About this course
At Southampton, Geophysics is a wide-ranging degree, which combines many of the sciences. We have strong links with industry, excellent facilities and offer many fieldwork opportunities. You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue a career in anything from oil and gas exploration to offshore surveys. You'll spend a year abroad at one of our partner institutions and boost your employability.
This course is subject to revalidation for 2022 entry.
Geophysics is the science of applying physical principles to help us understand our world. It works at the intersection of many different science disciplines, including:
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mathematics
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physics
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astronomy
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geography
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archaeology
At Southampton, you'll learn about current geophysics and gain a range of geophysical, geological and mathematical skills. These include practical field skills and computer programming.
This wide-ranging course is one of only a few in the UK that combines terrestrial and marine geophysics.
You can shape the course to your personal interests or career plans by choosing options that explore subjects like:
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climate change
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physical oceanography
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hydrocarbons
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our unique seafloor surveying module
You'll spend a semester at one of our partner universities abroad, including the USA, Norway, Netherlands and Australia. You can experience a new culture, teaching approach and different modules.
As part of this course you can:
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study in a world-leading research institution, National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
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access superb, industry-standard facilities, including the National Oceanographic Library and 150 laboratories
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develop your mapping skills, geophysical survey experience, data acquisition and analytical techniques on residential field courses in the UK and abroad
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benefit from our many links to geophysical and geological companies
Accreditation by The Geological Society of London means that our teaching is of the highest quality and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists.
Course locations
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield.
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
We are not accepting applications for this course starting in September 2022
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.
Other requirements
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.
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
Within the modular system, this Geophysics degree will let you develop your interests, and apply physics to studying the Earth's systems or even other planets.
In your third year, you will study a variety of advanced modules at one of our partner institutions abroad. You'll return to Southampton to complete your studies in your fourth year.
A major part of all our degree programmes is the research project. Students can collaborate with their former overseas host university for their project.
Our Curriculum Innovation Programme offers you the chance to take optional modules outside of your chosen subject area. You can also take a language module, which may count towards your degree.
Year 1 overview
You'll gain the core mathematical knowledge needed for geoscientists, and skills for scientists in general. You'll examine:
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the earth and matter
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electricity
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magnetism
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earth materials
You'll have a choice of optional modules.
Year 2 overview
You'll extend your knowledge and skills through fieldwork. You'll study structural geology and get an introduction to Geographic Information Systems (GIS). Optional modules will let you follow your own interests from classical mechanics to a deep exploration of oceanography. You can also study structural geology and the origin, structure and composition of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Year 3 overview
You'll do your third year at one of our overseas partner institutions. Options include:
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Pennsylvania State University, United States
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University of Bergen, Norway
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James Cook University, Australia
You'll study a variety of advanced modules, which often focus on research methods and fieldwork.
During the summer holiday before year 3, you'll complete a Geophysics field course.
Year 4 overview
You'll undertake an individual research project on a topic of your choosing. A member of staff will help you decide on a topic and give you ongoing supervision.
You'll also choose from a range of specialised optional modules.
The Barrel Award module is a team project to compete in an international competition. It is organised by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
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.
The major concepts covered are: - The abstraction from forces to fields using the examples of the electric and magnetic fields, with some applications - The connection between conservative forces and potential energy - How charges move through electri...
This course introduces the ideas of thermal physics, contrasting the complexity of a world composed of huge numbers of sub-microscopic particles with the simplicity of the thermodynamic laws that govern its large-scale behaviour.
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...
It will arm students with a basic knowledge of optics, including ray propagation, polarization and diffraction, and introduce the dual wave and particle characteristics of light and matter. It provides a base for further study of optics, wave physics and ...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
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...
The module covers both development of relevant techniques, methodology and other key skills for geophysical fieldwork, and a practical field course. The aim of the Physics Skills component is to develop a range of skills needed by geophysicists, including...
You must also choose from the following modules in year 2:
Beginning with a review of Newton's Laws applied to systems of particles, the course moves on to rotational motion, dynamical gravity (Kepler's Laws) and motion in non-inertial reference frames. Systems of coupled oscillators are studied.
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
This module forms part of the Geophysics Study Abroad programme currently undertaken at Penn State University, USA.
This module focuses on the chemical and physical processes affecting the sea floor, including the properties and origin of oil and gas and deformation of the Earth's crust. It is delivered at Penn State University.
Year 4 modules
You must study the following modules in year 4:
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...
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
There is a shortage of geophysicists around the world, so you'll be well placed to gain employment with a wide variety of global companies when you graduate. This could include roles such as:
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traditional energy exploration
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offshore surveys for wind farms
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assessing hazards related to submarine cables
Unique modules such as Seafloor Surveying will give you skills that are in high demand for offshore engineering work, such as wind farms and cable installation.
As a graduate of this geophysics with year abroad integrated master's you'll be prepared to work in areas such as:
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offshore engineering
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marine geophysical survey
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archaeology
The degree is also a good foundation for study and research at postgraduate level.
We host an annual careers fair at the National Oceanography Centre. It is attended by over 25 key employers all looking for Southampton graduates.
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.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
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: F661
- 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
