Rachel White, MSc Exploration & Mining Geology (2025)
Geologist with the Geoscience Regulation Office, part of the Irish Government’s Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment
Following my BSc, I worked as an Engineering Geologist for two years, I always knew that I wanted to work in the mineral exploration industry and was looking for ways to make the transition. Pursuing a postgraduate degree felt like the natural move to gain relevant skills and knowledge within the industry I really wanted to work in. I was incredibly fortunate to receive a George Moore Scholarship, which allowed me to study and MSc anywhere in the world!
The Camborne School of Mines has a fantastic reputation for its geology courses, and the MSc programme in Exploration and Mining Geology covered everything I wanted to learn and more. As an avid SCUBA diver and surfer, it was the cherry on top that the course is taught at the University of Exeter’s Penryn Campus, on the doorstep of all the natural beauty Cornwall has to offer.
My favourite thing about the course was the amount I learnt. Whilst there were definitely some late nights and deadline stresses, I really believe that everything I learnt has made me a better, more well-equipped geologist. It made for an intense, yet incredibly rewarding year. Living in Cornwall provided balance, as student life in Penryn/Falmouth is unmatched. There’s so much going on in the area, from beach barbeques to late night music gigs, I had the time of my life studying an MSc.
Since my finishing my masters, I’ve been working as a Geologist in the Geoscience Regulation Office. I am involved in the licensing, compliance and enforcement of mineral exploration and mining in Ireland. I enjoy how varied my work is. Every week I’m working on a different mineral deposit of exploration technique which keeps things interesting.
The technical knowledge I gained from my MSc has been invaluable to my current role. We were exposed to a wide range of skills such as geochemistry, geophysics, advanced GIS analytical techniques, resource modelling as well as critical evaluation of exploration and mining tenements – all of which I draw upon in my day to day work.
I would encourage current and future students to enjoy their time whilst undertaking a postgraduate degree. The study and workload can feel like a lot at times, so taking breaks and exploring all of the extracurricular activities that the University of Exeter has to offer will help you relish everything an MSc programme provides.
Rachel White, MSc Exploration and Mining Geology
Rachel studied within the University of Exeter’s Graduate School of Environment and Sustainability, which brings together experts from across the spectrum of earth and life sciences, engineering, humanities, social sciences and business. Our programmes are all designed with a focus on developing solutions to global challenges and creating a better future for our planet and its people.
Follow us! 👇