(Full time) 2022 start
Geophysics (International) MGeophys, BSc
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Our Geophysics (International) MGeophys, BSc is a four-year Integrated Masters degree with a year spent in New Zealand, Singapore Canada or the USA, experiencing geological settings that don’t exist in the UK. It draws on the expertise and active research of one of the UK’s largest teams of academic geophysicists.
Geophysics is the application of physics to understand processes such as the generation of Earth's magnetic field, motion of Earth's tectonic plates, and the movement and structure of the oceans and atmosphere.
It provides the tools to look inside the Earth in order to find resources, monitor natural hazards and track movement of the Earth’s surface.
During your degree you'll study all aspects of geophysics with a focus on the solid Earth, whilst gaining strong analytical, computational and numerical skills, which are highly valued by geophysics companies, research institutions, and financial and governmental 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.
Course highlights
You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach.
Spend a year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions before returning to Leeds to study Masters-level modules in your fourth year.
You’ll join a large and vibrant school, which brings together expertise ranging from geology and geophysics, environmental science, meteorology and climate science, to environmental social science.
The content of your course is shaped by our world-leading research
Field work is a key part of all our degrees, where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience.
During your project work you will access specialist facilities and laboratories.
Our theoretical modules are supported by extensive practical sessions in the laboratory, which are designed to reinforce the material taught to you in the lectures.
Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at independent learning.
Programme team
Professor Jurgen Neuberg is Programme Leader for Geophysics. His current research interests focus on monitoring, modelling and interpretation of volcanic seismic and deformation signals.
Professor Neuberg is chairman of the IAVCEI/IASPEI joint commission on Volcano Seismology and an equivalent group of the European Seismological Commission. Since 1997 he has been involved in the monitoring efforts of Soufriere Hills volcano, Montserrat. Since 2003 he has been a member of the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC) to the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which he has chaired since 2014.
The wider programme team is made up of academics and researchers from across the School of Earth and Environment, who work within the School’s research institutes and groups.
Specialist facilities
You’ll benefit from excellent teaching facilities including extensive lab space and equipment such as in our Earth Visualisation Lab which is home to 85 polarising microscopes for rock analysis, a number of binocular stereo zoom microscopes for micropalaeontology and ore genesis work and the extra-deep desks are suitable for laying out large geological maps for teaching 3D thinking skills. We also have a large pool of geophysical field equipment, and industry-standard computer software.
Find out more about our facilities.
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 Geophysicist, an increasingly important professional qualification – especially in the geotechnical and engineering geology sectors.
Course content
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.
Year one
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 study University level maths in their first and second year (students with this A-level study a discovery module).
Year two
In your second year compulsory modules train you in the key geophysical techniques used to look inside and understand the Earth. These include methods used to understand plate tectonics, earthquake and volcanoes, as well as tools to investigate the near surface as used to enable civil engineering projects, locate and extract the resources we need to make batteries and wind turbines, and to enable the understanding of the subsurface needed to permit carbon sequestration.
Year three
You will spend your third year studying abroad at one of our 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 four
Your final year includes a project that allows you to do research with a member of staff on a topic of mutual interest. Recent projects have involved machine learning, study of the Earth's core, computational physics, study of volcanic systems and earthquakes using satellite data and archaeological geophysics.
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, engineering geology 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.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- Introductory Physics (Geophysics) 15 credits
- Vibrations and Waves (Geophysics) 10 credits
- Fundamentals of Geophysics 10 credits
- Critical Thinking and Communication 5 credits
- Computers and Programming in Geosciences 10 credits
- Advanced Mathematics 2 10 credits
- The Rock Cycle 20 credits
- 3D Earth 20 credits
- Shaping the Earth 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Advanced Mathematics 1 10 credits
Discovery modules
- Natural Hazards 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Advanced Mathematics 3 10 credits
- Time Series Analysis and Digital Signal Processing 10 credits
- Tectonophysics 10 credits
- Numerical Methods and Statistics 10 credits
- Applied Geophysics 30 credits
- Advanced Mathematics 4 10 credits
- Sedimentary Basins and their Resources 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Fluid Dynamics 1 10 credits
- Quantum Physics and Relativity (Geophysics) 10 credits
- Electromagnetism (Geophysics) 10 credits
- Sedimentary Processes 10 credits
- Introductory Oceanography 10 credits
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts 10 credits
- Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics 10 credits
- Petroleum Reservoir Engineering 10 credits
- Sedimentary Basins and their Geo-Resources 10 credits
Year 3
Compulsory modules
- Study Year Abroad 120 credits
Year 4
Compulsory modules
- Research Seminars in Geophysics 10 credits
- MGeophys Independent Geophysical Project 40 credits
- Practical Geophysics 10 credits
- Global Geophysics 10 credits
- Global Seismology 10 credits
- Inverse Theory 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Rock Mechanics 15 credits
- Gravity and Magnetic Methods 15 credits
- Seismic Data Processing 15 credits
- Engineering Geology 15 credits
- Field Class: Petroleum Reservoir Analogues 15 credits
- Advanced Sedimentology and its Applications 15 credits
- Structural Geology 15 credits
- Volcanic Processes 15 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
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.
You will have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You will have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is based close to where you’ll work and study to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You will also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
Watch our taster lecture to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:
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 one towards an emphasis on coursework your final year.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including mathematics and physics.
Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade. Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be AAB with an A in the EPQ.
GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.
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BTEC
D*DD 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, M1, M1 including Mathematics and Physics.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in Mathematics and Physics.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
AAAAAA/H2H2H2H2H2H2 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 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 an alternative 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 alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
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 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. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
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
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £25,250 (per year)
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2022/23
For UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 the fee will be £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students for 2023/24 have been agreed by the UK Government and will remain at the current fee level of £9,250. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the government and may vary if policy changes.
Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2023/24
Tuition fees for international students for 2023/24 should be available on individual course pages from September 2022.
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.
Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional field trips.
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 about additional costs.
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.
Career opportunities
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.
University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers’ Research.
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 graduate 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
Software Developer, Cloudhouse
Catastrophe Risk Analyst, Wills Re
Graduate Operational Meteorologist, Met Office
Geo-Environmental Engineer, PWA Geo-Environmental
Graduate Geophysical Engineer, RSK Group
Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.
Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where our students are working.
Careers support
At Leeds we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.
You will be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.
You will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
There are also plenty of exciting ways you can volunteer during your time at Leeds. Find out more at the Leeds University Union 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 at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study abroad
On this course, the study abroad year replaces the third year of your degree. During the year, you will follow the geophysics course at your host institution and will return to Leeds to complete the final year of study at masters level.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.