The MRes in Geological Sciences is a full-time programme running over 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The programme consists of (a) a major research thesis and (b) taught modules on generic and transferable skills, with an emphasis on scientific writing, oral presentations, and general research skills. Part-time study for this programme is not available.

Students undertake a total workload equivalent to 90 credits over the 12 month programme, the principal element of which is the completion of a major research thesis of approximately 25,000 words. In parallel, students must take and pass taught modules to the value of 20 credits.

Students take 20 credits as follows:¹

GL6002 Igneous and Metamorphic Terrain Mapping (10 credits)
GL6003 Coal Exploration (5 credits)
GL6005 Basin Analysis and Sedimentary Facies Analysis (10 credits)
GL6006 Geotechnical Investigationsof Soils and Rocks (5 credits)
GL6007 Practical Offshore Geological Exploration (5 credits)
GL6008 Geological Applications of Geographical Information Systems (5 credits)
GL6010 Field Exploration Methods and Professional Development (5 credits)
GL6011 Structural Geology for Hydrocarbon Exploration (5 credits)
GL6012 Structural Geology for Mineral Exploration (5 credits)
GL6013 Geology of Ore Deposits (5 credits)
GL4002 Petroleum Geology and Basin Analysis (5 credits)
GL4003 Applied Geophysics (5 credits)
GL4004 Advanced Igneous Processes (5 credits)
GL4011 Economic Geology (5 credits)
GL4024 Exceptional Glimpses of Ancient Life (5 credits)
GL4027 Geochemistry (5 credits)

• ¹Students may elect to take other, relevant modules (subject to availability) that are offered by the University and are not listed above to fulfil the elective requirement with approval from the MRes coordinator, research supervisor and Head of School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Science.

Students will also undertake independent research towards completion of a research thesis to a student workload equivalent of 70 credits on a selected topic in Geological Sciences. 

See also Procedures for Submission and Examination of Research Masters Degrees.

Module Semester Information may be found here. Module Descriptions may be found here.

Examinations
Full details and regulations governing Examinations for each programme will be contained in the Marks and Standards 2019/2020 Book and for each module in the Book of Modules, 2019/2020.

Programme Learning Outcomes for MRes (Master of Research) in Geological Sciences (NFQ Level 9, Major Award)
On successful completion of this programme, students should be able to:

• Carry out an independent and original research project to address an emerging question in Geological Science;
• Prepare and write a dissertation of their research project in a critical, logical and systematic manner, in keeping with the standards of postgraduate research;
• Display advanced theoretical knowledge and practical understanding within a research area of Geological Science;
• Understand the basis and application of field and laboratory methods used in Geological Science and a knowledge of their limitations;
• Source, review, critically assess and evaluate relevant primary literature and summarize material for presentation to peers and for inclusion within the research dissertation;
• Design, write and defend a scientific research proposal based on their current research topic or a proposed topic;
• Evaluate their skill set and identify skills that should be acquired;
• Develop professional practice skills including team-work, negotiation, time-management, scientific writing and oral communication.