Geophysics and Geology (MSci)

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.

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.

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.

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:

• pay your tuition fees

• calculate your student finances

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:

• accommodation costs

• living costs

• budgeting advice

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.

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: GG89
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for 2020 entry now

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.