Geophysics and Geology (MSci)

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and Mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)

English language requirements

All applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. Applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK who do not offer GCSE English language (or GCSE English) at the required level will need to meet the following English language proficiency requirement. Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements.

Band B IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in all components

We also accept other English language tests.

Non-academic entry requirements

There are no additional requirements

International qualifications

Find a list of accepted international qualifications listed by country.

This is a list of the international qualifications that are recognised by the University of Southampton. If you are not sure that your qualifications meet the requirements of this course please contact our Admissions Teams.

Foundation year for Engineering, Physics, Maths and Geophysics

If you don’t have the right qualifications for direct entry into this course, you may still be able to enrol by taking our Foundation Year. This intensive, one-year course will give you the background skills and knowledge to enter into any undergraduate degree in engineering, physics, mathematics or geophysics.

Contact us if you have a question about what qualifications you have or might need.

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.

Year 1

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

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

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

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

Support for your studies

You'll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

How we’ll assess you

We’ll assess you using:

• coursework, laboratory reports and essays
• essays
• individual and group projects
• oral presentations
• written exams

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.

UK/EU fees

You'll pay £9,250 in tuition fees for the academic year 2020 to 2021. This fee might change for further years of your course.

International student fees

You’ll pay £21,580 each year. This fee will stay the same throughout your studies.

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

Extra costs you might have to pay

• Printing and Photocopying Costs
• Computer discs or USB drives
• Approved Calculators
• Stationery
• Software Licenses
• Clothing
• Laboratory Equipment and Materials
• Hardware
• Field Equipment and Materials
• Textbooks
• Fieldwork: logistical costs

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.

Clubs, societies and facilities

Our campuses have:

• cafes and restaurants

• bars

• health centres

• banks

• a post office

• student shops

• a hairdresser

Our sports facilities include a 25-metre swimming pool, a gym with 140 fitness stations, squash courts, a bouldering wall, outdoor pitches and much more. There are over 80 sports clubs you could join, and activity classes including yoga and spin.

We have an internationally known theatre, concert hall, art gallery and cinema showing everything from mainstream blockbusters to international arthouse classics. You could perform at a gig, concert or show, take part in an exhibition or join a writers’ workshop. Find out more about arts and culture at Southampton.

Whatever your passion or community, you can find like-minded people at one of the Students’ Union clubs and societies. There are more than 200 to join, and social activities in every hall of residence.

Support while you study

We aim to help you deal with any problems you might come across, so you can make the most of your time at university. We offer support with:

• mental health, learning difficulties and disability

• money and accommodation

• childcare

• computers and IT

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.