What Will You Study
Volcanoes threaten millions worldwide and improved hazard mitigation is a high priority. Our well-established MSc allows you to study alongside leading volcanologists in one of the largest groups of environmental scientists in the UK.
This MSc is ideal preparation for PhD research or work in the environment sector, and is suitable for students with a wide range of first degrees including Geography, Geology, Environmental Science and Physics.
As well as gaining a strong theoretical grounding, you will spend time in the laboratory and in the field, including field trips to study volcanic rocks in the nearby Lake District and a highly popular field module on Mount Etna.
You will study six taught modules which include core modules on volcanic and other geological hazards and optional modules which provide broader learning and practical skills in areas of particular benefit to aspiring volcanologists. Modules are taught by world experts from Lancaster Environment Centre and our partner institutions.
You will join our active volcanology group and conduct an independent dissertation research project under supervision from an internationally recognized researcher, taking advantage of our well-equipped experimental and geochemical laboratories. Within our group there are additional opportunities to participate in seminars, workshops and discussions.
Examples of previous dissertation topics are:
- Lava delta formation at Thorolfsfell basaltic tuya, South Iceland
- Analogue modelling of volcanic edifice deformation
- Lava flow modelling at Nyiragongo, Democratic Republic of the Congo
- Regimes of explosive volcanism in the solar system
- Textural evolution of tuffisite veins
- Sill-sediment interactions at Honister, Cumbria and generation of peperitic textures
Course Structure
You will study a range of modules as part of your course, some examples of which are listed below.
Core
Optional
Information contained on the website with respect to modules is correct at the time of publication, but changes may be necessary, for example as a result of student feedback, Professional Statutory and Regulatory Bodies' (PSRB) requirements, staff changes, and new research.
Key Information
Designed for: Graduates interested in Geology, Earth Science, Geophysics, Geography, Physical Geography, Natural Science, or Environmental Science.
Entry requirements: 2:1 (Hons) degree (UK) or equivalent in Geology, Earth Science, Natural Science or Environmental Science or similar.
If you have studied outside of the UK, you can check your qualification here: International Qualifications
We may consider non-standard applicants, please contact us for further information.
IELTS: Overall score of at least 6.5, with no individual element below 6.0
We consider tests from other providers, which can be found here: English language requirements
If your score is below our requirements we may consider you for one of our pre-sessional English language programmes:
10 week - Overall score of at least 5.5, with no individual element below 5.0
For details of eligibility see: Pre-sessional programmes
4 week - Overall score of at least 6.0, with no individual element below 5.5
Further information is available at English for Academic Purposes
Assessment: Coursework, presentations, examinations and dissertation
Funding: All applicants should consult our information on Fees and Funding.
Fees
|
Full Time (per year) |
Part Time (per year) |
| UK/EU |
£8,500 |
£4,250 |
| Overseas |
£19,500 |
n/a |
The University will not increase the Tuition Fee you are charged during the course of an academic year.
If you are studying on a programme of more than one year's duration, the tuition fees for subsequent years
of your programme are likely to increase each year. The way in which continuing students' fee rates are
determined varies according to an individual's 'fee status' as set out on our fees webpages.
What are tuition fees for?
Studying at a UK University means that you need to pay an annual fee for your tuition,
which covers the costs associated with teaching, examinations, assessment and graduation.
The fee that you will be charged depends on whether you are considered to be a UK,
EU or overseas student.
Visiting students will be charged a pro-rata fee for periods of study less than a year.
Our annual tuition fee is set for a 12 month session,
which usually runs from October to September the following year.
How does Lancaster set overseas tuition fees?
Overseas fees, alongside all other sources of income, allow the University to maintain its abilities
across the range of activities and services. Each year the University's Finance Committee consider
recommendations for increases to fees proposed for all categories of student and this takes into
account a range of factors including projected cost inflation for the University, comparisons against
other high-quality institutions and external financial factors such as projected exchange rate
movements.
What support is available towards tuition fees?
Lancaster University's priority is to support every student in making the most of their education.
Many of our students each year will be entitled to bursaries or scholarships to help with the cost of
fees and/or living expenses. You can find out more about financial support, studentships, and awards
for postgraduate study on our website.
