MGeophys, BSc Geophysical Sciences (International) is a four-year Integrated Masters (International) degree that gives students the enviable opportunity of spending a year in Canada, the USA or New Zealand. Your year abroad is a full part your course, counting towards your final degree classification, and you take only Masters-level modules during your final year in Leeds.

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 or 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 throughout your course, including during your year abroad.

This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London, the geoscientists’ professional body. Accreditation is only available to degrees that provide sufficient field experience and the full range of skills required for employment in the earth sciences.  It is your first step towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, which is an increasingly important as a professional qualification, although not yet mandatory - employment as a geoscientist within the EU often depends on your having chartered status.  

Reasons to study MGeophys, BSc Geophysical Sciences at Leeds

• We have made major investments in our teaching facilities, including our 3-D suite, a groundbreaking Earth Visualization Laboratory, and all brand-new microscopes.
• A year in the USA, Canada or New Zealand adds real value to your degree – and offers you the experience and maturity that employers want
• This is an ideal degree for students with a strong interest in geophysics - the majority of MGeophys, BSc students achieve a First-Class degree and many go into research careers
• You will have the opportunity to take exciting field classes in the UK and overseas
• We have the largest group of specialist geophysicists in the UK, with research-led teaching in all areas of geophysics.  Final year dissertations are often drawn directly from the research activities of staff members and the work that the students do can result in 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 evolution of our programme content
• We have maintained our excellent employment statistics for many years – over 93% of our graduates are in employment 6 months after graduation
• On our excellent field work programme the School pays all the costs of accommodation and travel for all compulsory and short optional field classes, and the cost of longer optional classes and project work are heavily subsidised.

Why study MGeophys, BSc Geophysical Sciences?

You will derive enormous benefits from your MGeophys, BSc Year Abroad.  Prospective employers will be aware that this experience has broadened your academic horizons and demonstrates your independence. Leeds was the first University 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 New Zealand.

As a Leeds MGeophys, BSc graduate you will have clear advantages over your peers, and universities and employers alike will appreciate the skills and breadth of experience that you acquire during your studies. Geophysicists are constantly in demand in industry, particularly in oil and mineral exploration, and also in environmental assessment and remediation. The skills and numeracy of geophysics graduates are highly respected in research, financial and government environments, as well as in higher education. Many Leeds graduates go on to successful careers in industry or with government bodies, while others take a vocational MSc or a PhD as the first step on a career in academic research.

The Leeds 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 disciplines from Meteorology and Geophysics, through Environmental Science and Geology, to Environmental Social Science together under one banner. Most importantly, Leeds offers you the best-developed International Geosciences Year Abroad programme in the UK – where we led, others have followed!

Our £23.5 million building, opened in April 2010, boasts state-of-the-art facilities for both teaching and research. Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University and ours is the largest group of specialist geophysicists in the UK. You will interact with staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into research-led teaching in all areas of geophysics.  More information on our approach to learning and teaching can be found here.

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