Geophysical Sciences BSc

Our Geophysical Sciences BSc draws on the expertise and active research of one of the UK’s largest teams of academic geophysicists.

During your degree you'll study modules covering all aspects of geophysics, such as exploration for hydrocarbons and mineral deposits, monitoring natural hazards, investigating the interior of the Earth, and measuring the movement and deformation of the Earth's tectonic plates.

Besides its broad range of geophysics content, this degree stresses analytic and numeracy skills that are highly valued by geophysics companies, research institutions, and financial and government departments.

There's a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge in the real world through practical hands-on learning and field trips, in national and international destinations.

Excellent relationships with industry

We attract industry sponsorship and maintain excellent relationships with major companies in the sector, such as BP and GETECH. Their developing commercial requirements inform and influence the development of our course content.

Accreditation

This course has been accredited by The Geological Society of London, the recognised professional body for geoscientists.

An accredited degree is the first step to becoming a Chartered Geologist, an increasingly important professional qualification.

Your degree is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules and a choice of optional modules that allow you to tailor your study towards the topics that interest you most.

In your first year you’ll study compulsory modules only, training you in the fundamental skills in geology, maths, physics, geophysics and computer programming that you will use throughout your degree. Students who don’t have A-level Further or Pure Maths will also study a module “Intermediate Mathematics for Environmental and Geophysical Scientists”. Students with this A-level study a discovery module. In your second year compulsory modules train you in the key geophysics techniques used in resource exploration and the study of tectonic plates. You will also study advanced mathematical and computer programming needed to understand and process geophysical data. Optional modules allow you to specialise in topics from exploration geophysics, natural hazards or physics.

Your final year includes a project that allows you to do research with a member of staff on a topic in their area of expertise. In compulsory modules you will study the global structure and dynamics of our planet, and attend seminars from visiting researchers from around the world. Optional modules allow you to pursue interests in, for example, volcanic systems, or the petroleum and energy sector.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Learning and teaching

Most modules combine lectures with practicals, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skills classes, fieldtrips and small group academic tutorials. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, laboratories, visualisation suites and out in the field.

We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, specifically designed to help students learn, whatever their preferred learning style. We use both coursework and exams, but with a general progression from an emphasis on exams in year 1 towards an emphasis on coursework your final year.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB , including mathematics and physics.

Offers exclude general studies.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification.

• Access to HE Diploma

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.

• BTEC

  DDD in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in Mathematics and Physics. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M1, M1 including Mathematics and Physics.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics and Physics.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  AAAABB/H2H2H2H2H3H3 including Mathematics and Physics.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB overall with AB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAABB. To include Mathematics and Physics.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Access to Leeds Entry Requirements for this course: BBB

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International

We accept a range of International Qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Visit Days

Offerholders will be invited to a post-application Visit Day as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll find out more about studying at Leeds, have your questions answered and have an informal one-to-one meeting with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, if you are unable to attend ​or have previously attended an admissions event at Leeds then please let us know.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £22,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

<p>While the School heavily subsidises or covers the cost of all compulsory taught fieldcourses, you may have to supplement these trips depending on the destination you choose. There will however always be a free option for you to select. You may incur some costs for some optional fieldtrip modules. Full details are available on request.</p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available.

Geophysics graduates are in demand among companies that value teamwork skills, independence, numeracy and scientific literacy.

Your main strengths as a Leeds graduates will be the breadth and depth of your core knowledge and skills in the Earth Sciences. You will have the ability to combine quantitative and analytical skills with a good overview and understanding of geophysical and geological problems.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Geophysicist, National Centre of Meteorology and Seismology
• Energy Officer, Energy Department, Prime Minister’s Office
• Project Leader, Schlumberger

Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.

If you wish to continue with further study, you could enhance your employment prospects even further by taking a vocational MSc degree in Leeds – with industry sponsored scholarships and other funds available.

Careers support

The School of Earth and Environment is committed to enhancing employability and offers a range of initiatives to ensure our students receive the highest level of support throughout their studies. Read about careers and employability on the School website.

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year study abroad degree by spending an additional year overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. You don’t apply directly to this course, instead you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.

To be eligible for Study Abroad you’ll need to maintain a good average in your assessments in years 1 and 2 and, for some destinations, you may have to show you have the necessary language skills.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Year in industry

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year industrial degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. This allows you to gain valuable hands-on experience, and earn a salary, before you complete the final year of your degree.

The School has strong connections with industry and will help you through the search, application and interview process. You may end up working in or near Leeds, near your home, or perhaps overseas. The School will provide guidance and assistance throughout the process and will support you during your placement, liaising with your employer to ensure that your work is of value to your academic development.

Find out more about the Year in Industry.

Fieldwork will be an essential element of your degree, and is one of the most enjoyable and sociable parts of the course for students and staff alike. As a geophysics student at Leeds you will learn to plan and carry out geophysical surveys using a wide range of equipment and techniques, as well as the principles of geological data collection and mapping. Our programme includes compulsory residential field trips in every year, with a mix of UK and international destinations.

Because we recognise the value of field experience the school heavily subsidises or covers the transport and accommodation costs for all compulsory taught fieldcourses and many optional field trips.