About this course
Learn how the Earth developed and discover the physical processes at work in, on and around it. This course builds on the BSc by giving you the chance to carry out both a geology mapping project and a geophysics research project. You'll graduate with advanced skills that are in demand across science and industry, whether you want to go on to uncover new natural resources, shape climate change policy or lead offshore surveys.
On this MSci Geophysics and Geology master's, you'll work across several science disciplines and explore subjects such as:
-
volcanology - the study of volcanoes, lava, magma and related phenomena
-
plate tectonics
-
hydrocarbons
-
current and past climate change
You’ll also develop a range of geophysical, geological and maths skills. These include practical field expertise and computer programming.
Depending on your grades, you'll have the chance to study abroad for a semester at one of our partner universities. There you'll take specialist modules and projects that are not available in the UK.
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
You'll graduate with a master's degree in geophysics and geology.
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.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB 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:
ABB including Maths and one further science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants 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 an applicant'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, as follows:
ABB including Maths and one further science subject,
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 at Higher Level in Mathematics (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and a second 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 AA in A Level Mathematics and one further science subject.
We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Mathematics 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.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This course follows the same structure as the BSc Geophysics and Geology course for the first 2 years, with more in-depth studies in years 3 and 4.
You’ll explore the principles of both subjects through compulsory modules, while optional modules let you shape the course to your specialist interests or career plans.
Year 1 overview
You'll learn the basics of Earth science and develop your maths skills beyond A level. Build an overview of 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 build your applied 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 continue to enhance your maths and programming skills to help you 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 combines the knowledge and skills you developed in the first 2 years. 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 learn how the geological processes, you studied earlier in the degree, formed the resources that support our modern society.
During the year you will:
-
work with current Earth science research data during guided exercises
-
explore how to analyse that data
-
test your geological field skills in an independent mapping project
-
design surveys to gain experience of using geophysical equipment in the field
Year 4 overview
You'll spend much of your final year working on an advanced independent research project based on the latest Earth science knowledge, guided by one of our academic staff.
By working alongside active researchers you'll develop your critical skills, programming knowledge and presentation abilities.
You’ll also choose from a range of specialised optional modules, on topics such as:
-
climate
-
marine geoarchaeology
-
seafloor surveying
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
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)
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
-
petroleum geophysics
-
hazard monitoring and archaeological geophysics
-
private, public and military organisations
-
research laboratories
-
teaching
This degree is also a good foundation for study and research at 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 students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
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 EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: GG89
- 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?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
