Geophysical Science 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. With a geophysics degree you might explore for hydrocarbons and mineral deposits, monitor natural hazards, investigate the interior of the Earth and other planets, or measure the movement and deformation of the Earth's tectonic plates.

Geophysicists are constantly in demand in industry, particularly in oil exploration and environmental assessment and remediation. Your analytical skills and numeracy will be highly valued in research, financial and government departments, as well as in higher education institutions.

Field skills are an essential part of the geophysicist's toolkit and you will learn to apply these skills in a variety of settings during your course. At Leeds, you will benefit from the research of the UK’s largest team of academic geophysicists, with research-led teaching in all areas of geophysics. 

Reasons to study Geophysics at Leeds

• We have made major investments in our teaching facilities, including our ground-breaking Earth Visualization Laboratory, computer cluster, and a wide range of geophysical field equipment.
• We have maintained and improved our excellent employment statistics for many years, and Leeds geophysics graduates enjoy exceptional success in commercial and academic careers.
• On our excellent fieldwork programme the School pays all the costs of accommodation and travel for all of your compulsory and short optional field classes and subsidises the cost of project work and longer optional trips.
• Final year dissertations are often drawn directly from the research activities of staff members and through them you may contribute to scientific papers and conference presentations.  
• 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 programme content.
• Your degree will be 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, which is an increasingly important professional qualification.

Our four-year degree options include a Study Year Abroad and Year in Industry that add real value to your degree. You can choose these options directly through UCAS; see the Year in Industry tab (above) and the Other Courses of Interest links below for more information and the appropriate UCAS code.

The School of Earth and Environment is one of the largest and most vibrant Schools in the country. Leeds is the only university that has brought the complete range of geosciences and environmental disciplines together under one banner, from strongly science-based Geology, Geophysics and Meteorology through Environmental Science, to Environmental Social Science.

Our £23.5 million building, opened in April 2010, boasts state-of-the-art facilities for both teaching and research. Because Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group university, you are guaranteed to interact with staff who are at the cutting edge of international research, and who incorporate this expertise into their teaching. More information on our approach to learning and teaching can be found here.

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