Geophysics with Study Abroad (MSci)

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:

• the earth and matter

• electricity

• magnetism

• 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 oversease partner institutions. Options include:

• Pennsylvania State University, United States

• University of Bergen, Norway

• 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.

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.

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:

• traditional energy exploration

• offshore surveys for wind farms

• 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:

• offshore engineering

• marine geophysical survey

• 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.

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK/EU students pay £9,250.
• International students pay £20,970.

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: F661
• 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.