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:
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volcanology - the study of volcanoes, lava, magma and related phenomena
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plate tectonics
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hydrocarbons
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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:
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study at our pioneering research institution and waterfront campus, the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
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use our modern, industry-standard, labs and teaching equipment, including the National Oceanographic Library
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take field courses in the UK and abroad, where you'll design and carrying out your own surveys
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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 Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202223
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 Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level Mathematics and one further science subject We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level Mathematics and one further science subject,
RQF BTEC
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.
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.
QCF 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
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.
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, H2, H2 including Maths and one further science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB to include Mathematics 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, D3, 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.
European Baccalaureate
79% overall including grade 8 in Mathematics and one further science subject
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 all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- 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.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
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our Access to Southampton scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
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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.
Foundation year for engineering, physics, maths and geophysics
A foundation year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
- have A levels, or equivalent international qualifications, in subjects other than the ones needed for direct entry
- have international qualifications in relevant subjects but not at A level equivalent
- have a BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject
- are studying an Access course in a relevant subject
- are a mature student with relevant experience or study
You'll also need to show that you have strong maths skills.
Find full details on our Engineering, Maths, Physics, Geophysics Foundation Year page.
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
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:
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interactions between earth, oceans and atmosphere
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the mineral and chemical makeup of rocks, and how to identify them
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how to interpret geological maps and understand geological processes
You'll also:
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take geological and geophysical field courses to build your applied skills
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learn technical software such as Geographic Information Systems (GIS)
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develop programming skills
Year 2 overview
To further develop your geophysics skills, you’ll explore areas including:
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rock deformation and using field deformation data
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the applications of geophysical exploration, including offshore engineering
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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:
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work with current Earth science research data during guided exercises
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explore how to analyse that data
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test your geological field skills in an independent mapping project
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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:
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climate
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marine geoarchaeology
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seafloor surveying
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
Changes due to COVID-19
Although the COVID-19 situation is improving, any future restrictions could mean we might have to change the way parts of our teaching and learning take place in 2021 to 2022. We're working hard to plan for a number of possible scenarios. This means that some of the information on this course page may be subject to change.
Find out more on our COVID advice page.
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
This module provides you with an overview of the formation, composition and behaviour of the rocks and minerals of the earth's crust. It includes a high level of practical work.
An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.
This year 1 module introduces students to University study, and key geoscience skills and topics, mainly via small-group (tutorial) and residential field-based learning. Skills covered (depending on degree programme) include fieldwork skills such as geolo...
The module will build on the methods developed in MATH1006 (or MATH1008) but extend many of the ideas from ordinary functions to vector valued functions which, for example, may be used to describe forces or electromagnetic fields in 3-dimensional space. ...
This module is suitable for students with A level Mathematic (grade B or higher). – Students with AS level Mathematics are required to take MATH1004 instead. The aim of the module is to provide students with the necessary skills and confidence to apply...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
The module covers both development of relevant techniques, methodology and other key skills for geophysical data analysis, and two field courses.
This is an optional module for second-year students in physical sciences. The module introduces a number of more advanced methods for solving linear matrix equations and ordinary differential equations, as well as introducing Fourier series, and partial d...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
The module covers, at advanced level, three topics that are central to applied geophysics in the marine environment.
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
This module examines current topics in environmental and engineering geology – the practical application of the principles of geology/Earth Science in the solving of environmental and engineering problems. Through a mix of lecture, discussion and practica...
This module provides you with skills that are scientifically fascinating as well as important for employability. The offshore industry is crying-out for graduates that understand seafloor surveying. In the past few years many OES students have gone on to...
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
This module will present a variety of different types of geophysical, oceanographic and remote sensing data and will explore methods for processing and analysing and interpreting using MATLAB.
This module deals with contemporary issues in geology and geophysics. It will develop your presentation and writing skills. It includes an independent study of two chosen contemporary topics supported by electronic journal resources. The topics are provid...
The course provides a comprehensive treatment of the geophysics of the Solid Earth.
You will be required to undertake an individual research project in year 4. This could involve an external organisation (e.g. industry or research institution) or be hosted by one of the NOCS Research Groups. Candidates are expected to take the initiative...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:
This module looks at the operation of the Ocean as a biogeochemical entity within the larger Earth System. There is a strong focus on how the Earth System will respond to anthropogenic impacts and global change.
This module aims to increase your research-led analytical skills in the handling of sub-surface data using the digital tools routinely employed within the carbon capture and storage (CCS) and energy industries. The course is almost entirely work-station d...
The rate of global mean sea-level rise is accelerating and will increasingly threaten low-lying coastal areas in many ways, including raising extreme sea-levels and increasing the frequency of coastal flooding. This course will give you an understanding o...
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
Nicholas Harmon 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:
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site investigations for cables and pipelines, wind farms, sea defences or oil and gas platforms
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petroleum geophysics
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hazard monitoring and archaeological geophysics
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private, public and military organisations
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research laboratories
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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 £23,720.
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
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