BSc Geophysics
About this course
BSc (Hons) Geophysics, a three-year undergraduate degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences combining physics, mathematics and geology. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork and Environmental Analysis. The course builds a foundation in Earth Sciences and quantitative methods before students tailor later studies towards areas of interest, and the final year centres on an independent research Dissertation worth one third of final-year marks. Year 1 covers the foundations through Field Studies, Understanding Earth Sciences, Earth Materials and Further Mathematics for Geoscientists, alongside Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists and Environment and Sustainability. Field Studies develops mapping and observation techniques for geological features, while Earth Minerals teaches identification of minerals and rocks. Year 2 concentrates on geophysical techniques and quantitative analysis, with compulsory modules including Geophysical Methods, Lithospheric Structure and Imaging, Environmental Geophysics, Earth Systems Modelling and Analysis and Research Skills for Geoscientists. Optional modules in this year have included Isotopes in Environmental and Climate Sciences and Igneous and Metamorphic Processes. Year 3 pairs the Dissertation with Geophysical Theory and Applications, while optional modules have covered Earth Structure and Dynamics, Volcanology and Magmatism, Environmental Geochemistry and Tectonic Processes and Renewable Geo-resources.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: AAB including Mathematics or Further Mathematics plus one other science from Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Marine Science, Economics, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects from the list above.
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What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 4%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
What graduates do next
Based on about 24 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Engineering professionals: 5%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 9%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 33%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 11%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 75 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 99%
- Other qualifications: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Field Studies - 20 credits
- Further Mathematics for Geoscientists- 20 credits
- Understanding Earth Sciences - 20 credits
- Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists- 20 credits
- Earth Materials - 20 credits
- Environment and Sustainability - 20 credits
- Geophysical Methods - 20 credits
- Earth Systems Modelling and Analysis- 20 credits
- Research Skills for Geoscientists- 20 credits
- Lithospheric Structure and Imaging- 20 credits
- Environmental Geophysics- 20 credits
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation - 40 credits
- Geophysical Theory and Applications - 20 credits
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geophysics at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £31,500 after 3 years, £41,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £52,500. The £41,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geophysics at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geophysics at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geophysics at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
Does BSc Geophysics at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geophysics at Durham University?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.