformation, fracturing and flow.
Energy Geoscience and Engineering
Apply your knowledge of subsurface flow problems, machine learning and data science to analyse, appraise and design processes relevant to energy transition.
Deep Learning
Receive a thorough grounding in machine learning, with an emphasis on applying modern methods to interpet and solve applied science problems.
Project
You'll complete an Applied Computational/Data Science Project, in which you'll conduct an independent analysis of a technical problem, for which you'll devise, implement, test, modify, validate and document a computational or data science-based solution.
You can opt for a problem provided to you, or solve a problem of your own devising. Computational projects as part of external industry placements will also be considered.
You'll present your work in a written report and an oral presentation.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
- Lectures
- Seminars and practical coding activities
- Geological field trip
- Case studies
- Group work exercises
- Individual research
- Formal presentations
Assessment
- Project work
- Coursework
- Thesis
- Software demonstration
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis.
Admissions
Minimum academic requirement
Our minimum requirement is a 2:1 in a geological or physical science subject, or an engineering discipline.
Evidence of a good quantitative background (a minimum of a grade A in A-Level Mathematics or evidence of mathematics programmes in your undergraduate degree) and coding experience will also be required.
Applicants with other qualifications, and relevant professional or industrial experience, may be considered.
International qualifications
We also accept a wide variety of international qualifications.
The academic requirement above is for applicants who hold or who are working towards a UK qualification.
For guidance see our Country Index though please note that the standards listed are the minimum for entry to the College, and not specifically this Department.
If you have any questions about admissions and the standard required for the qualification you hold or are currently studying then please contact the relevant admissions team.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for postgraduate applicants.
Selection process
Applicants may be invited for a face-to-face or online interview.
How to apply
Before you apply
We strive to increase and broaden inclusivity and support everyone, regardless of background, in breaking down any barriers to your application the Department.
If you are interested in this MSc, we strongly encourage you to contact the course administrator prior to starting your application.
Making an application
Apply online
All applicants must apply online.
Visit our Admissions website for details on the application process.
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can usually choose up to two courses.
Application fee
If you are applying for a taught Master’s course, you will need to pay an application fee before submitting your application.
The fee applies per application and not per course:
- £80 for taught Master's applications (excluding MBAs)
- £135 for MBA applications
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas or research courses, such as PhDs and EngDs.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
ATAS certificate
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students applying for this course.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, visas and more.
Tuition fees and funding
The level of tuition fees you pay is based on your fee status, which we assess based on UK government legislation.
Find out more about fees and funding opportunities.
Tuition fees
Home rate of tuition
2022 entry
£19,450
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.
Overseas rate of tuition
2022 entry
£36,500
Fees are charged by year of entry to the College and not year of study.
Except where otherwise indicated, the fees for students on courses lasting more than one year will increase annually by an amount linked to inflation, including for part-time students on modular programmes. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPI) value in the April of the calendar year in which the academic session starts e.g. the RPI value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
Postgraduate Master's loan
If you're a UK national, or EU national with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you may be able to apply for a Postgraduate Master’s Loan from the UK government, if you meet certain criteria.
For 2021-22 entry, the maximum amount is £11,570. The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Scholarships
We offer a range of scholarships for postgraduate students to support you through your studies. Find out more about our scholarships to see what you might be eligible for.
A number of external organisations also offer awards for Imperial students. Find out more about non-Imperial scholarships.
Women in Science and Engineering Scholarship
We have two departmental scholarships open to women who are offer holders in this programme, for 2022 entry.
The scholarships will be awarded to women who demonstrate exceptional academic merit and/or potential and are Home applicants. The Scholarship will cover Home Tuition fees and a stipend.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
You can compare costs across our different accommodation options on our Accommodation website.
A rough guide to what you might expect to spend to live in reasonable comfort in London is available on our Fees and Funding website.
Further information
Got a question?
Enquiries
T: +44 (0)20 7594 6500
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