About the Programme
Whether you’re an experienced geoscientist or freshly graduated student, the Master of Science in Applied Geosciences is a highly practical programme that helps you build on your knowledge and prepare for your next professional move ahead. With a faculty of leading academic researchers from GUtech, RWTH Aachen University, and experts from universities worldwide, we know what you need to move forward in your career, and we’ve designed the programme for your success.
The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences provides you with theoretical and technical expertise in hydrogeology, petroleum geology, and mineral resources geology.
The MSc programme in applied geosciences with a specialisation in hydrogeology will prepare you to master approaches to design pumping and recharging wells, apply analytical and numerical modelling to groundwater flow, learn hydrogeological testing methods and their applications, and apply geological field methods to groundwater challenges.
The specialisation in petroleum geology will prepare to learn approaches to seismic modelling, seismic attributes and quantitative interpretation techniques, gain 2D and 3D seismic interpretation experience in a workstation environment, master approaches to field development planning and production for an oil/gas accumulation, assess and manage reserves of an oil/gas field, and to learn principles of basin modelling and the main functionalities of basin modelling software, as well as to understand and interpret geochemical information and to evaluate geochemical technical reports. The programme will also provide you an overview of the major techniques for down-hole logging, their physical basis, visualization of the results and interpretation of the data.
The MSc programme in applied geosciences with a specialisation in mineral resources geology will prepare you to master sampling methods and analytical tools used for the exploration of mineral resources, will introduce you to methods for exploring natural and industrial minerals, to interpretation of mineral exploration data and to understand technical reports, and to get insights into the mineral potential of Oman and the Gulf Region, as well as the interpretation of geoelectrical, gravity and geomagnetic data at the scale of mineral deposits.
Career and Studies Opportunities
The Master’s degree programme in Applied Geosciences is a career oriented multidisciplinary programme suitable for students who are interested in the general area of geoscience.
Graduates of the MSc programme in Applied Geosciences will be able to generate and implement laboratory work, field work, and numeric process simulations.
Popular industries for graduates of the MSc programme in Applied Geosciences include the petroleum industry in the Middle East and elsewhere, the mining companies that are exploring and extracting mineral resources such as copper, chromite, manganese, as well as industrial minerals like limestone, dolomite, gypsum, silica sand and others.
Graduates of the MSc programme in Hydrogeology specialisation are also qualified to work in water supply and distribution companies, and all aspects of water resources management. Besides, hydro geologist are also employed in oil companies as oil production technology has water aspects. In the mining industry, hydro geologist are also needed for underground water management and also for de-watering.
Aside from industry, graduates may go on to pursue consultancy as well as research careers, whether through doctoral study in academia or commercial research.
The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences is taught as a part-time programme. The duration of the MSc programme is six semesters.
The programme encompasses a work load equivalent to 120 credit points in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS) or 300 credit points in the Oman Qualification Framework (OQF).
The MSc AGEO requires the completion of 19 course as follows:
- Twelve foundation courses on the fundamentals of advanced and applied geosciences
- Seven advanced courses in one of these specialization Hydrogeology, Petroleum Geology, and Mineral Resources Geology.
The degree programme is taught in English, including written and oral tests, seminar papers and the Master thesis. The programme may offer the opportunity to travel to Europe to complete coursework at RWTH Aachen or any other University in Germany.
COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Study requirements consist of contact hours (in class, on excursion or during practical lab work) and related individual study work (reading of related literature, exam preparation, writing of seminar papers or reports, and completion of the Master’s thesis). Each of the six semesters covers 20 ECTS credit points.
A total of 120 ECTS credit points are required to graduate:
- 60 ECTS credit points for core courses,
- 40 ECTS credit points for specialisation related courses in PGEO, HGEO and MGEO
- 20 ECTS credits for the Master’s thesis.
TIME FRAME
Full-time students are expected to complete the programme in three years, over six semesters, taking 20 ECTS credit points per semester.
TRANSFERRING GRADUATE CREDITS
Incoming students may petition to transfer up to 50 percent of ECTS credit points from classes completed prior to their admission at GUtech. Students seeking transfer credit should fill out a form after they get admitted into the programme. Transfer credit is evaluated on a case-by-case basis by the relevant department faculty members.
Academic requirements: A recognised bachelor degree in Geosciences, Physics, Petroleum Engineering, Environmental Sciences, or equivalent fields of study. Relevant work experience can compensate for derivation from narrow related field of study.
Language requirements: Applicants must provide adequate proof of English proficiency (e.g. TOEFL 79 internet-based test, IELTS 6.0 or equivalent).
For questions regarding the application process, please send your inquiry via e-mail: pg@gutech.edu.om
The Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSc AGEO) degree is structured to give you a well-rounded grounding in applied geosciences.
To that end, the curriculum is structured with a combination of foundation and advanced courses related the specialisation best suited to your interests and goals.
General Courses
Foundation courses help deepen your knowledge in core applied geoscience topics (12 courses, 60 ECST). A total value of 60 ECTS credits involves lectures, field study, and practical studies in laboratories.
| Semester | Courses | |
| One | · Principles of Natural Resource Studies
· Applied Sedimentology and Stratigraphy · Tectonics and Structural Geology · Mathematics for Geoscientists |
Foundation Courses |
| Two | · Water Resources
· Mineral Resources · Petroleum Resources · Scientific Programming |
|
| Three | · Applied Geophysics
· Geology Field Course · Applied Geostatistics · Scientific Writing & Research Methods |
Advanced Courses
While general courses provide the knowledge you need to be successful in any geosciences field, your specialization courses allow you to develop specific expertise and acquire the skills and the critical perspective necessary to master an applied geosciences within your area of specialization, and will help prepare you to pursue the Master thesis.
The selection of specialization courses have been carefully chosen and developed by members of Geosciences department and faculty in GUtech and our partner university in RWTH Aachen University.
You may choose from the following specialization:
- Hydrogeology,
- Petroleum Geology,
- Mineral Resources Geology.
| Semester | Hydrogeology | Petroleum Geology | Mineral Resources Geology |
| Four | · Seismic Interpretation
· Production Geology & Reservoir Engineering · Advanced Geophysics · Practical Project |
· Hydro-geochemistry
· Fundamentals of Hydro Engineering · Hydrogeological Modelling · Practical Project |
· Exploration Geochemistry
· Ore Deposits · Exploration Geophysics · Practical Project |
| Five | · Petroleum Systems Analysis/Modelling
· Petrophysics and Well log Analysis · Prospect Analysis · Assigned project |
· Geothermics
· Hydrogeological Field Methods · Hydraulic Testing and inverse Modelling · Assigned Project |
· Fundamentals of Mining Engineering
· Ore Mineralogy · Modelling and Evaluation of Orebodies · Assigned Project |
| Six | Master’s Thesis | ||
Application fee
A non-refundable fee OMR 100 is required prior to application being processed.
Tuition fees
Tuition fees vary depending on the credit points of each module. The total credit points required to complete and obtain MSc AGEO degree is 120 ECTS credit points (ECTS CP). The applicable fee 115 is assessed to each ECTS CP.
Scholarship opportunities
We offer twenty (20) scholarships for successful applicants to cover 15 percent of tuition fees. There is not a separate application for these scholarships; twenty (20) first successful applicants who apply by the January 31 deadline will be considered on the basis of their acceptance of admission offer.
You may apply to begin the Master of Science in Applied Geosciences (MSc AGEO) degree in March September. Your application must be supported by the materials included in the checklist as listed below.
The application form and the supporting documents must be submitted through the online application.
The application deadline for the March 2019 intake must be received by 14th February 2019.
| Application materials checklist | Needed for decision on seat | Needed for decision on scholarship | Needed before classes start |
| Bachelor transcript | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bachelor degree certificate | No | No | Yes |
| Bachelor approval from Omani MoHE | No | Yes | Yes |
| IELTS / TOEFL or equivalent | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| ID card / passport | No | No | Yes |
| Photo | No | No | Yes |
| CV | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| References (Academic & Employer) | No | Yes | Yes |
| Interview | Yes – for BSc in non-related fields only | Yes – for BSc in non-related fields only | Yes – for BSc in non-related fields only |
| RO 100 application fee | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Agreement with Finance for tuition payment | No | No | Yes |
| Choice of specialisation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
General Enquiries
Can I meet with the Master’s programme coordinator?
Yes, all enquirers and applicants are encouraged to meet the Master’s programme coordinator. You may request an appointment by sending an email to pg@gutech.edu.om or calling 22061112.
Can I visit the University campus to have a look around?
Yes, you are most welcome to visit our campus in Halban. Our campus is located in Halban, off the last Maabila exist of the Muscat Expressway.
Does GUtech offer accommodation to graduate students?
Yes, upon availability, we could offer you our housing services. You may want to call 2206 1092 or send an email to amu-bdb@gutech.edu.om for further information.
Application Process
How do I submit an application and what documents do I need to provide?
Applications are received online. You may visit our page ‘apply‘ for the list of supporting materials.
How long does it take for admission process to be completed?
If you provide every document requested, and meet all entry requirements, decision can be taken in 3 working days.
Will the university be able to provide me with acceptance of admission paper to present to my company for funding purpose ?
Yes, offers are made in writing and we may send your offer letter to your employer if you provide us with the contact details.
Do I need to submit evidence of English language proficiency for my application?
Yes, evidence of English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 is required. If you are waiting for results, please inform Admissions with a copy of the test booking form stating when results will be available. You may reach the Admissions team by email admissions@gutech.edu.om or a phone call to 2206 1111.
Entry Requirements
What qualifications do I need to get entry into the programme?
A Bachelor degree in Geosciences or related field of a reputable Omani or international university.
What is the minimum cGPA requirement do you apply to the Master’s programme?
No minimum cGPA is required.
Can I still apply if I do not have a relevant degree?
Yes you can still apply, the decision about eligibility of an applicant with a university degree different from Geosciences will be based on personal interviews.
Credit Transfer
Do you accept credit transfers into the Master’s programme?
Yes, it’s acceptable
How many credits from my previous postgraduate courses can I transfer to the Master’s programme if I ma accepted?
Up to 60 credit points can be transferred if the Ministry of Higher Education approves such a transfer.
Programme Structure
What study mode does the Master’s programme offer?
The programme is structured to be delivered on a part-time basis in a block courses format, over six semesters. Each semester encompasses fifteen weeks of teaching. Classes are scheduled during weekdays, from 2pm to 7pm, and on Saturday, from 9am to 5pm. For a detailed timetable, you may send your enquiry to pg@gutech.edu.om.
How many credit points are required to graduate?
To graduate, you will required to successfully earn 120 ECTS credit points.
What are the term dates for the programme?
The academic year is made up of 2 terms. The duration of each term is 15 weeks. The first term begins in late February/Early March and ends in late June. The second term runs from mid-September to mid-January.
Some adjustments may apply due to public or religious festivities.
Can I receive a study plan in advance so that I can plan my time accordingly?
Yes, you may receive your relevant study plan and a timetable if you send your request to pg@gutech.edu.om.
What specialisations are they part of the programme?
We offer you three specialisations to choose from for your future career:
- Petroleum Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Mineral Resources
When will I be required to declare my specialisation?
You will be required to declare your specialisation at the start of the term, i.e. in March 2019.
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