<Page> Exhibit 23.2 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PETROLEUM CONSULTANTS As independent petroleum consultants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-85435 and 333-37558) and Form S-8 (Nos. 333-56961 and 333-70137) of Brigham Exploration Company of our estimates of reserves, included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K, and to all references to our firm included in this Annual Report. /s/ CAWLEY, GILLESPIE & ASSOCIATES, INC. - ---------------------------------------- CAWLEY, GILLESPIE & ASSOCIATES, INC. Fort Worth, Texas March 29, 2002