BSc
Geophysics BSc (Hons)
Gain the knowledge you need to understand how the Earth works. With this BSc you will learn how Earth systems interact and how data analysis and modelling future behaviours can help solve Earth Science problems.
How to apply Apply via UCAS
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
F665
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAB
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): per year
- Overseas (Full-time): per year
Overview
Understanding the physical processes that control the materials, structure and dynamics of our planet is key to predicting the Earth’s future behaviour and mitigating the global challenges faced by society. Geophysics is essential to creating a more sustainable future for humanity through monitoring natural hazard risks, detecting resources and computer modelling to predict future behaviour. Our flexible Geophysics degree, puts you in control, giving you both the fundamentals and increased specialisation as you progress through the degree, allowing you to choose a pathway of most interest to you. Combining academic excellence and cutting-edge research, the course will equip you with the tools needed for employment in a range of sectors, including mineral exploration and extraction industries, in petroleum exploration companies, and with environmental and hydro-geological industries. The advanced quantitative skills developed during this course can provide a strong base for securing employment outside geoscience, for example, in finance, insurance and banking. You may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year. The fourth year combines a bespoke research project in your specialism, with advanced modules designed to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.
Course details
Start date
Degree Type
BSc
UCAS Code
F665
Course length
3 years full-time
Typical offer
AAB
Tuition Fees
- Home (Full-time): per year
- Overseas (Full-time): per year
What you'll study
In the first year, you will gain a fundamental understanding of Earth Sciences, as well as developing university-level skills in Maths and Physics. Year 2 specialises in the geophysical methods associated with geophysical surveying, data analysis and mathematical modelling of Earth science processes. In Year 3, you will undertake a geophysical research dissertation and develop advanced knowledge in specialist geophysical topics of your choice with the potential for residential field work opportunities.
Core modules
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Field Studies
introduces techniques for description and interpretation of natural geological features. This module also covers mapping skills, and the observation, recording and processing techniques needed for fieldwork and imagery.
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Further Mathematics for Geoscientists
ensures that you have the basic maths techniques needed to solve a range of numerical problems in the geosciences.
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Introductory Data Science
introduces the fundamentals of data acquisition and analysis in a geoscientific context. You will learn how to apply computational tools to manipulate and visualise a range of scientific and geospatial data.
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Sustainability
introduces global issues and concepts around sustainability, with an emphasis on aspects most relevant to Earth Sciences such as water, climate, energy and mineral resources, food resources, and natural hazards, and is thematically taught around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
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Understanding Earth Sciences
covers an introduction to the areas of petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and palaeontology and relates the processes to the plate tectonic cycle.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Earth MaterialsEnvironmental Earth Science
Core modules
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Fieldwork (Geophysical)
gives you hands-on experience of some widely used geophysical field methods used in geophysical surveys, in preparation for your dissertation project.
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Geophysical Data Applications
introduces the fundamental concepts of Earth observation and remote data acquisition techniques, using IT for the manipulation and display of resulting geophysical datasets.
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Geophysical Methods for Geoscientists
introduces the main geophysical exploration methods and explains their application in understanding the geological structure of earth.
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Structural Geology and TectonicsSedimentary EnvironmentsIsotopes and ClimateIgneous and Metamorphic ProcessesModelling Earth ProcessesAncient Life and its EnvironmentFrontiers in PalaeontologyEarth System and Climate: The QuaternaryEarth System and Climate: Long Term Processes
Core modules
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Dissertation
Worth one-third of your final-year marks, you will produce an independent research based on a computing, field or laboratory project chosen to suit your interests.
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Earthquake Sources and Waves
gives a fundamental understanding of the mechanics of rocks and faults that lead to failure and earthquake rupture and looks at the seismological methods used to monitor and characterise earthquakes in current hazard mitigation research.
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Monitoring the Oceans: Geohazards and Climate Change
willprovide a better understanding of a series of emerging themes in ocean science, related to climate change, geohazards, renewable energy or data telecommunications
Optional modules
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In recent years optional modules have included: Western Alps Fieldtrip (Anatomy of a Subduction Zone)Geophysical FlowsEarth Structure and DynamicsGroundwater HydrologyAtmospheric Circulation and DynamicsEnvironmental GeochemistryVolcanology and MagmatismEarth Sciences into SchoolsTectonic Processes and Renewable Geo-resourcesEnvironmental ManagementPolar Quaternary Environmental ProcessesHabitable Environments (Astrobiology)Geochemistry of the Earth
Learning
The course is mainly delivered through a mixture of lectures, practical classes, tutorials and fieldwork. The balance of these activities changes over the degree, as you develop your knowledge and your ability as an independent learner in preparation for professional life or postgraduate study. In Year 1, lectures and practicals dominate the timetable. You are also expected to undertake your own independent study to prepare for your classes and broaden your subject knowledge. The balance starts to shift in the second year, with a move towards self-directed learning and the opportunity to practice research methods during a field course. In the final year, you will carry out a dissertation, producing a significant piece of independent research.Assessment
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, class tests and end-of-year examinations. A significant proportion of your final assessment will be through your research dissertation. The range of assessment methods is designed to assess your knowledge and understanding of subject-specific knowledge, alongside transferable skills in mathematics, scientific writing, informatics, policy, critical analysis and project management.Entry requirements
Fees & Funding
Choose which fees you want to see:
Home / Island students
per year
International / EU Students
per year
Home / Island students
Part Time - per year
International / EU Students
Part Time - per year
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
Find out moreDepartment Information
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Earth Sciences is the holistic study of the planet from the core to the surface, its water and the surrounding atmosphere. Durham is one of the UK’s leading providers of Earth Sciences education. We offer six undergraduate courses, four of which are accredited by The Geological Society of London. Our courses explore the full geological spectrum including climate change, oceans, mass extinctions, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, and the structure and chemistry of the Earth. Our multidisciplinary approach applies physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and physical geography to real world scenarios to make sense of today's major geoscience concerns. Course structures are flexible with a balance of formal teaching, fieldwork and active learning to put your theoretical knowledge into practice. You can tailor your degree to your interests through the wide range of optional modules and you may also be able to spend a year studying abroad, extending your degree by a year. All our degree courses are informed by the latest pure and applied research, and you can be sure your education is in sync with the latest thinking and will help you on your journey to a profession in the Earth Sciences sector and beyond. For more information see our department pages.
Read moreFacilities
Our teaching takes place in the modern, purpose-built Arthur Holmes Building, located on the main University Mountjoy campus, close to other departments, colleges, the Bill Bryson library and the Teaching and Learning Centre.
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Industry standard software
We use industry-standard and research-level software (e.g., ESRI ArcGIS Pro, Python and Matlab), and if your dissertation or research project involves laboratory study, you can access our world-class geochemistry and rock mechanics labs.
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Field trips
Throughout your course you can have the opportunity to develop observation and analytical skills on residential field trips to study mountains, deserts, volcanoes, faults and fossils.
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Modern equipment
We are equipped with brand new optical microscopes and a large teaching collection of rocks, fossils, geological maps, and thin sections.
Find out more -
Career Opportunities
Of those UK/EU students who graduated in 2022/23:
90%
93%
£34,095
Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after Graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk
Employability
More Information
We place research-led teaching at the centre of our programmes because we want you to be at the forefront of knowledge generation in the 21st century. Our undergraduates will lead the fight against the major geoscience problems we face as a society.
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