Geophysics BSc (Hons)
University of Edinburgh
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Different course options
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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Central area campus

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

4 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Central area campus

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

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Geology
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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England
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Course info

If you are curious about how our planet works and want to help solve some of our biggest global challenges, geophysics may be for you.**What is geophysics?**Geophysics is about understanding the complex interactions between the Earths systems using physics. We explore everything from the Earths core to the atmosphere.For example:* Studying what causes natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanoes. * By using satellites and drones, we can collect data on how the Earth behaves using a process ...Read more

If you are curious about how our planet works and want to help solve some of our biggest global challenges, geophysics may be for you.


What is geophysics?

Geophysics is about understanding the complex interactions between the Earth's systems using physics. We explore everything from the Earth's core to the atmosphere.For example:* Studying what causes natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanoes. * By using satellites and drones, we can collect data on how the Earth behaves using a process called remote sensing. * Understanding the physics of environmental change to find ways to reduce the harmful impact of human activity. * We can also predict human impacts on the rapidly changing climate by understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact.It is the interdisciplinarity nature of geophysics that defines much of what we do. It is also why geophysics plays an important role in creating a more sustainable future for everyone.


What will I learn?

Our Bachelor of Science (BSc) Geophysics will teach you to understand our world, so you can help protect its future.You will study the properties and forces, that act on planetary or inter-planetary scales.For example:* the microscopic properties of minerals * large scale forces such as gravity and magnetism * the inner workings of the EarthWe will train you in physical principles and mathematical techniques of geophysics.You will learn to apply these techniques to diverse fields, for example:* monitoring the Earth's changing environment and climate * mapping environmental pollution above and below ground * measuring rock and soil properties before civil engineering work * carbon capture, energy storage and management of water resources * technological innovations to sustainably explore and manage the Earth's resources for society's needs * understanding the behaviour of the Earth's deep interior * understanding how the Earth and other planets have formed and changed over their lifetimeBy studying this degree, you will learn from our wide range of experienced academics across a range of Earth science disciplines. Our research-led, industry-informed teaching makes your degree relevant to the world and helps make you highly employableWe have a hands on approach to learning, so you can develop in-demand practical skills. Many of your activities are similar to what professionals do in the real world.


An extraordinary reputation

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK, many of whom are world experts in their field.* We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gases are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement. * We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data. * We are 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024. * We are also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, Earth and marine sciences, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).Our staff will incorporate the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
10th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
15th
Earth Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 90 = 10% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
10%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
90%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£20,000

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
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Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

ABB - AAA Grades / Points required

Scottish Higher:

ABBB Grades / Points required

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

34 - 32 Grades / Points required

AAA - ABB in one set of exams. These grades should be achieved in one set of exams. Required subjects: A levels: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.

ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.

34 points with 666 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.

Tuition fees

Students living in

England

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£1,820 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£36,800 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£36,800 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£36800 Per year

UCAS/IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Edinburgh
George Square Edinburgh Edinburgh, City Of EH8 9JZ United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Edinburgh Waverley  0.3 miles away
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