Geo-Energy with Machine Learning and Data Science
Develop the essential data science and machine learning skills needed to embark on a career as a geoscientist or engineer.
Develop the essential data science and machine learning skills needed to embark on a career as a geoscientist or engineer
Apply your knowledge to real-life situations on a geological field trip
Advance your Python programming knowledge to solve numerical problems related to subsurface processes
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSc
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Duration
1 year
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Start date
September 2025
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£23,400 Home
£43,800 Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Minimum entry standard
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2:1 in a Geological or Physical Sciences subject, or an Engineering discipline
Course overview
Discover how data science and machine learning is revolutionising the study of subsurface geoscience and engineering on this Master's course.
Firstly, you'll cover the fundamental processes and applications of subsurface geoscience and engineering. Then, you'll examine how data science, numerical methods and machine learning can help solve problems in the sector.
You'll have the opportunity to apply these concepts to real-world settings on a geological field trip and through an independent project in an area of your choice.
You'll also advance your programming skills in Python to solve numerical problems related to subsurface processes, and design numerical models relevant to energy technologies.
The course is designed to meet the needs of mathematicians or scientists keen to apply their skills to this field.
Alternatively, it's also suitable if you're from a geoscience or engineering background and looking to advance your knowledge of this specialist subject area.
This course is part of the Ada Lovelace Academy, an initiative from the Department of Earth Science and Engineering aiming to deliver gender-balanced post-graduate education in computational subjects to solve the science and engineering challenges of the 21st century.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take all of these core modules.
Core modules
Receive an introduction to numerical programming using Python and use it to understand, interpret and solve earth science problems.
Analyse concepts central to a data science approach and different types of classical machine learning algorithms.
Explore the essential mathematics underpinning computational science, data science and machine learning.
Work collaboratively to solve problems using software and summarise your work using presentations.
Discover the characterisation of geological formations and uncover the fundamental geological processes that lead to their formation.
Learn about fluids with single and multiphase flow properties in porous media and how to use analytical and numerical methods to solve flow problems.
Become familiar with the equations used in pressure analysis, and learn the theories of stress and strain, elasticity, poroelasticity, and thermoelasticity.
Apply your knowledge of subsurface flow problems, machine learning and data science to analyse, appraise and design processes relevant to energy transition.
Receive a thorough grounding in machine learning, with an emphasis on applying modern methods to interpret and solve applied science problems.
You'll conduct an independent analysis of a technical problem.
The process will see you 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 and learning methods
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Lectures
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Seminars and formal presentations
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Practical coding activities
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Geological field trip
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Case studies
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Group work exercises
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Individual research
Balance of assessment
Key
- Project
- Modules
- 33% Project
- 67% Modules
Assessment methods
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Individual and group coursework
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Research project report
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Oral presentations
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply online
You can submit one application form per year of entry. You can choose up to two courses.
Application deadlines – Round 1 closes on Thursday 16 January 2025
We operate a staged admissions process with several application rounds throughout the year.
Apply by 23.59 (UK time) on the closing date of an application round, to ensure you receive a response on your application by the relevant decision date.
Application rounds
Round 1
- Applications open on Friday 27 September 2024
- Applications close on Thursday 16 January 2025
- Decision by Thursday 6 March 2025
Round 2
- Applications open on Friday 17 January 2025
- Applications close on Thursday 27 March 2025
- Decision by Thursday 1 May 2025
Round 3
- Applications open on Friday 28 March 2025
- Applications close on Thursday 15 May 2025
- Decision by Thursday 17 July 2025
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 Thomas Dray prior to starting your application: ese-msc-gems@imperial.ac.uk.
There is no application fee for MRes courses, Postgraduate Certificates, Postgraduate Diplomas, or courses such as PhDs and EngDs.
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 all taught Master's applications, excluding those to the Imperial College Business School.
- £100 for all MSc applications to the Imperial College Business School.
- £150 for all MBA applications to the Imperial College Business School.
If you are facing financial hardship and are unable to pay the application fee, we encourage you to apply for our application fee waiver.
Find out more about how to apply for a Master's course, including references and personal statements.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£23,400
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
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 courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,800
You should expect and budget for your fees to increase each year.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
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 courses starting on or after 1 August 2024, the maximum amount is £12,471.
The loan is not means-tested and you can choose whether to put it towards your tuition fees or living costs.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
Gain the skills you need to land a career in the energy sector.
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Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.
An estimated one-third of graduates continue their education by taking another MSc or pursuing a PhD.
The other two-thirds work mainly in industry.
Large data and computer companies, consultancies that provide services to the energy sector, and energy companies themselves are among the major employers.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 6500
- Email: ese-msc-gems@imperial.ac.uk
Course Director: Professor Martin Blunt
Visit the Department of Earth Science and Engineering website.
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Request info
Find out more about studying at Imperial. Receive updates about life in our community, including event invites and download our latest Study guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications