MSci Geophysics

Course Overview

Our integrated Master’s Geophysics degree is designed for curious minds eager to explore the dynamic forces shaping our planet. Geophysics merges the power of physics, mathematics, and earth sciences, offering you a unique opportunity to make a real impact on our changing world.

This programme explores questions such as: What happens inside a volcano? How can we forecast earthquakes and mitigate the impact? Why do we experience extreme weather? How can we make the transition to sustainable and secure energy? With a geophysics integrated Master’s degree at UEA, you’ll explore geophysics at an advanced level in the context of the entire Earth system. You’ll study the Earth’s many processes, from the seas and skies to the deep interior, and learn about the way they shape our environment. You’ll have the choice of a significant range of diverse modules, with a particularly strong emphasis on geophysical hazards and geo-resources for a sustainable future.

Geophysics offers practical solutions to some of the most significant challenges facing our planet, such as environmental sustainability, resource exploration, and natural hazard assessment. At UEA, you’ll develop key geophysical skills through exciting fieldwork and interdisciplinary study. This degree will unlock a wide range of career paths, from working in environmental consulting and energy exploration to contributing to future-shaping research in academia. Geophysics graduates from UEA are highly sought after in industries. UEA is one of the best places to study it – we're ranked in the top 20 for Geophysics by “QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023”.

This four-year course will inspire a lifelong understanding of the way the Earth works. You’ll explore how the whole Earth system, and its interactions, shape our environment. You’ll engage in a significant amount of fieldwork where you’ll learn to use a variety of state-of-the-art geophysical instruments and software, including seismic, electrical and magnetic imaging tools, ground-penetrating radar, and advanced modelling techniques. You’ll develop practical skills that are in high demand across industries. In your final year, you'll study advanced, Master’s-level modules and complete an in-depth research project. Check out this solar water pump start-up project, founded by UEA graduates.

At the School of Environmental Sciences, you’ll benefit from a broad choice of subject material offered by our experienced and passionate faculty members who are actively involved in ground-breaking research. You’ll have the chance to specialise in your field of interest to an advanced level. You can tailor your degree towards geological geophysics, geohazards, meteorology and climatology, or oceanography – or study a combination of them all. You can also learn about how to manage big data from techniques such as remote sensing, using advanced techniques including machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

AAB including Mathematics.

Where applicable Science A levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Not accepted: Critical Thinking and General Studies.

International Baccalaureate

33 points overall including HL5 in Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches).

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) .

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

  If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

After graduating, you could follow in the footsteps of past graduates and go into sectors such as water management, resource exploration, geotechnical engineering, risk analysis, environmental consultancy, hazard management or teaching. Alternatively, you could continue your studies with a PhD.

To get your career off to the best start, our Careers Service runs annual Environmental science events. These include alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including industry, government and academia.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Water management
• Resource exploration
• Geotechnical engineering
• Risk analysis
• Environmental consultancy
• Hazard management

Discover more on our Careers webpages.