the United Kingdom
University of Leeds| The award | How you will study | Study duration | Course start | Domestic course fees | International course fees |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BSc | find out | 4 years | September | GBP 9250 per year | GBP 21500 per year |
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.
A year in New Zealand, Canada or the USA can add real value to your degree, broadening your academic horizons and demonstrating a high degree of independence - attributes highly valued by prospective employers.
Your Year Abroad is fully integrated into your course, so it counts towards your final degree classification, and you take only Masters-level modules during your fourth and final year. Leeds was the first university in the UK to introduce the fully integrated international study year abroad and we have many years' experience of working with internationally renowned institutions in North America and Australasia.
Accommodation and travel for costs for all compulsory fieldwork are covered by the School.
Leeds is one of the Top 10 Universities in the country for Earth and Marine Sciences (The Guardian League Table 2016).
If you study in our School of Earth and Environment you'll join one of the largest and most vibrant schools in the country.
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.
We want to help you make the most of your time at Leeds. Read more in Student experience.
Accreditation
This course has been accredited by The Geological Society of London, the recognised professional body for geoscientists. Accreditation by the industry body enhances your CV and can help you stand out from the crowd.
Exemptions
An accredited degree is the first step to becoming a Chartered Geologist, an increasingly important professional qualification.
Alumni profile
'The first year provided a sound foundation of maths courses and an introduction to all fields of Geophysics.' Read more Emma Doyle, MGeophys Geophysical Sciences
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 (see 'Broadening' below).
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
These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Year 1
Compulsory modules
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 or above. Or an appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification.
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 enjoy rewarding career opportunities within the UK and around the world in the petroleum and mining industries, civil engineering or environmental consultancy. Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.
Read more about our Alumni Success Stories.
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 at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
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
Colorado School of Mines
Purdue University
Canada
University of Western Ontario
University of Alberta
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.
Alumni profile
'Studying at the University of California at Santa Barbara I had the opportunity to experience a different style of teaching and alternative views of large geologic processes.' Read more Emma Doyle, MGeophys Geophysical Sciences
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.
Alumni profile
'The field trips were great at bringing the lectures to life, as well as being lots of fun! They were a great way to use all forms of field equipment too.' Read more Emma Doyle, MGeophys Geophysical Sciences
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