Geophysics plays a key role in understanding what lies beneath the earth's surface. This knowledge is vital for large engineering projects such as wind farms, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and hydrogen storage complexes.
With our geophysics master's degree course, you'll learn how to apply the geophysical techniques needed to sustainably explore Earth’s resources. The skills, knowledge and experience you'll gain will help you start a successful career and become a leader in geophysics and sustainable development.
You'll be based at our Waterfront Campus at The National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for marine education and research. Here you'll be studying the part of our planet’s subsurface which is essential to moving forward with the energy transition, and helping to transform the lives of others by decarbonising our economy.
During your studies, you'll develop your understanding of modern survey methods, and gain experience in planning surveys. You'll also gather, process and analyse data which is critical to enabling safe and efficient development.
To achieve this, you'll have access to our research boat, R.V. Callista, and facilities to help you broaden your skills and knowledge.
As an MSc Geophysics student, you'll also benefit from:
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
The course leader(s) is Professor Tim Henstock, Professor of Geophysics.
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
To apply for this course, you'll need at least a 2:2 or equivalent degree in one of the following subjects:
We will consider other degree qualifications on a case-by-case basis.
If you don't have a degree in maths or studied some maths as part of your degree, you'll also need an A level or equivalent qualification in maths.
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before you start your course.
If you don’t meet direct entry requirements, you can apply to complete a Pre-Master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the programme. Find out more about Pre-Master's programmes for international students.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Our geophysics master's degree course will prepare you for a career linked to sustainable development, such as renewable energy.
It will include practical experience based on the University research vessel, R.V. Callista. You'll also get the chance to work with multiple industry-standard software packages for data processing and analysis.
The programme has a strong emphasis on coursework, a lot of which is based on industry or industry-equivalent datasets. You'll participate in activities and assessments that replicate what you will encounter in your future career.
We also expect to work with industry partners to design many of our research projects.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
You must study the following modules :
You must also choose from the following modules :
This programme will use a range of different learning and teaching approaches, including:
You'll be taught by an experienced teaching and pastoral team, whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on your course. This team includes:
Trained postgraduate research students may also help teach seminars and be involved in practical classes, project work and field trips. The module leader will supervise these contributions.
When you're not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions, you'll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve:
We use assessment techniques that ensure the work you do on this degree mirrors what you'll encounter in your future career. Typically, this will include data acquisition, data analysis and laboratory or computer exercises.
Modes of assessment include formal written reports and oral presentations aimed at a range of audiences, such as clients, managers, or peers.
You'll have informal opportunities to test your understanding of the subject before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your module mark.
Formal assessments, also known as summative assessments, usually take place at the end of each module, although you may have interim assessments throughout some modules. The marks from summative assessments will count towards your module mark.
We will allocate a personal academic tutor to you once you arrive at the University. This is normally a member of academic staff in your own or a related subject area.
Your personal academic tutor will offer one-to-one support and advice throughout your time at Southampton, and will support you in your studies or with other issues you may have.
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees for a year's study:
If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.
Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.
Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course.
If you study part-time, you may not be eligible for this loan. Find out if you're eligible.
A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Ocean and Earth Science.
Find out more about Southampton Ocean and Earth Science Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.
The Society for Underwater Technology’s Educational Support Fund offers sponsorship awards to high calibre undergraduate and postgraduate students embracing at least one relevant component area of marine science, underwater technology or offshore engineering. Find out more about the funding by visiting our website.
A number of bursaries are offered by the Energy Transition Centre. The University can nominate two people based on offers held in early April.
A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 2 September 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
The deadline to apply for this course is Wednesday 19 August 2026, midday UK time.
We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.
There is no application assessment fee for postgraduate courses starting in 2026.
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
You'll also need to submit two academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.
If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.
Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
