leeds university travel policy

Sustainable travel

The University of Leeds Climate Plan includes our commitment to reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Greenhouse gas emissions from business travel, staff and student commuting are included within our target to deliver net zero by 2030 , but given the complexity of this area these are addressed within the Climate Plan principle for Sustainable Travel .

We have committed to reducing the impact of business and commuting travel with the aim to achieve and maintain emissions at 50% of 2018/19 levels (our baseline), while balancing our commitment to academic excellence. Interim targets will be co-developed with staff and students and reviewed as the Sustainable Travel Programme progresses.

The timelines to achieve this target will be led by the outcomes of consultation with the whole University community.

Sustainable Travel is clearly an important issue for the University community. It is one of the more tangible climate principles which students and staff can share ownership of.  

We acknowledge that the biggest challenge this last year has been a lack of dedicated resource and capacity on this principle. Work is ongoing to address this for 2024.

Progress made in 2022/23

Interactive workshop.

In March 2023, a University-wide, inclusive and interactive workshop was co-designed to foster collaboration across diverse parties of interest. The objectives were:

• Inform the membership of a Sustainable Travel Steering Group that captures key stakeholder priorities, actions and manages progress.
• Redefine our approach and agree priority actions to contribute to the ‘Achieving Sustainable Travel’ principle.
• Co-develop new interventions and travel policies to accelerate progress towards decarbonisation, health and wellbeing, and travelling safely and sustainably to and from our places of work or study. 

Business travel 

Objective: Reduce the impact of business travel with the aim to achieve and maintain emissions at 50% of 2018/19 levels, while balancing our commitment to academic excellence. 

Building upon the outcomes of the interactive workshop, we are in the process of developing an inclusive, representative and equitable approach to tackling business travel emissions.

Originally, the Shared Futures organisation was engaged to run a participatory process focussed on business travel at the University. However, over the last year, we made the decision to pause and re-evaluate this approach.   

Commuting travel

Objective: Reduce the impact of commuting travel with the aim to achieve and maintain emissions at 50% of 2018/19 levels, while balancing our commitment to academic excellence.

Annual travel survey

We carried out the annual travel survey to better understand the travel behaviours of our staff and students and to help inform emissions data reporting and future policies and interventions.

For the first time, we also estimated the emissions associated with students travelling to the University from their home address. 

Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme

We have received approval in principle to develop an electric vehicle (EV) salary sacrifice scheme. This would improve the affordability of EVs for staff.

Our requirements for this – including what vehicles would be eligible for the scheme – will be developed and taken for further approval at the appropriate University committees before tendering for a supplier. 

We are working on making cycling to work more inclusive.

We are exploring an option for lower paid members of staff who may not be eligible for the salary sacrifice element of our current Cycle to Work scheme due to their salary and the National Living Wage.

Further work on commuting

• We have supported the delivery of an extensive student communications campaign normalising and promoting sustainable commuting and active travel amongst the student body.
• We have continued the transition from non-renewable fossil fuels to electric and hybrid alternatives – our University fleet of 65 vehicles now has 24 electric and five hybrid vehicles.
• We have worked with Leeds City Council and Beryl Bikes on the Leeds City Bikes Scheme (a city-wide e-bike sharing scheme) and have installed e-bike docks at five locations across our campus.
• We have actively promoted city and regional consultations related to travel, encouraging the University community to get their voices heard.

Electric vehicle charging

We have upgraded and expanded the electric vehicle charging Infrastructure on campus to meet future demand.

The existing electric car charging infrastructure (apart from the multi storey car park) was replaced with new charging units, capable of charging two vehicles (see table 1, following). The charging units are supported by back-office management software to monitor usage and electricity consumption. 

Table 1: Electric vehicle charging infrastructure progress status as of December 2023 

Emissions data.

Calculating travel emissions data is a complex process and each year we aim to improve our emissions data collection and analysis, to reflect a true record. 

Student and staff commuting

The annual travel survey collects student and staff commuting data. Low survey response rates are a key challenge.  

For 2022/23, we increased the number of prizes for completing the survey, and we held an in-person event at Leeds University Union to encourage participation, as well as utilising University communication channels. 

Accurately completing the annual travel survey is a tangible activity that staff and students can do which will have a direct impact on the Sustainable Travel programme.  

Table 2: Student commuting from 2016/17 onwards

Table 3: staff commuting from 2016/17 onwards, business travel.

Business travel data is collected via several sources: Key Travel, direct from suppliers, and internal expense data.

Improvements to these data sets are essential. It will require both operational and individual behaviour change to make these improvements. 

Within Sustainable Travel we have a dedicated Data, Evidence and Processes Group which will advise on such improvements.

Table 4: Business travel from 2016/17 onwards

Plans for 2024.

As a priority we will continue developing the business case for the programme, highlighting resourcing and capacity needs. To deliver on our ambitious plans for the year ahead, the programme needs to be adequately resourced. 

As well as continuing with activities listed previously (eg Leeds City Bike Scheme, Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice), and working with the wider city and region, we will also working on the following areas.

Business travel  

We will continue developing an inclusive, representative, and equitable approach to tackling business travel emissions. 

We will draw conclusions and make recommendations to the Sustainable Travel Steering Group. 

We will work with MSc programme leaders for Sustainable Cities and Climate Futures to commission projects on specific issues relating to travel.  

Electric vehicles

We will review usage and energy consumption, and investigate the potential need for fee-charging to cover maintenance and administration costs, and future funding of new electric vehicle charging infrastructure. 

We will identify where and how data collection can be smoother, more accurate and more robust to ensure compliance and better monitoring. 

Travel booking processes

We will investigate the potential for implementing tighter pre-travel approval within existing business travel booking processes. 

We will gather learnings and reflections from staff on their current business travel experiences relative to lower carbon alternatives, working in collaboration with the participatory process mentioned previously. We will analyse findings to inform any future policies or interventions. 

Programme governance

We will continue setting up the programme governance structure and membership. 

We will hold inaugural project group meetings early in 2024.

The Sustainable Travel Project Groups, Management Group and Steering Group will co-develop a Sustainable Travel Strategy, including interim targets up to 2030.

We will continue developing the business case for the programme, highlighting resourcing and capacity needs. 

Opportunities for further collaboration

We will identify where collaboration is possible across other Climate Principles to reach university climate targets.

We will identify where collaboration is possible across the whole University.

We will work with the Equality and Inclusion Unit, the Just Transition team, and Wellbeing, Safety and Health Services to ensure that any interventions or policy changes made are done so in a fair way. 

Reflections

Sustainable Travel is an exciting programme that staff and students clearly care about and want to get involved with. 

The inaugural workshop was described as inclusive and inspiring by the staff and students who attended. Engagement was high with participants keen to be involved in shaping our future sustainable travel policy to the benefit of the whole University community. 

The biggest challenge this last year has been an unplanned reduction in dedicated resource and capacity on this programme. Staffing changes also had an impact.  However, we have succeeded in strengthening the foundation of the programme and look forward to filling the identified resource gaps to deliver our ambitious targets.

Please check below, should your question not have an answer please email the Insurance Officer at [email protected]

Would the travel Insurance policy cover me if I tag a personal trip onto my business trip?

Yes, as long as the primary purpose of the journey is for University business or study and the personal element of the trip does not exceed the business/study element or exceed 14 days.

Can I Insure an item on loan to the University?

Yes, we have a policy specifically for short term cover. Please contact the Insurance Officer for details.

What do I do if I have an accident in a University owned or hired Vehicle?

Get the name, address, vehicle and policy details of the third party. Complete the Motor Vehicle Claim form and contact the Insurance Officer immediately!

Where can I get evidence of the Univesity's liability policies?

A document is available setting out details of all the University's liability policies. Please see the Liabilities section of this website

How do I make a travel insurance claim?

Please see details at the bottom of the Business Travel Insurance webpage .

What is the procedure for insuring a hire car?

Please contact the Insurance Office with details of any hire period of 14 days or over, Information required is driver's name and vehicle registration number.

Sustainable Travel

A great way to reduce your carbon footprint is by travelling sustainably. We have a range of support and information to help you plan your journeys to and from campus.

Choose a section

The bike hub, leeds' e-bike hire service, cycling journey planner, walking in leeds, train travel.

Travel on University Business

Travel within the UK for University activities is permitted subject to an approved risk assessment to ensure appropriate control measures are in place, along with a log of travel details and any local faculty/service process.

International travel on University business

International travel is permitted where it has an approved risk assessment and the support of the Executive Dean/ Director or the Head of School or Service.

Any travel to countries where the Government advises against ‘all’ or ‘all but essential’ travel, also needs approval through the ‘Travel against Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) advice procedure’ (see under ‘Travel on University Business Downloads’ at the bottom of this webpage).

The University continues to mandate the requirement to use Key Travel for all travel activities. This includes all travel and accommodation both internationally and in the UK.

Travel on University Business Downloads

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Equality and inclusion

The University community is made up of a wide range of people with diverse backgrounds and circumstances, which we value and regard as a great asset.

Active travel

Active travel is not only great for your health and wellbeing, it’s also good for the environment.  A 2021 study led by University of Oxford Transport Studies Unit in collaboration with researchers from Imperial College London's Centre for Environmental Policy analysed travelling patterns of 2000 participants across 7 cities in Europe and found that:

• Those who switch just one trip per day from car driving to  cycling reduce their carbon footprint by about 0.5 tonnes over a year, representing a substantial share of average per capita CO2 emissions.
• If  10% of the population incorporated active travel into their daily routine,  4% of lifecycle CO2 emissions  from all car travel would be saved.

Here are some of the things you’ll want to know before you start your active travel journey:

Planning your route

Leeds is a compact city and easy to get around.  Here are some handy links to help you plan the best route to campus or beyond:

• We recommended using  Google maps to search for walking or cycling route directions as it provides information on the distance, time and elevation and you can easily add stops to your journey.
• Leeds City Council  have suggested walking routes in Leeds.
• To plan your cycle route try the Cycle City Connect Journey Planner .

Facilities on campus

You can explore sustainable travel facilities across campus, including bike racks, repair stations and water refill points, in our Sustainable Campus map .

There are toilets in all buildings on campus, and changing rooms and showers in some of the buildings. For more information please email [email protected] .

Showers at The Edge are free before midday for our staff and students; after this time non-members will pay a fee of £1. You must present your staff or student card to gain access.

Cycle facilities on campus include open and closed bike stands, bike repair stands and track pumps. We strongly recommend using a D-lock when securing your bike on campus to keep it safe. Learn more about cycle safety and security.

Safety and security

If you want more advice about commuting by bike check out our list of links and resources about cycle safety and security .

If you’re walking or running, then travelling with a buddy, and/or letting a friend or family member know of your planned travel routes can help you feel safer en-route to your destination.  Some phones and apps offer the opportunity to share your live location with someone you trust, for example via ‘ Find My iPhone ’ on Apple devices, or via the WhatsApp messenger service.

The  Security Office  on campus is located at 175 Woodhouse Lane, and can be contacted at  [email protected] , by 0113 343 5495 (non-emergencies), 0113 343 2222 (emergencies only), or by Whatsapp Video Call service: 07876 866747.

Cycle hire and maintenance

The University Bike Hub is open for bike hire, advice and maintenance. University staff can also hire electric bikes to trial, and access secure cycle storage cages on campus.

If you’re cycling to campus, you’ll want to be sure that your bike is safe to ride. You can get help and advice with bike maintenance at the Bike Hub on campus, but you should also get into a habit of checking it yourself.

The Bike Hub run monthly Bike Maintenance 101 training sessions , and we've also compiled a basic bike maintenance checklist and a selection of videos to help you learn more about cycle maintenance .

Cycle maintenance stands are available across campus.

Leeds City Bikes

The University of Leeds campus also hosts e-bike docking stations as part of the Leeds City Bikes scheme .

This allows short term hire of electric bikes via an app, with the option to pay by the minute or purchase bundles of minutes at a discounted price. The scheme is operated by Beryl on behalf of Leeds City Council, and bikes must be hired from and returned to designated docking stations.  

Until July 2024 Students can receive 25% off the cost of minute bundles when you register with your university email address .  

Adult Bike Training

Fancy the idea of biking but haven’t tried it before? Or perhaps it’s been a while and you’d like to improve your skills and gain more confidence on the wheels? City Connect is offering free, socially distanced adult cycling classes with a qualified instructor.

Get the right gear

Many shops offer University discounts for students and in some cases staff as well, which can help you save money if you need to get kitted out.  Also consider purchasing second-hand which can save you even more, as well as reducing the impact on the environment. Use a trusted platform and remember to keep yourself and your money safe.

We have partnered up with local running shop  Yorkshire Runner  to offer 15% off in store and online, plus free gait analysis. To gain the discount, simply show your University ID card in store or use the code ‘club15’ online.

Staff at UoL can also participate in Cyclescheme,  which allows you to swap part of your annual salary to obtain a bike, plus any cycle accessories you require.

If you have any questions, would like to share good resources that you have found, or need specific travel advice, please email: [email protected] .

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The address for the main entrance to the University of Leeds campus is:

University of Leeds Woodhouse Lane Leeds LS2 9JT

Please note, if you’re using satellite navigation to find us, the street listing can appear as Cavendish Road in some navigation systems.

How to get to the University

Leeds Railway Station connects Leeds with all major UK cities. For train information and timetables visit the National Rail Enquiries website .

Walking to the University campus from Leeds Railway Station takes around 20 minutes.

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Directions to the Parkinson Building from Leeds Railway Station

Come out of the station into City Square; with the Queens Hotel behind you, walk straight up Park Row. Continue up Park Row until the first major junction.

Cross straight over The Headrow and continue up Cookridge Street. At the next set of lights go straight on passing Millennium Square on your left and Leeds City Museum on your right.

Turn left on to Woodhouse Lane, a busy main road. You'll pass Leeds Beckett University on your left and our University campus begins in another 50 metres or so, on your left.

To reach the Parkinson building, carry on up Woodhouse Lane to the building with a clock tower. 

If you're thinking about cycling to the University, we have secure bike racks and showers.

For bike routes and information about cycling in Leeds, visit the Leeds City Council cycling pages .

If you have any questions or mechanical issues with your bike, the University bike hub can help. It also offers bike hire to staff and students.

By bus or coach

For coach details, visit the National Express website . Most coaches arrive into Leeds Bus Station. 

The number 6 bus runs from the bus station to the Parkinson Building, outside the University’s main entrance. There is also a taxi rank outside the bus station. A taxi to the University takes about 10 minutes.

For local bus information and timetables, visit the West Yorkshire Metro website .

There is also a Leeds CityBus that stops at the bus and train stations and the southern end of campus (near the back of Leeds General Infirmary A&E).

Leeds is linked to the M1 and M62 motorways. 

Parking on campus

Parking on campus is limited, so we recommend that you use public transport, where possible.

Find directions to our car parks by using our Google Maps interactive campus parking map .

To avoid disappointment, visitor parking during core hours (7am to 5pm Monday to Friday), must be pre-booked by a University staff member, and costs £7 for the day. You’ll need to contact the department you're visiting to book a space. 

If you need to pay for parking, we’ll issue you a code so you can pay at the end of your stay. 

Outside core parking hours, the orange zone visitor car parks are open to the public, and you can pay at a pay station before you leave. 

For more information, visit our car parking web pages .

Blue badge parking

Blue badge spaces are located throughout the visitor car parks. Our map of the visitor car parks includes the location of accessible bays. 

Blue badge holders are not exempt from payment for parking.

Parking in Leeds City Centre

As a campus on the edge of the city, we’re within easy reach of a number of city centre car parks. The Visit Leeds website  has a list of car parks in the city centre.

Park and ride

If you’re travelling to Leeds by car and want to avoid parking in the city centre, you can use park and ride .

There are sites at Elland Road, Temple Green and Stourton, providing easy access by bus into the centre of Leeds.

Car sharing

If you’d like to car share when visiting Leeds, search for others taking the same journey using the Liftshare website .

The closest airports to Leeds are Leeds Bradford Airport  and Manchester Airport .

Leeds Bradford Airport is around seven miles away from the University and is easily commutable by taxi. 

If you’re flying into Manchester Airport, you can catch a train from the airport to Leeds city centre.

Find your way around the University using our interactive campus map .

You can also download a printable campus map (PDF)  or a large print version of the map's text portion (PDF) .

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Exploration Geophysics MSc

Year of entry 2024, sign up for masters updates.

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Course overview

Earth’s resources are essential for our energy future – resources like water, minerals, hydrocarbon reserves or geothermal heat, as well as natural ‘geoassets’ in which CO2 or hydrogen could be stored. Exploration geophysicists play a critical role in sourcing natural resources — and understand the full resource potential of the subsurface.

That’s why the demand will always be high in this area, with organisations worldwide seeking more sustainable solutions that exploration geophysicists could provide.

Our Exploration Geophysics MSc degree will train you in utilising physical techniques and a range of disciplines to study the Earth’s interior, including seismic, gravity, magnetic and geo-electrical methods, applied throughout marine and onshore settings.

Established for over 50 years, our Exploration Geophysics MSc here at Leeds has strong links with industrial partners, global research institutes and the new  Leeds Geosolutions Centre , each combining to support the application of geoscience expertise in the latest innovations in industry.

Our industry-relevant modules will equip you with the theoretical understanding and specialist skill set you’ll need to pursue a career in this exciting profession.

Why study at Leeds:

• This Masters degree is accredited by The Geological Society of London.
• Our active and globally-renowned research conducted right here on campus feeds directly into the course, shaping your learning with the latest thinking in the most pressing challenges in geoscience.
• Advance your knowledge and skills in key areas like seismic monitoring, near-surface geophysics, petrophysics, potential field techniques and geological processes.
• Conduct an individual research project that focuses on a genuine research challenge tailored to suit your interests and, often, in close collaboration with external partners, with the potential to undertake a subsidised internship.
• Access specialist facilities including geophysical survey equipment, industry-standard software packages and a dedicated computer cluster.
• Build a network of professional contacts through our weekly seminars from geoscience practitioners, from a range of international industries and research institutes.
• Experience expert practical and theoretical teaching, delivered by a programme team made up of geoscientists from the School’s  Institute of Applied Geoscience  and  Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics .

Accreditation

The Geological Society of London

Accreditation is the assurance that a university course meets the quality standards established by the profession for which it prepares its students.

The quality and relevance of our teaching has been recognised by an independent body of academics and industrialists through our  Geological Society of London Professional Accreditation .

If you have an appropriate degree, our Geological Society accreditation will reduce the amount of experience required for you to reach Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status, an important career step in Geoscience.

Course details

The Exploration Geophysics curriculum is divided into three semesters, featuring eight taught modules and an independent research project. Taught modules cover a broad range of geophysical disciplines as applied to resource, environmental and engineering industries.

In semester 1, you'll learn the theoretical tools of the trade via fundamental modules, covering topics such as seismic fundamentals and acquisition, computational inverse theory, field and structural geology, seismic data processing and near-surface geophysics.

Throughout semester 2, you'll put this theory into practice with applied modules in topics such as reservoir geophysics, petrophysics, seismic interpretation, and gravity and magnetic methods. The semester culminates in a residential field trip, in which you'll undertake data acquisition and analyse the data you collect.

Project work

Throughout semester 3, over summer, you'll apply the skills learnt during the taught course to undertake an independent project to explore a current geophysics research problem. These projects are typically tailored to the individual interests of students and often involve an external collaborator – whether from the industrial or research sectors – with the potential to undertake an internship for at least part of the project period.

Project topics regularly include investigations of specific geological issues and prospects, studies of novel seismic analysis tools, and integrated geophysical investigations – on scales from basins to quarries. All are unique to each year, with a desired commercial or academic outcome. About 10% of projects involve fieldwork and can be case studies or innovative research-aligned investigations – even to a publishable standard.

Exploration Geophysics features two field exercises. In semester 1, you'll undertake two days of field geology, to help you visualise subsurface targets and the geological structures that they represent. In semester 2, you'll complete a four-day residential field trip at a site in North Wales, where you'll use our geophysical survey systems to image and understand a variety of subsurface targets.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Exploration Geophysics MSc in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Learning and teaching.

Exploration Geophysics features a 22-week taught syllabus, spanning two semesters. You may expect an average of 25 hours of contact time from staff each week, via either face-to-face lectures, workstation practicals, or online workshops. A number of workshops are led by industry professionals, including topics on seismic processing, interpretation and inversion. You'll undertake coursework submissions throughout the taught course and have opportunities for constructive feedback on your work. Discussion of your progress and understanding among your MSc peers is encouraged.

You'll be assigned a personal tutor, who will maintain contact with you throughout the year and offer pastoral guidance. They will help you to settle into the University and clarify any procedures, as well as helping you prepare for employment upon graduation.

You’ll also learn the latest geophysical developments through our “Tuesday Talks” seminar series, featuring a weekly visit from a professional geophysicist. Our recent programme has featured professionals from Drax Power, Fugro, Shearwater, BP, Cornish Lithium and the British Antarctic Survey.

Active research environment

The Exploration Geophysics MSc curriculum is centred around research-based teaching, and you'll benefit from the active research programmes of the delivery team. Your research project will address a genuine geoscience issue and you'll be mentored in essential research skills by a project advisor. A selection of our staff’s current research projects can be seen in our  School’s research pages .

Industry links

Strong links with industry reinforce this vocational Masters degree, helping you to develop a grounded perspective, as well as providing you with recruitment possibilities.

In addition to the industrial experience of many School staff and contributions from University of Leeds geoscience spin-out companies, you'll have numerous contacts with industry representatives throughout the year.

We have many visits from energy, geophysical acquisition, processing and software companies, primarily to engage with you and recruit Masters students throughout their degree. These visits include recruitment information, technical showcases and case studies of integrated geoscience in practice, as well as opportunities for you to network with geoscience professionals. Many offer 'guest lectures' on the taught course, to supplement what you'll learn from our defined syllabus and enhance strongly your employability.

Your summer project is typically carried out either with collaborating commercial companies or academic/government institutes. These projects are linked to current activities, representing actual problems for which a real research or business outcome is sought. Some are field based: some result in journal publications or conference presentations, such as at the EAGE conference. The projects finish with a presentation day, where you'll present your work to an audience of academic and industry visitors.

Specialist facilities

Our Exploration Geophysics course benefits from a dedicated computer cluster, where you'll receive training with numerous industry-standard software packages. These include MESA, Petrel™, Geosoft, RokDoc and Reveal™. Leeds maintains a sector-leading stock of geophysical survey systems, offering you the capacity to undertake your own data acquisitions using seismic, radar, magnetic, electrical and electromagnetic systems. This has recently been complemented with borehole tomography and distributed sensing technologies.

Programme team

The Programme Leader,  Dr Adam Booth , is a specialist in near-surface geophysical surveying, with research interests throughout environmental and engineering geoscience settings. He is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and is committed to innovative and inclusive curriculum design.

The wider programme team is made up of geoscientists from the School’s  Institute of Applied Geoscience  and  Institute of Geophysics and Tectonics , featuring specialists in data processing, computational geophysics, structural geology and resource exploration.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Modules are assessed through a variety of exam papers and coursework exercises. Each features opportunities for formative feedback, to help you hone analysis and reporting skills ahead of formally assessed submissions.

Our coursework gives you the opportunity to learn through assessment, with each exercise drawing on authentic examples of geophysical data whilst testing your appraisal and analysis of it. While most of these submissions are individually assessed, some provide opportunities for group work to offer an authentic experience of the diversity of a professional team. The project module tests your ability both to undertake and communicate a science project, and its assessed components include a dissertation, a poster and a research seminar presented to peers, course staff and external industry guests.

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) in geosciences (e.g. geology or geophysics) or in a relevant numerate subject, such as physics, mathematics, or some engineering or computing disciplines. Relevant and extensive industry experience can also be taken into account.

You must have mathematics to a good A-level grade (or equivalent) as a minimum. Your mathematical competence will be assessed prior to joining and additional training may be required. The course is computer-intensive and we assume you have basic computer literacy, including Windows and MS Office. EDCL/ICDL qualifications are not formally required, but represent the level expected. Familiarity with Linux would also be advantageous, as it forms the platform for much of the workstation-based training.

Applicants with a 2.2 will be considered on a case-by-case basis where applicants can demonstrate relevant work experience or aptitude in a relevant specialist field. Graduates from other disciplines and those with professional experience in the sector will also be considered.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications . For more information, please contact the Admissions Team .

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications .

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Science (6 weeks)  and Language for Science: General Science (10 weeks) . 

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals.  Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional .

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses .

How to apply

Application deadlines

Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

30 June 2024  – International applicants

8 September 2024  – UK applicants

Click below to access the University’s online application system and find out more about the application process.

If you're still unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students . We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Earth and Environment

School of Earth and Environment Postgraduate Admissions Team

Email: [email protected] Telephone:

UK: £13,750 (Total)

International: £35,250 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges .

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees .

Additional cost information

Travel, accommodation and subsistence costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the university.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page .

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview .

We have strong company links which typically offer a number of industry scholarships.

Scholarships

Career opportunities.

There is a strong and continuing demand for geophysicists. A Masters qualification is generally regarded as an essential entry-level requirement in the geoscience sector, whether in resource exploration or in the environmental/engineering industry. The extensive skill set and advanced knowledge you’ll learn on our Exploration Geophysics MSc will be highly sought after in many industries.

Graduates from the course have an exceptionally good track record at securing employment on completion. Many graduates can be found throughout the energy sector, taking leading roles in the processing and interpretation of seismic data or with the development of relevant software.

Elsewhere, graduates secure employment in the minerals industries. MSc-level training in geophysics also equips you for the developing job market in CO2 storage and geothermal energy, or any other sector that requires strong numeracy and skills of data analytics.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to  The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research , meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Here’s a snapshot into some of the job positions and organisations previous graduates from this course have secured:

• Time Processing Geophysicist, ION Geophysical
• Geophysicist, BP
• Geophysicist, Shearwater Geoservices
• Geophysicist, Data Management and GIS, The Government of Tanzania
• Geophysicist, Bell Geospace Ltd.
• Geophysicist, General Directorate of Mineral Research and Exploration
• Geophysicist, Fugro Geoservices Ltd.
• Junior Geophysicist, DUG Technology
• Project Manager, Dragnet Solutions Ltd.
• PhD, University of Edinburgh

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University's Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Dedicated Employability Officer — gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated Employability Officer is on hand to help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
• Employability and networking events — we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. 
• Employability skills training – to support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers such as research and data analysis in all our programmes.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

Find out more at the Careers website .

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ShanghaiRanking's Global Ranking of Academic Subjects 2023

17th in the world for Earth and Marine

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024

Alumni profile: Yasmin Roberts

The breath of topics covered by the course at Leeds and excellent teaching puts you in a great position to enter a variety of geoscience careers. Yasmin Roberts, Junior Geophysicist, DUG