MSci Geophysics
About this course
MSci in Geophysics, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree centred on the physical processes that shape the Earth, including its composition, evolution and dynamics. Core topics include Statistics, Mathematical Modelling, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. The four-year course culminates in an independent final-year project. The first year covers foundational modules such as Earth Materials, Dynamic Earth, Surface Processes, The Earth, Maps, Images and Structures, Classical Mechanics, and Mathematics for Physicists. The second year introduces Global Geophysics, Structural Geology and Tectonics, Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences, Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing, Electricity and Magnetism, and Mathematical Methods III, alongside optional choices like Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, and Principles of Climate. The third year focuses on Field Geophysics, Seismology I, Seismology II, Geodynamics and Global Tectonics, and Statistics for Geoscientists, with optional modules including Ocean Physics and Climate Change and Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observations (AI4EO). The fourth year centres on Earth and Planetary System Science and the Independent MSci Project, supported by optional studies such as Seismic Risk Assessment, Mining and Mineral Processing, and Physical Volcanology and Volcanic Hazard.
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 (Mathematics and Physics required. Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics and Geology/Geography preferred.) IB: 36 points (A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics, with no higher level score below 5. The programme will accept either ‘Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches’ or ‘Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation’ at higher level. Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics and Geology/Geography preferred.)
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 45 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 100 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 93%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
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: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 55%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 180 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 53%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 86%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 8%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth Materials
- Dynamic Earth
- Surface Processes
- The Earth
- Maps, Images and Structures
- Classical Mechanics
- Mathematics for Physicists
- Global Geophysics
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
- Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
- Electricity and Magnetism
- Mathematical Methods III
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Principles of Climate
- Isotope Geology
- Introduction to Environmental Geoscience
- Introduction to Mineral Resources
- Field Geophysics
- Seismology I
- Seismology II
- Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- Statistics for Geoscientists
- Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building and Basin Evolution
- Geological and Environmental Mapping
- Earth and Planetary Materials
- Groundwater Science
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Tectonic Geomorphology
- Applied Geoscience for Mineral Resources and the Environment
- Artificial Intelligence for Earth Observations (AI4EO)
- Earth and Planetary System Science
- Independent MSci Project
- Seismic Risk Assessment
- Mining and Mineral Processing
- Physical Volcanology and Volcanic Hazard
- Geological, Geotechnical and Hydro-meteorological Hazards
- Meteorological and Hydrogeological Hazards
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Geophysics at University College London earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £41,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,500. The £41,000 median after five years is £9,000 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Geophysics at University College London do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Geophysics at University College London?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Geophysics at University College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 138 UCAS points.
Is MSci Geophysics at University College London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
How many students continue on MSci Geophysics at University College London?
93% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.