About this course
This joint honours BSc Geophysics and Geology degreewill give you an expert understanding of the Earth, whether you want to go on to uncover new natural resources, shape climate change policy or lead offshore surveys. You'll gain an in-depth knowledge of how to use geophysics and geology to investigate the physical processes at work in, on and around our planet. You'll graduate with advanced skills that are in demand across science and industry.
The geophysical focus of this course includes exploration of the Earth's internal composition, oceans and atmosphere. Topics with a more geological focus include plate tectonics, rock formation and natural hazards.
You can specialise in a wide range of subject areas, including:
-
seafloor surveying and exploration
-
the Earth's long-term evolution
-
mantle-melting and the formation of volcanoes
-
oceanography
As part of this course you'll:
-
study at our pioneering research institution and waterfront campus, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
-
use our modern, industry-standard, labs and teaching equipment, including the National Oceanographic Library
-
take field courses in the UK and abroad, where you'll design and carrying out your own surveys
-
benefit from our many professional links across the Earth science industries
Accreditations
This course is accredited by:
Course location
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
ABB including Maths and one further Science subject
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
BBB including Maths and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
BBB including Maths and one further science subject,
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at Higher Level Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level to include Maths and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level to include Maths and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 45 must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied including Maths
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including Maths and one further science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB to include Maths and one further science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and one further science subject at a minimum of M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
ABB from 3 A levels including Maths and one further science subject_x000D_
_x000D_
or_x000D_
_x000D_
AB from two A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
European Baccalaureate
76% overall including grade 8 in Maths and one further science subject. Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics.
Non-academic entry requirements
Applicants will be required to attend an interview
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
ABB including Maths and one further Science subject
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
BBB including Maths and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
Students who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:BBB including Maths and one further science subject,
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at one Higher Level Mathematics and one further science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level to include Maths and one further science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level to include Maths and one further science subject.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 45 must be at Distinction
Access to HE additional information
A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied including Maths
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 including Maths and one further science subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAABBB to include Maths and one further science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, M2, M2 in three Principal subjects including Mathematics and one further science subject at a minimum of M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AB from Maths and one further science subject, and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
European Baccalaureate
76% overall including grade 8 in Maths and one further science subject. Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests, find out which English language tests we accept.
Other ways to qualify
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On this BSc programme you’ll learn the principles of both Geophysics and Geology through compulsory modules. Optional modules will give you the chance to shape the course to your specialist interests or career plans.
Year 1 overview
Explore the basics of Earth science and develop your maths and physics skills beyond A level, with modules in Geology, Physics, and Mathematics. Learn how the Earth’s systems function, including:
-
interactions between earth, oceans and atmosphere
-
the mineral and chemical makeup of rocks, and how to identify them
-
how to interpret geological maps and understand geological processes
You'll also:
-
take geological and geophysical field courses to enhance your field skills
-
learn technical software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
-
develop programming skills
Year 2 overview
To further develop your geophysics skills, you’ll explore areas including:
-
rock deformation and using field deformation data
-
the applications of geophysical exploration, including offshore engineering
-
using chemistry to investigate processes within the Earth
You’ll improve your technical skills through regular use of the Geographic Information Science (GIS) tool to interpret and visualise data. You’ll also develop your programming knowledge to analyse large geophysical data-sets.
We'll develop your field skills with 2 courses involving the independent mapping of small areas (a few km²).
Year 3 overview
This year brings together what you learned in years 1 and 2. You'll learn how to apply geophysical and geological exploration methods, and build an in-depth understanding of the Earth’s long-term evolution.
You’ll also carry out your own research project, guided by one of our academic staff. This lets you develop in-depth skills in a scientific area of your own interest.
Topics covered this year include:
-
the core research that supports ideas such as plate tectonics
-
using physics and maths to understand the Earth’s large-scale structures and processes
-
using geophysics equipment in the field
-
designing your own surveys to investigate near-surface geology
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
You must study the following modules in year 2:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
You must study the following modules in year 3:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
How you'll spend your course time:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- coursework, laboratory reports and essays
- essays
- individual and group projects
- oral presentations
- teamwork
- written and practical exams
- written exams
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Timothy Henstock is the course leader.
Careers
Graduate geophysicists and geologists are in great demand all over the world. After studying both subjects to a high level, you'll be well placed to gain employment with a wide variety of global companies.
Our unique modules, such as Seafloor Surveying, will give you skills that are critical for offshore engineering work.
Graduates typically work in:
-
site investigations for cables and pipelines, wind farms, sea defences or oil and gas platforms
-
hazard monitoring and archaeological geophysics
-
private, public and military organisations
-
research laboratories
-
teaching
This degree is also a good foundation for further study and research at Masters or postgraduate level.
Companies actively seek out our Earth science graduates. We host an annual careers fair at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton attended by over 25 major employers.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £21,580.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: GG99
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000