BSc Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences
About this course
BSc in Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences, a physics and earth and environmental sciences degree focused on the physical processes shaping the planet. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, and Research Methods. Students participate in hands-on learning through field trips and complete a final-year research dissertation. The first year establishes fundamental concepts through modules such as Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere, Programming and Data Science, Earth, and Atmosphere, with optional study in areas like Natural Hazards. The second year advances quantitative techniques via Advanced Mathematics 3, Numerical Methods for Earth and Atmosphere, Digital Data Analysis, and Inverse Theory, alongside further compulsory topics including Environmental Geophysics and Lithosphere Dynamics. The final year involves core advanced study through Research Dissertation, Strategic Energy Issues, Earth Observation from Space, and Integrated Field School, while optional modules allow specialisation in subjects such as Volcanic Processes, Engineering Geology, and Geothermal Energy: Engineering, Social and Governance Challenges.
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 BTEC: DDD in National Extended Diploma. We can also accept a combination of National Extended Certificates and A-levels. The BTEC, with or without combination A-levels, must cover modules aligned with the subjects named in the A-level section. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information. IB: 6,6,5 at higher level including Mathematics.
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Real offers for this course
Applicants have posted 2 UCAS decisions for BSc Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences (F640) at the University of Leeds for 2027 entry so far. The published offer is AAB at A level.
What students say
Based on about 20 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 84%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 78%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 92%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 90%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 115 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 33%
- East Midlands: 9%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 13%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere
- Programming and Data Science
- Earth
- Atmosphere
- Natural Hazards
- Weather
- Water
- Advanced Mathematics 3
- Numerical Methods for Earth and Atmosphere
- Digital Data Analysis
- Inverse Theory
- Environmental Geophysics
- Lithosphere Dynamics
- 4D Earth
- Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics
- Meteorology
- Introductory Oceanography
- Climate Change: Science and Impacts.
- Research Dissertation
- Strategic Energy Issues
- Earth Observation from Space
- Integrated Field School
- The Earth from Core to Atmosphere
- Volcanic Processes
- Engineering Geology
- Geothermal Energy: Engineering, Social and Governance Challenges
- Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes
- Dynamics of Weather Systems
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £36,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £42,500. The £36,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds 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 Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds?
84% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 152 UCAS points.
Does BSc Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds 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 Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.