The MSc in Applied Computational Earth Science is designed to prepare the next generation of scientists for the evolving demands of the energy transition and sustainable geoenergy resource management.
This cutting-edge programme combines geoscience knowledge with advanced computational skills, offering two specialised pathways: ‘Big Data and AI’ and ‘Geoenergy’. You’ll gain expertise in computational methods, geomodelling, machine learning, and geoenergy solutions, enabling you to tackle real-world challenges such as carbon capture and storage, geothermal energy, and geological subsurface modelling.
The modules available in the Big Data and AI pathway develop key skills in data mining, machine learning, optimisation, and visualisation – essential for analysing complex Earth science datasets. Optionality in these modules reflects the growing and diverse role of AI and data science in Earth science, providing students with in-demand, transferable skills. The Geoenergy pathway was designed in consultation with industry to address a critical skills gap in geothermal energy, carbon storage, and subsurface resource management. Its structure ensures students gain both the technical knowledge and practical experience for careers in the energy transition.
Throughout the programme, you’ll develop essential skills in algorithm design, collaborative problem-solving, and independent research while applying software engineering principles to geoscience problems. You will also enhance your ability to communicate technical findings to diverse audiences – both in-person and digitally – and derive evidence-based conclusions through quantitative analysis.
With a curriculum aligned to industry needs and delivered by leading experts, this MSc ensures you are equipped for emerging careers in sectors such as renewable energy, environmental consulting, and digital geoscience, all of which operate within a globally relevant context.
As industries pivot toward sustainable energy solutions, the demand for professionals with computational geoscience skills is rapidly increasing. Our MSc in Applied Computational Earth Science provides an opportunity to be at the forefront of this pivotal transition.
The programme is designed to be accessible to all students, anticipating and accommodating a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and learning approaches.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Compulsory:
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students will follow their pathways in semester two.
Students choosing the Geoenergy pathway will study these compulsory modules:
Students choosing the Big Data and AI pathway will choose two modules from the following options:
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The programme employs a blended approach that combines lectures, practical workshops, tutorials, group projects, fieldwork, and independent study. Fieldwork is an integral component, particularly in the Geoenergy pathway, where students engage in hands-on data collection, analysis, and problem-solving in real-world settings. This experiential learning approach enhances practical skills, contextual understanding, and employability. This wide range of teaching methods using both in-person and online resources reflects the diversity of the student population and their learning styles, and is designed to be inclusive. This includes a combination of synchronous and asynchronous lectures, collaborative projects that encourage teamwork and knowledge exchange, and practical workshops that cater to different learning styles.
Teaching methods and module syllabuses are designed to facilitate authentic assessment, a key component of our programme, aligning with real-world applications and industry practices, frequently using real-world case studies. These are drawn from diverse international contexts, highlighting where geoscience challenges and solutions vary, or do not vary, across different economic and geographical contexts.
We employ several innovative assessment techniques, including independent research projects that simulate real-world research and industry scenarios, group projects that reflect professional teamwork, and fieldwork assessments that provide hands-on experience and reinforce theoretical knowledge through practical application.
To accommodate our diverse student body, we offer a variety of assessment formats, including coding assignments, data analysis reports, group projects, oral presentations, and practical demonstrations. This variety ensures that all students can showcase their competencies effectively and are not only academically accomplished but equipped with the practical skills and experience necessary to excel in their professional careers.
Research components are integrated progressively into assessment throughout the programme to build and assess students’ critical understanding of enquiry. This culminates in a substantial independent research project, which acts as a capstone assessment where students can draw on a wide range of elements from the modules they have taken. This project requires students to manage a complex, real-world problem from conception to completion, mirroring professional practice and thus serving as a key research-connected authentic assessment.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Your course will be delivered by the Department of Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences.
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Graduates of the MSc in Applied Computational Earth Science will be well-prepared for a range of career opportunities in the rapidly evolving fields of digital geoscience, geoenergy, and environmental consultancy.
The programme’s strong emphasis on computational methods, data analysis, and Earth science applications makes graduates highly employable in industries such as:
Additionally, the Big Data and AI pathway equips students with skills relevant to data science and machine learning roles, while the Geoenergy pathway provides specialised knowledge for careers in sustainable energy systems and subsurface resource management.
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees for the academic year 2026/27 will be announced soon.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in a relevant subject. Non-graduates with very extensive professional experience and/or other prior qualifications may also be considered. |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 with minimum scores of 59 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
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Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
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Last updated 3 October 2025 / Programme terms and conditions