BSc Geology and Physics
About this course
BSc in Geology and Physics, a joint honours degree combining approximately equal study of Earth sciences and fundamental physical principles. Core topics include Fieldwork, Geophysics, Microelectronics, Mathematical Modelling, Statistics, and Research Methods. Students can undertake an optional year abroad as part of their studies. In the first year, students build foundational knowledge through compulsory modules such as The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time, The Physical Universe A, Calculus 1, Algebra, Earth's Materials, The Physical Universe B, and Calculus II. The second year continues with core learning in Petrology & Mineralogy, Light Science, Dynamical Phenomena, An Introduction to Field Geology, Geophysics, Practical Optics and Electronics, and Relativity and Quantum Mechanics. Optional modules in later years allow students to explore areas such as petroleum geology, igneous and metamorphic petrology, structural geology, quantum mechanics, and electricity and magnetism. The final year includes compulsory independent research through Project A alongside advanced study in Geochemistry and Geofluids and Modelling Theory.
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Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Mathematics and Physics are required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with Mathematics and Physics required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Mathematics and Physics are required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
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What students say
Based on about 6 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 92%
- Assessment and feedback: 93%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 76%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
Most common jobs
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 35%
- Teaching Professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time
- The Physical Universe A
- Calculus 1
- Algebra
- Earth's Materials
- The Physical Universe B
- Calculus II
- Petrology & Mineralogy
- Light Science
- Dynamical Phenomena
- An Introduction to Field Geology
- Geophysics
- Practical Optics and Electronics
- Relativity and Quantum Mechanics
- Earth’s Life, Environments and Climate Through Time
- Principles of Petroleum Geology
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
- Field and Mapping Techniques 1
- Energy and Matter
- Introduction to the Solid State
- Structural Geology & Tectonics
- Sedimentology
- Quantum Mechanics
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Project A
- Geochemistry and Geofluids
- Modelling Theory
- Case Studies in Physical Sciences
- Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology and Physics at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £37,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £6,500 less than the UK median for Physics.
What do graduates of BSc Geology and Physics at University of Aberdeen do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geology and Physics at University of Aberdeen?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geology and Physics at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 173 UCAS points.
Does BSc Geology and Physics at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geology and Physics at University of Aberdeen?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.