Geophysics Degree
Study Geophysics
This broadly-based programme provides a complete study of the physics of the solid Earth and its constituent materials, and of its the atmosphere, oceans and ice sheets, leading to a firm foundation in geology, geological fieldwork, physics, mathematics and computing. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.

Benefits
Degree Benefits
- The programme includes up to three months of field classes in the UK and continental Europe, with financial support from the Department.
- UCL has state-of-the-art geophysical instruments including the new must-do technique of ground penetrating radar (GPR), a new magnetometer/gradiometer (for archaeological and environmental surveys) and new, modern seismics.
- The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London, and the department will pay one year's subscription for you to become a student fellow of the society.
- World-leading research in mineral, ice and rock physics, and in geophysical hazards, is undertaken in the department and is used in the development of our courses.
Together with subject-specific skills, geophysics graduates have a wide range of transferable skills, developed through fieldwork, computer modelling and independent research, which are highly valued by employers in general, offering opportunities for careers in the City, commerce and government.
Degree Overview
In their first two years all students study a common geophysics syllabus covering the fundamentals of global geophysics, geophysical instruments and fieldwork, laboratory rock and ice physics, seismology, physics of the earth's deep interior, weather, ice sheets and climate. Theoretical studies are integrated with a large element of illustrative practical work both in the laboratory and in the field. In the third and fourth years there is the opportunity to specialise in, for example, the environmental aspects of the subject.
Options will also be available in planetary science, such as Astrobiology, and space science, such as Solar and Magnetospheric Physics.
A modern approach to teaching is used with courses based around laboratory practicals utilising sophisticated research-level equipment, and around theory workshops. Fieldwork training is provided in both first and second years. Third year teaching is predominantly research-led and in the fourth year a major independent research project is taken.
The first two years of the BSc and MSci programmes will be the same. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for a major individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge. We recommend you apply for an MSci initially, as this keeps more options open.
Your Learning
We use a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials to enable you to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme, as well as to develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working and organisational skills.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports and an oral examination.
Modules
Geophysics Modules
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: | ||
GEOL1001 |
0.5 |
Earth Materials |
GEOL1013 |
0.5 |
The Earth |
PHAS1245 | 0.5 | Mathematical Methods I |
PHAS1247 | 0.5 | Classical Mechanics |
Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: | ||
GEOL1002 | 0.5 | From Petrology to Petrogenesis |
GEOL1004 | 0.5 | Dynamic Earth |
GEOL1012 | 0.5 | Surface Processes |
PHAS1246 | 0.5 | Mathematical Methods II |
Fieldwork: | ||
Dorset/Devon Coast |
Part of GEOL1012 Surface Processes (takes place in the Easter vacation) |
|
Cornwall/Devon Coast | Part of GEOL1002 From Petrology to Petrogenesis |
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: | ||
GEOL2014 | 0.5 | Global Geophysics |
GEOL2027 |
0.5 |
Structural Geology & Tectonics |
PHAS2201 |
0.5 |
Electricity & Magnetism |
PHAS2246 | 0.5 |
Mathematical Methods III |
Options: See note below* |
||
GEOL2026 |
0.5 |
Maps, Images & Structures |
PHAS2117 |
0.5 |
Physics of the Solar System |
Fieldwork: | ||
Scotland |
Part of GEOL2026 Maps, Images & Structures (taught at the end of the preceding summer) Term 2 - Spring Term |
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: |
||
GEOL2029 |
0.5 |
Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences |
Options: See note below* |
||
GEOL2009 | 0.5 |
Surface Processes & Structures (Please note that GEOL2026 Maps, Images & Structures is a pre-requisite for this module) |
GEOL2010 | 0.5 | Igneous Petrology |
GEOL2016 |
0.5 |
Principles of Climate |
GEOL2028 |
0.5 |
Isotope Geology |
Fieldwork: | ||
Pyrenees |
Part of GEOL2009 Surface Processes & Structures (taught at the Easter vacation) |
*Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Statistical Science. Please check with the Geophysics Director for approval (c.lithgow-bertelloni@ucl.ac.uk) You may NOT select PHAS2427.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: |
||
GEOL3030 | 0.5 |
Field Geophysics |
GEOL3047 |
0.5 |
Seismology I |
Options: See note below* |
||
GEOL3039 |
0.5 |
Ocean Physics & Climate Change |
GEOL3050 |
0.5 |
Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes |
Fieldwork: | ||
Marble Hill House, Twickenham, SW London |
Part of GEOL3030 Field Geophysics (takes place in September preceding the start of Year 3) |
Term 1 & 2
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: |
||
GEOL3003 | 1.0 | Geodynamics & Global Tectonics |
Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: |
||
GEOL3048 |
0.5 |
Seismology II |
Options: See note below* |
||
GEOL3040 |
0.5 |
Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element) |
GEOL3043 | 0.5 |
Earth Resources & Sustainability |
GEOL3045 |
0.5 |
Groundwater Science |
GEOL3046 |
0.5 |
Marine Geology |
GEOL3049 |
0.5 |
Advanced Geochemistry |
PHAS3247 |
0.5 |
Climate and Energy |
Fieldwork: | ||
SE Spain |
GEOL3040 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only; no classroom element) |
Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Statistical Sciences. Please check with the Geophysics Stream Director for approval (c.lithgow-bertelloni@ucl.ac.uk) Please not you may NOT select PHAS3661.
MSci Co-ordinator: Professor David Dobson
Before entry to the Fourth Year of an MSci course, a student should nomally have passed at least 11 course units, with at least three course units at advanced level, and achieved a mean mark of at least 60% for the Third Year of study.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Options: See note below* |
||
GEOLM006 | 0.5 | Earth & Planetary Materials |
GEOLM008 |
0.5 |
Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard(places are limited and cannot be guaranteed) |
GEOLM010 | 0.5 | Tectonic Geomorphology |
GEOLM045 |
0.5 |
Sustainable Management of the Environment |
Term 1 & 2
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Compulsory: |
||
GEOLM003 |
0.5 |
Earth & Planetary System Science |
GEOLM905 | 1.5 | Independent MSci Project |
Options: |
Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code | Unit Value | Module Title |
Options: See note below* |
||
GEOLM002 | 0.5 | Earthquake Seismology & Earthquake Hazards |
GEOLM021 |
0.5 |
Melting & Volcanism |
GEOLM037 | 0.5 | Deep Earth & Planetary Modelling |
Fieldwork: | ||
Germany | Part of GEOLM003 Earth & Planetary System Science |
*Other optional modules are available from Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Engineering and Statistical Science. Please check with the Geophysics Stream Director for approval (c.lithgow-bertelloni@ucl.ac.uk)