BSc Geophysics
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Geophysics, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree combining physics and mathematics to explore Earth systems and environmental challenges. The first year introduces physics, geology, geophysics, and mathematics, while the second year continues with maths, physics, geology, and geophysics. The third year advances into maths and computing, modelling and interpreting results, taking geophysical measurements, and geophysical imaging and inversion, alongside skills in scientific writing, working with other scientists, and analysis of data. The fourth year investigates extreme rainfall events, earthquakes caused by volcanoes, seismic imaging of geological boundaries, analysing satellite data to understand landslides, and global warming in Scotland and the world's oceans.
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: from AAA to ABB in one set of exams (required: Mathematics at A, Physics at B) IB: from 34 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 74%: 20 offers from 27 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 25 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 72%
- Learning resources: 79%
- Student voice: 71%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 75%
- Left higher education: 25%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 70%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 50 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 10%
- London: 15%
- South East: 5%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 55%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- A degree: 5%
Modules
- physics
- geology
- geophysics
- mathematics
- maths
- physics
- geology
- geophysics
- maths and computing
- modelling and interpreting results
- taking geophysical measurements
- geophysical imaging and inversion
- skills in scientific writing, working with other scientists, and analysis of data
- extreme rainfall events
- earthquakes caused by volcanoes
- seismic imaging of geological boundaries
- analysing satellite data to understand landslides
- global warming in Scotland and the world's oceans
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geophysics at University of Edinburgh earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 3 years, £32,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £38,000. The £32,500 median after five years is £500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geophysics at University of Edinburgh do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geophysics at University of Edinburgh?
91% 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 University of Edinburgh?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 34 points in the IB. The average entrant had 176 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Geophysics at University of Edinburgh?
74% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 20 offers from 27 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc Geophysics at University of Edinburgh include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geophysics at University of Edinburgh?
75% of students continued into their second year, and 25% left higher education.