Overview

What is Geophysics?

Geophysics is the study of the Earth through the application of physical principles. Geophysicists tackle a wide range of subjects, often closely linked to geological data. They may explore for hydrocarbons and mineral deposits, monitor natural hazards, investigate the interior of the Earth and other planets, measure the movement of the Earth's plates and assess the impact of human activity on the environment.

Field skills are an essential part of the geophysicist's toolkit and you will have the opportunity to learn and apply these skills in different settings during your course. At Leeds you will benefit from the research activities of the UK's largest team of academic geophysicists.

Why study Geophysics?

Geophysicists are in demand in industry – in manufacturing, oil and mineral exploration, as well as environmental assessment and remediation. The skills and numeracy of graduates are highly valued in research, financial and governmental environments, and in higher education institutions.

Programme Options include a Study Year Abroad and a Year in Industry. From September 2011 applicants are able to apply directly to our Industrial options; see the Year in Industry tab for more information and the appropriate UCAS code.

Why Us?

If you choose to study in the School of Earth and Environment you will be joining one of the largest and most vibrant Schools in the country. Leeds is the only university that has brought the complete range of disciplines from Geology and Geophysics, through Environmental Science, Meteorology and Climate Science, to Environmental Social Science together under one banner.

We have a brand new building costing £23 million and state of the art facilities for both teaching and research. In a research-intensive university like Leeds you are guaranteed to interact with staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, who will bring this into their teaching.

Reasons to study Geophysics at Leeds?

• We have made major investments in our teaching facilities, including ground breaking Earth Visualization Laboratory, Linux cluster, 3-D suite and new geophysical field equipment
• We have excellent employment statistics
• Our 4-year degree options with a year abroad/year in industry add real value
• We have an excellent field work programme with accommodation and travel paid for by the School, for all compulsory field classes
• We have the largest group of specialist geophysicists in the UK, with research-led teaching in all areas of geophysics
• We attract industry sponsorship from major companies

Entry Requirements

BSc Geophysical Sciences F640
BSc Geophysical Sciences (Industrial) F646

England and Wales

Normally 3 GCE A-levels at grades ABB including Mathematics and Physics. Offers exclude General Studies.

Scottish Highers

Normally grades ABBBB, including Mathematics or Physics.

International Baccalaureate

Normally 34 points overall with 16 at the Higher Level, which will include Mathematics and Physics.

Other qualifications may be considered for this programme – please contact admissions@see.leeds.ac.uk

Course Structure

The Geophysics programme is designed around a combination of compulsory core modules, as well as opportunities to take optional modules (chosen from a list of alternatives) in order to allow you to study additional subjects of interest. The balance depends upon the year and programme of study.

Please note that you will go abroad or into a placement at the end of Year 2 if you choose either of these options, returning to complete your final year of study.

You can visit the University Programme Catalogue for more detailed module descriptions, together with information on how you will be assessed.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork is essential to all earth and environment programmes, and is one of the most enjoyable and sociable parts of the course for students. The programme at Leeds includes a variety of field course destinations in both the UK and abroad.

Fieldwork is free!

From 2012, Earth & Environment students at Leeds will be able to undertake programme fieldwork and projects at no additional cost. You can find further details here.

• At the beginning of Year 2, you will make geophysical observations during a field course in the Yorkshire Dales.
• At the end of Year 2 you will spend two weeks collecting geophysical data in earnest on an international field course. Recent locations have included Lanzarote, Hungary and the Caribbean island of Montserrat. Some students collect data for their Independent Research Project during this period in the field, while others undertake additional fieldwork specifically for the project.

Study Abroad

The Geophysics programme at Leeds includes an option to study abroad in Europe for a year* from the end of Year 2 before returning to Leeds to undertake the final year of study.

Applicants are not required to apply for this option prior to commencing their studies at Leeds. Instead, students are invited to register their interest in this opportunity after you begin your degree with us, and the School will then provide guidance in setting up a study abroad year based at one of the University's partner institutions.

You will be expected to maintain a 2:1 average if you want to be considered for a year abroad. When you return to Leeds you will study the Year 3 courses appropriate to your degree scheme.

For more information about Study Abroad schemes at Leeds see the University Study Abroad pages.

Year in Industry

The Geophysics programme at Leeds includes the option to spend a year in industry between Years 2 and 3 of your study, thereby gaining valuable hands-on experience, and earning a salary, before returning to complete your programme.

From September 2011, if you are keen to include an industrial placement in your degree you can choose to make a direct application to F646 BSc Geophysical Sciences (Industrial).

If you apply to F640 Geophysical Sciences you will still be able to register your interest in this opportunity after you begin your degree with us.

The School will provide guidance in setting up your work placement and will support you during this year. You will be placed with an aligned company, often in or near Leeds, though occasionally near your home, or overseas, and we liaise with your employer to ensure that your work is of value to your academic development.

Students who undertake the year in industry programme commonly receive attractive offers of employment that may commence immediately upon graduation.

Student Stories

On this page you can find out more about our former students:

• Fabian Shaanika BSc Geophysical Sciences
• Adam Booth, BSc Geophysical Sciences