Research Masters in Geological Sciences, University of Plymouth
I decided to extend my education by taking on a research Master’s project, allowing me to further develop my research skills and dive into my favourite subject, Planetary Geology and Geomorphology*! An additional benefit of having a Master’s qualification is that it will allow me to apply for jobs that require higher credentials, therefore widening my career prospects. The key skills I am gaining from both the taught and research elements will set me up for further research or a career in industry.
The latter half of my undergraduate university experience was affected by Covid-19. A lot of changes had to take place, including cancelling the field mapping research project for our dissertation. While I was extremely disappointed that I couldn’t pursue my original dissertation project, it led me on the path of discovering planetary geology – something I had never come across before. Inspired by the successful landing of NASA’s Perseverance Rover Mission on Mars, I instantly knew that this pathway was for me and would lead me to all kinds of exciting research and discoveries. As I was writing up my undergraduate dissertation, I found myself reading articles about Mars that were perhaps not necessarily directly useful to my research- but found it fascinating to learn as much as my brain could absorb! This is what inspired me to find the right Master’s course, that would allow me to study Mars geomorphology in more depth. My undergraduate research gave me a good foundation of knowledge to put me in a good position when applying for my master’s degree.
For my Master’s degree application, I had to send in a proposal of what I would like to research and why, followed by an interview to discuss this further and demonstrate that I have the essential skills needed. Thankfully, I was successful, and began work alongside my supervisor, a specialist in planetary geomorphological processes.
My research project is titled ‘Sinuous longitudinal large ripples on barchanoid bedforms, Herschel Crater, Mars’. This research uses ArcGIS Pro to map and track the ripple and dune migration in Herschel crater and aims to find out why there are complex ripples found on these dunes and how they could be formed. A question very much in the heart of many Mars geomorphology researchers. I am also working on three-dimensional modelling of Martiandunes to assist in understanding the dune shape and movement.
A research Master’s course is very much run by yourself. You are left to organise, and project manage your research (i.e. setting up progress meetings with your supervisors). It is a great way to work, becauseas you can explore your area of research, but it does require organisational skills that will come in handy for future job applications which are most certainly one of the things not only a university will look for but any job you will apply for!
During my Master’s I have had amazing opportunities to talk to geomorphologists and researchers and present my work at a planetary Dunes conference. This leads me to my final reason for choosing a Master’s- you have the opportunity to meet so many amazing people and make connections which could be incredibly useful for the future. It is very nice to be surrounded by like-minded people!
*Geomorphology- the study of landforms, and the processes that form them. Analysis of the shape of the landscape.