Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences BSc

Course overview

Our planet faces many pressing societal challenges. With a growing population, more and more people are affected by natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather. Space weather is also increasingly impacting the satellites we all rely on as a society.

The climate emergency calls for sustainable exploration and the need for utilising the Earth’s resources to develop sustainable technologies that will combat the impact – from freshwater to minerals.

On this course, you’ll develop fundamental expertise in the physics of the Earth, including ocean and atmospheric physics and the dynamics of the Earth’s and other planets’ interiors. You’ll apply this knowledge to find solutions to complex environmental challenges in areas like climate change, energy transition and hazard mitigation.

You’ll be trained in data analysis, quantitative modelling and computer programming – all skills that are vital to tackling real-world environmental issues. To help further develop your skill set, we place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with a range of field trips throughout the course.

As we move towards a greener, more sustainable future, it’s the skills and expertise you’ll learn on this course that will be invaluable to many industries and governments worldwide.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be ABB with an A in the EPQ.

International Baccalaureate

Career opportunities

Climate change couldn’t be more pertinent than it is in society today. Organisations and governments rely on experts who can help comprehend the huge impact of climate on a regional or global scale – and create solutions for the future.

This degree will train you in how to deliver these crucial solutions. You’ll be equipped with a breadth of skills in geophysics and atmospheric science, giving you the ability to tackle the most pertinent and complex problems in Earth Sciences.

It’s this core knowledge you’ll gain from the course which will prove invaluable to employers worldwide, in both the public and private sectors. You’ll also build strong analytical, computational and numerical skills, alongside experience working in a team and independently – all sought after both in industry and transferable into many other careers, too.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where students from our School are now working.