Volcanology MSc

Volcanoes are the most recognisable sign of Earth's dynamic interior. A myriad of volcanic phenomena is generated through multifaceted interactions between magma, water and air, and these processes can be unravelled through field, laboratory and numerical study. Evidence of physical processes that pose local and global hazards is preserved within volcanic deposits.

Teaching is delivered by world-leading experts in the field. Study begins with a core module in physical volcanology, in which widely applicable physical and chemical principles underpinning volcanic activity are examined, including the rheology of magma, the behaviour of eruption-triggering volcanic gases, and the transport of lava and ash to the surface and atmosphere. An additional core module covers broader geological hazards, including volcanic, seismic and landslide hazards, and training in fieldwork and technical report writing is provided. A third core module offers an interdisciplinary overview of wider environmental challenges through a series of local case studies in and around the nearby English Lake District, highlighting contextual understanding and developing communication skills.