(Full time) 2019 start
Geophysical Sciences (International) MGeophys, BSc
Overview
The Geophysical Sciences MGeophys, BSc is a four-year Integrated Masters degree with a year spent in New Zealand, Canada or the USA, experiencing geological settings that don’t exist in the UK.
If you have a strong interest in geophysics research this degree may be for you. It draws on the expertise and active research of one of the UK’s largest teams of academic geophysicists. You’ll study all aspects of geophysics, such as exploration for hydrocarbons and mineral deposits, monitoring natural hazards, investigating the interior of the Earth and other planets, and measuring the movement and deformation of the Earth's tectonic plates. We also teach analytic and numeracy skills highly valued by geophysics companies, research institutions, and financial and government departments.
You’ll have access to outstanding facilities and will apply your knowledge in the real world through hands-on learning and national and international field trips.
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.
Course content
Each year of the course is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules. In addition to these, you choose optional modules, which allow you to follow your areas of interest.
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.
You will spend your third year studying abroad at one of partner universities. The marks you receive are translated to Leeds equivalents and count towards your final degree classification. The topics you study will depend upon your interests and your choice of destination. Staff at Leeds will help you choose which destination and classes are right for you.
Year 4 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; some of these modules will give you a taste of the topics on offer in our one-year vocational MSc degrees.
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. Our state-of-the-art building is in the centre of the campus and provides an ideal working environment, and offers quiet study and coffee areas when you are not in class.
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, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: A*AA 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.
Other course specific tests:If you do not achieve the higher grades required for this four-year programme, we guarantee you a place on the BSc programme (provided you achieve the grades required for the BSc). A successful performance during years 1 and 2 will support an application to transfer back to this Integrated Masters programme.
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BTEC
D*D*D 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.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 including Mathematics and Physics.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 19 points at higher level to include 6 points in Mathematics and Physics.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
A1A1AAAA/H1H1H2H2H2H2 including Mathematics and Physics.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB overall with AA in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAAAA. To include Mathematics and Physics.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools 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: AAB
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.
Career opportunities
Geophysics graduates are in demand among companies that value teamwork skills, independence, numeracy and scientific literacy. Graduates from this programme often pursue PhD research, but are also in a good position to enter exploration geophysics companies.
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:
- Software Engineer, National Center for Atmospheric Research
- Climate Change Technical Officer, Peterborough City Council
- Geophysicist. Shell
Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.
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 and work placements
Your year abroad
The School of Earth and Environment at Leeds was the first Department in the UK to offer integrated degrees with a year in North America and we extended the scope of this highly successful programme by offering additional partner institutions in worldwide. Spending a year abroad is not only an adventure, it is a chance to add real value to your degree by experiencing geological settings that simply don’t exist within the UK.
Exchange Universities for Geophysical Sciences (International) MGeophys, BSc programme currently include:
USA
Canada
New Zealand
Victoria University, Wellington (New Zealand)
Academic staff members and the University’s Study Abroad Office will offer you their guidance and help as you prepare for your year abroad. You also retain the option to change to the three-year BSc Geophysical Sciences programme at any stage during your first two years of study should you decide not to pursue this option.
Fieldwork
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.