Exploration Geology

The MSc in Exploration Geology offers an opportunity to gain specialist knowledge in the concepts and techniques used by geologists both in exploring for and evaluating mineral deposits and in carrying out site investigations. The collection,  interpretation and reporting of geoscientific data will be a major focus of the course, allowing students to acquire, synthesise and criticise data from a range of sources. The programme will add important knowledge and skill sets to deliver qualified geologists to work in the national and international exploration and mining sectors and provide transferable skills for use in the broader geotechnical/construction/environmental industry sectors.

This programme aligns with the College strategy to diversify and increase PGT recruitment within CSM. In addition, it expands on existing teaching and expertise, allowing a natural extension to our portfolio.

The proposal is aligned with our rare earth research.

The programme aims to produce competent and confident professional geoscientists who can practise effectively as Exploration Geologists, working in the metalliferous ores or industrial minerals sectors, having acquired advanced skills and knowledge in the formation, discovery and environment impact of extraction of the Earth’s mineral resources.

It introduces methods for exploring for minerals and it applies the knowledge derived from ore deposit models to explain observed ore deposit characteristics and how they are used as predictive guides to mineral exploration.  Exploration Geology graduates will gain knowledge of leading edge methods in exploration and mining geology and develop professional skills of immediate use to a new graduate in the exploration industry.

Although the aim of the programme is vocational, it also provides advanced training in many subject specific and generic skills needed for further postgraduate research. In addition, the programme develops transferable skills sought by employers, including project management and planning, presentational skills, verbal and written communication, and teamwork.

Your MSc Exploration Geology programme is a 1 year programme of study at National Qualification Framework (NQF) level 7 (as confirmed against the FHEQ). This programme is divided into 1 Stage. Each Stage is normally equivalent to an academic year.  The programme is also divided into units of study called modules which are assigned a number of credits. The credit rating of a module is proportional to the total workload, with 1 credit being nominally equivalent to 10 hours of work.  Some modules will be run over one term whilst others run in three week blocks.

Interim Awards

If you do not complete the programme you may be able to exit with a lower qualification.

Postgraduate Diploma: At least 120 credits of which 90 or more must be at NQF level 7.

Postgraduate Certificate: At least 60 credits of which 45 or more must be at NQF level 7.

The following tables describe the programme and constituent modules.  Constituend modules may be updated, deleted or replaced as a consequence of the annual programme review of this programme.  Details of the modules currently offered may be obtained from the College web site.

https://intranet.exeter.ac.uk/emps/

Credit

The programme consists of 180 credits, participants take all 180 credits at NQF level 7. The pass mark for award of credit in PG modules (NQF level 7) is 50%.

Progression

Condonement is the process that allows you to be awarded credit (and so progress to the next stage or, in the final stage, receive an award), despite failing to achieve a pass mark at a first attempt. You are not entitled to reassessment in condoned credit.

Up to (45/30/20) credits of failure can be condoned on the following conditions:

1. You must have completed and been assessed in modules amounting to sufficient credit for the final award (i.e. 180 credits for a Masters; 120 credits for a PGDip; and 60 credits for a PGCert).

2. You must pass the modules marked with a 'Yes' in the 'non-condonable' column in the tables above.

3. You must achieve an average mark of at least 50% across the full 180 credits of assessment in the stage, including any failed and condoned modules.

Classification

The marking of modules and the classification of awards broadly corresponds to the following marks:

Postgraduate Degrees

Distinction   70%+

Merit            60-69%

Pass            50-59%

Full details of PGT programmes assessment regulations can be found in the Teaching Quality Assurance Manual (TQA) on the University of Exeter website.  Generic marking criteria are also published here.

Please see the Teaching and Quality Assurance Manual for further guidance.

Personal and Academic tutoring: It is University policy that all Colleges should have in place a system of academic and personal tutors. The role of academic tutors is to support you on individual modules; the role of personal tutors is to provide you with advice and support for the duration of the programme and extends to providing you with details of how to obtain support and guidance on personal difficulties such as accommodation, financial difficulties and sickness. You can also make an appointment to see individual teaching staff.

Students have access to good computing and library facilities at the Penryn Campus. Computer-based exercises and web-based learning materials are a feature of the programme, which can be accessed via the internet. IT Services provide a range of central services, including open and training clusters of PCs (available on a 24/7 basis); and available during residentials held at CSM.  Network access is available from all rooms in the hall of residence on site. The Learning Resource Centre contains a library of 70,000 volumes and some specialist collections. In addition, students have full access to the central University of Exeter library, including the electronic library resources.

Online Module study resources provide materials for modules that you are registered for, in addition to some useful subject and IT resources. Generic study support resources, library and research skills, past exam papers, and the 'Academic Honesty and Plagiarism' module are also available through the student portal (http://vle.exeter.ac.uk).

All applications are considered individually on merit. The University is committed to an equal opportunities policy with respect to gender, age, race, sexual orientation and/or disability when dealing with applications. It is also committed to widening access to higher education to students from a diverse range of backgrounds and experience.

Entry requirements for this programme can be found on the Postgraduate Study Page.

Candidates must satisfy the general admissions requirements of the University of Exeter.

Each academic programme in the University is subject to an agreed College assessment and marking strategy, underpinned by institution-wide assessment procedures.

The security of assessment and academic standards is further supported through the appointment of External Examiners for each programme. External Examiners have access to draft papers, course work and examination scripts. They are required to attend the Board of Examiners and to provide an annual report. Annual External Examiner reports are monitored at both College and University level. Their responsibilities are described in the University's code of practice.  See the University's TQA Manual for details.