Geophysics and Geology BSc (Hons)

Level: Undergraduate

Subject: Earth Sciences and Environment

Year of entry: 2026

Key facts

UCAS Code

F690

Award

BSc (Hons)

Duration of study

4 years

Delivery

Full-time

Study location

King's Buildings campus

Start date

September 2026

School

School of GeoSciences

College

College of Science and Engineering

Study abroad

Available

Placement

No

Open days and events

About the degree programme

If you are curious about how our planet works on the inside (geophysics) and on the outside (geology), and want to help solve some of our biggest global challenges, this programme may be for you.

What is geophysics?

Geophysics is about understanding the complex interactions between the Earth's systems using physics. We explore everything from the Earth's core to the atmosphere.

For example:

  • studying what causes natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanoes
  • using satellites and drones to collect data on how the Earth behaves through a process called remote sensing
  • understanding the physics of environmental change to find ways to reduce the harmful impact of human activity
  • predicting human impacts on the rapidly changing climate by understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact

The interdisciplinary nature of geophysics defines much of what we do. It is also the reason why geophysics plays an important role in creating a more sustainable future for everyone.

GeoSciences - Do you want to change the world (Extraordinary)

 

How long it takes to complete this degree programme

This programme is studied over 4 years.

A key benefit to studying a 4-year degree programme is that you have the flexibility to study a range of subjects, outside your chosen degree programme, in Year 1 and Year 2.

This allows you the opportunity to study other courses that interest you or enhance your degree. By the end of Year 2, you can decide which of these subject areas you want to focus on in the honours years of your programme.

How long it takes to complete our degree programmes

Programme rankings

  • 6th in the UK for geophysics in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • 6th in the UK for geology in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
  • 5th in the UK, and world's top 30 universities for natural sciences subjects in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025

Programme benefits

  • Learn from one of the UK's largest and most successful groups of geographers, and Earth and environmental scientists.
  • Be taught by leading national and international Earth scientists across a range of fields.
  • Study a research-led, industry-informed degree that has real-world relevance and enhances your employability.
  • Gain valuable networking and potential employment opportunities through our connections. You can meet and interact with professionals from different sectors, and gain insight into working environments, where Earth scientists make contributions to our everyday lives.
  • Benefit from studying both geophysics and geology and from how these subjects intersect with one another.
  • There is currently a large demand for geophysics graduates in industry.

Find your entry requirements

Use the dropdowns to find out your entry requirements.

  1. Select the country or region where you are studying or where you studied your qualification.
  2. Select the qualification you are studying or studied.
United Kingdom,

Tuition fees for BSc (Hons) Geophysics and Geology

View the tuition fees for one academic year of BSc (Hons) Geophysics and Geology.

Tuition fees for this programme

Additional costs

The School of GeoSciences does not charge extra fees for compulsory field trips or field courses.

Costs of travel, accommodation and general upkeep on compulsory field trips are covered by the programme, thanks to the continued support of our generous alumni community.

However, you are responsible for any incidental/personal expenses. This may include suitable outdoor clothing and footwear. For more local excursions, you may occasionally be asked to make your own way there using public transport.

Dissertation costs

There may be some costs associated with your dissertation research project, including field costs. You can design your dissertation project to reduce costs.

The School of GeoSciences also provides a £200 allowance for using facilities to support your dissertation project.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that a single student can potentially spend £1,023 to £2,043 on living costs each month, depending on your accommodation.

This estimate covers the costs of:

  • accommodation
  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel within Edinburgh
  • health and wellbeing costs

See a breakdown of living costs

Scholarships and funding

Funding information

You can find detailed information on financial support available, based on where you are living, in our funding section.

Funding

What you will study

Our degree offers you the best of both subjects.

Many people confuse geology and geophysics, as both disciplines study the Earth and how it works. For example, they both explore the mechanisms behind plate tectonics.

However:

  • Geologists focus on the materialistic surface, namely rocks and minerals, of the Earth and its evolution.
  • Geophysicists are mainly concerned about the mechanical and thermal structure of the Earth and the force balance in the Earth’s physical processes, including its internal composition and atmosphere.

As a student in geophysics and geology, you will learn about:

  • the microscopic properties of minerals
  • the structure and composition of the Earth
  • how large-scale forces such as gravity, seismology and magnetism shape the Earth
  • our Earth's past to forecast and safeguard its future
  • the impact of global climate change on our world

By studying this degree, you will learn from our wide range of experienced academics across a range of Earth science disciplines.

The exciting nature of geophysics and geology means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.

Your programme begins with a broad grounding of topics across Earth sciences and the environment.

You will:

  • Build on this foundation while exploring new and varied topics in the following years.
  • Develop independence and confidence as you progress through your studies.

You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link below.

Study pathways

We have three degree streams that specialise in geophysics:

In addition to the BSc, we also offer five-year MEarthPhys versions of these programmes, with or without a professional placement.

You do not need to apply to more than one geophysics degree.

Switching degrees

You may be able to switch between the different geophysics streams in Year 1 as you discover what you prefer. From Year 2, our geophysics degrees become more specialised for their different degree streams.

In this stream, you can typically switch to:

  • MEarthPhys Geophysics and Geology until Year 4 of your programme
  • MEarthPhys Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement until Year 3

In addition:

  • Many of the courses in Years 1 and 2 are also shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees.
  • Depending on the courses you take, it may be possible to switch between these degrees as you discover the subjects you like best.
  • You will then specialise in the subject of your choice in later years.

Please note that some later courses may not be available if you have not taken the necessary pre-requisite courses. You should discuss your interests with your Cohort Lead to ensure that these options are still available to you.

Option courses

One of the best things about a Scottish undergraduate degree is the amount of electives (called 'option courses') you can study. You have the opportunity to take option courses outside your degree in Year 2.

You can choose courses related to your degree, or you can try something different and new to you.

Changes to teaching and learning

We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However, there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to make sure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

We try to provide a wide range of option courses to choose from but these can be changed or cancelled at short notice. Course capacity and timetabling constraints can limit places on option courses. Therefore, we cannot guarantee every offer holder their top choice of option courses.

Data innovation

A key feature of our programme is a focus on developing your skills around the generation and analysis of scientific data, aided by a range of computational techniques.

For example:

  • advanced computing and data skills
  • the ability to think in 3D and 4D
  • model building from limited datasets
  • the capability to integrate spatial and temporal information
  • understanding processes on a range of scales
  • extrapolating hypotheses based on small data sets
  • extracting key information from complex sets of observations
  • assessing large data sets and pattern recognition in complex data
  • dealing with complex systems and uncertainties

In your compulsory courses, we will introduce you to the foundations of:

  • geology
  • geophysics
  • mathematics
  • physics

We will help you develop an idea of what you might want to do as a geophysics graduate.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 1 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

You will advance your knowledge in:

  • geology
  • geophysics
  • mathematics
  • physics
  • field skills

You can also choose an option course from across the University. You can choose courses related to your degree, or you can try something different and new to you.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 2 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

Your coursework will become more focused on specialised aspects of your degree.

You will spend more time developing detailed skills.

We will cover:

  • maths and computing
  • measurements and modelling
  • structural geology
  • geology field skills
  • general research skills
Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 3 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

You will develop expert knowledge in a field of your choice.

You can choose one of the following:

  • a major research project
  • a geology mapping project

Your projects will involve independent research in your chosen specialist field. They can be inspired by your area of interest and explored through our world-class facilities and top scientists. We will support you with individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

You will also continue to study courses that further your knowledge in geophysics and geology.

Find courses

The courses you can study will vary from year to year and may be different for your year of entry.

You can get an idea of what you might study by viewing the latest course information for this programme.

Find Year 4 courses (2025-2026 academic year)

Study abroad

There are exciting opportunities to study abroad as part of the University's exchange programmes.

Many of our students spend Year 3 abroad in Europe or other parts of the world. A year abroad can give you invaluable academic and life skills.

In addition to University-wide exchanges, the School of GeoSciences has several subject-specific exchanges. We have partner universities in:

  • Sweden
  • Canada
  • New Zealand

What are my options for going abroad?

Field trips

Field trips are at the heart of this programme. Our compulsory field trips or field courses are free, including travel and accommodation.

We know that getting out in the world is essential for understanding how it works. We will take you beyond the classroom so that you can apply your learning to real-life situations.

For example, you could be:

  • mapping the subsurface of meteorite impacts and volcanic craters
  • exploring the geology of rocks found under the North Sea and comparing with offshore geophysical data
  • travelling abroad and working with international peers to conduct gravity and seismic surveys
What do you do on a field trip?

Our field courses and day excursions are challenging and fun. Often, they will provide some of your most memorable moments.

Our hands-on approach to learning helps build your confidence and practical experience. It also gives you field skills valued by employers.

For example:

  • identify, record and map rocks and structures
  • learn to read a landscape, and understand the complexities of a region's geological history
  • practice model building and testing, and the handling of uncertainty
  • learn how to safely and independently work in remote areas

Our trips also help you to experience working with different types of field equipment, which will help you develop practical skills valued by employers. We have a range of tools and high-tech equipment to take field measurements such as:

  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) - also called 'drones'
  • digital mapping tools
  • geophysical instruments to get electrical resistivity, magnetic data and carry out seismic surveys

Earth science - the importance of hands-on experience

A dynamic learning experience

Our network of leading experts will take part in these excursions.

Field experiences help create a sense of community in your cohort. You will take part in a dynamic learning experience through peer learning where knowledge, ideas, and discoveries thrive.

Working on multidisciplinary problems with your peers prepares you for life after university. Teamwork and collaborative solutions are important for solving the environmental challenges we face.

Your training culminates in the opportunity to conduct your independent research project. An experienced academic will supervise and support you through your work.

The locations and experiences of each trip will vary. Past trips have taken place across various sites in Europe. We want to give you a broad understanding of how the world works. Our goal is to reduce our carbon footprint while providing you with the best training opportunities.

School of GeoSciences field trips

Changes to field trips

Field course locations may change for various reasons, including the health and safety of our students, staff and communities, and to make sure we can maintain the highest standards for your educational experience.

Where suitable, fieldwork will be relocated or rescheduled. We will also look at alternative arrangements that will make sure you achieve the quality learning outcomes of your degree.

We will announce any changes as soon as possible.

Accessibility on field trips

We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. If you cannot attend all trips or only some of them, we will provide alternatives with similar learning outcomes where necessary.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Our research-led, industry-informed teaching draws on the latest developments. By sharing our discoveries with you, we keep your degree up-to-date and exciting.

The types of teaching styles depend on the courses you choose and the topics explored.

Teaching can be through a mix of:

  • lectures
  • tutorials
  • practical classes
  • workshops
  • field trips and field courses
  • project work

You will also design and carry out your project dissertation in Year 4.

Technical training

This degree has a hands-on approach to help you develop a range of specialist and transferable skills.

We will balance:

  • advanced data science
  • programming, computing simulations and modelling
  • use of specialist computer programmes
  • laboratory experience in a range of analytical techniques
  • observational and analytical skills in different field settings
  • geographical information systems (GIS)

Assessment

You will be assessed in different ways, depending on the courses you choose and the nature of the topics explored.

Assessment can be through a mix of:

  • written or practical exams, including multiple-choice exercises
  • laboratory reports and field project reports
  • practical evaluation in the field or field notebooks
  • coursework such as essays
  • posters
  • individual or group projects and presentations

You may also be evaluated in computer programming exercises. Some senior honours courses and projects in Earth sciences and environment involve computational modelling elements.

For your independent research project in Year 4, we will assess your presentation and scientific writing skills.

Support for your studies

We want to help you make the most of your studies with us.

Student Adviser

You will have access to a range of resources and activities to support you during your studies. You will be assigned a Student Adviser for the duration of your degree, who will be your main contact if you have any questions related to academic or pastoral support.

The Student Adviser works closely with academics in your degree and the wider University support services. They can also help you with a wide range of administrative and practical issues, and can direct you to relevant resources or people.

Find out more about student support

Cohort Lead

You will also be assigned a Cohort Lead who will organise activities to help you get to know the other students on your degree.

They will also advise and support you on a range of topics including:

  • course choices
  • how to develop and improve your academic skills
  • how to effectively use feedback
  • advice on your future career opportunities

For your honours dissertation project, you will also receive individual supervision and guidance from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

Our academic staff

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, and Earth and environmental scientists in the UK. Many of us are world experts in our field.

  • We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.
  • Our world-leading University is driving efforts to better understand the processes that control environmental change around the globe.
  • Our work aims to mitigate climate change and transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our staff will include the latest research in your teaching, and share our discoveries with you.

Where you will study

Study location

Most teaching occurs in the School of GeoSciences, at the University's King's Buildings campus. On this campus, the School of GeoSciences is mostly based in the Grant Institute, and the Crew Building.

Depending on the option courses you choose, you may study at different campus locations in Edinburgh.

King's Buildings campus

The King's Buildings (KB) is the main campus of the College of Science and Engineering.

The King's Buildings campus is around 15 minutes from central Edinburgh. It is easily accessible by bus. You can also cycle (10 minutes) or walk (25 minutes) to the campus from the central area.

Academic facilities

The School of GeoSciences houses a wide range of cutting-edge facilities and services. We also host several collaborative centres of research excellence.

We have a hands-on approach to learning, so you will have access to our:

  • specialist research facilities
  • laboratories
  • supercomputers
  • field equipment

You will:

  • have access to a range of high-tech facilities, letting you analyse various types of samples
  • collect some of these samples during field excursions and for your independent research project
  • conduct field measurements using various techniques used in Earth and environmental sciences
  • have access to digital field equipment and UAV unoccupied aerial vehicles (drones) to conduct measurements using various techniques

You will also be given a dedicated undergraduate student learning space during your honours years. You can use this space for your independent work, to study with others and socialise with your peers.

Computing facilities

We also have advanced computing facilities, where you will be able to:

  • perform advanced geographic information systems (GIS) analysis
  • run cutting-edge meteorological and geophysical computer models
  • make the most out of digital field mapping tools
University facilities

You will have access to the facilities across all University sites.

For example:

  • libraries
  • study spaces (some study spaces are open 24 hours)
  • computing facilities
  • social spaces
  • leisure facilities

Career paths

Geophysics graduates are in high demand. By studying this degree, a range of career opportunities are open to you.

For example, you could work in:

  • environmental geophysics
  • hydrogeology
  • industrial management and administration
  • renewable energy
  • environmental protection
  • natural hazards

The skills you develop with us are also highly transferable. You can work in other sectors such as:

  • engineering
  • finance
  • business
  • consultancy
  • government or civil service positions

Where do our graduates find employment?

Our graduates have gained employment in roles such as:

  • geophysicist
  • meteorologist
  • waste resource manager
  • hydrogeologist
  • resource discovery
  • environmental consultant
  • sustainability consultant
  • minerals surveyor
  • energy resources manager

A sustainable future

The United Nations Sustainable Development Goals are a call for action to address the significant global challenges of our generation. There are 17 overarching goals with a timeline set to 2030. Nearly all countries in the world have committed to this plan, with societies rapidly adjusting to meet these goals. They address challenges such as:

  • climate change
  • environment
  • water
  • food inequality
  • protecting our planet
  • sustainable growth and energy supplies

Earth sciences and geophysics are at the heart of these efforts. With this degree, you can work in fields that directly contribute to the UN's Sustainable Development Goals.

Careers Service

We support you in recognising the many possibilities ahead.

Our award-winning Careers Service plays an essential part in your student experience. We also support you after graduation.

We provide:

  • tailored advice
  • individual guidance
  • internships and networking opportunities (with employers from local organisations to top multinationals)
  • access to the experience of our worldwide alumni network

We invest in your future beyond the end of your degree. Studying here is about laying the foundations for your future success.

Visit our Careers Service

Further study

Our programmes also prepare you for entry into relevant postgraduate degree programmes. Many of our students progress to further postgraduate study and research.

Graduate profiles

Hear directly from our alumni to find out more about the possible careers open to you.

School of GeoSciences undergraduate alumni profiles

How to apply

You must submit a full application through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) before the relevant deadline.

Guidance on applying through UCAS

What you need to apply

As part of your application, you will need:

  • your academic qualifications
  • a personal statement
  • evidence of your English language skills (with relevant qualifications)
  • a reference

How we select

If you have met, or are predicted to meet, all our entry requirements by the relevant deadline, then your application will go into our selection process.

As part of this selection process, we will review all the information you submit in your UCAS application when we decide who to select for this degree programme.

How we select applicants

When to apply

  • 2026 entry UCAS deadline: 14 January 2026 (6:00pm GMT)

This is the deadline for all UK, EU and international applicants to non-medicine and veterinary medicine programmes.

To find out if any degree programmes have spaces after 14 January 2026, search the University of Edinburgh on the UCAS website.

Search degrees that are open on the UCAS website

Key application dates and deadlines

After you apply

After you have applied for your degree programme, we suggest you have a look at the following information to help you prepare for university:

Applying as an international student

As an international student, you apply for this degree programme through UCAS.  

Find out more about applying through UCAS  

Visas and immigration 

If you do not have the right to live in the UK, you will need to apply for and secure a Student visa before the start date of your degree programme.  

Our Student Immigration Service can help you with the Student visa application process. 

Applying for a visa  

Agents  

An education agent is someone who can help you with the application process as an international student. 

We work with education agents around the world and have a list of local offices you can contact.  

Find contact details for an education agent

What our students say

What is it really like to study with us?

No one knows what it is like to study here better than the students themselves.

Our students are sharing their experiences, from studying to living in Edinburgh and everything in between.

Get social with us:

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single undergraduate students from outside Edinburgh. To be eligible, you need to meet all criteria and apply for accommodation by 16 August in the year of your entry to the University.

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sports clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Edinburgh is not only a fantastic city to live in, it is also the perfect location to study the Earth sciences. Did you know that Edinburgh is the 'birthplace' of modern geology and Earth sciences?

An ancient volcano known as 'Arthur's Seat' forms part of a magnificent park in the middle of our city. Superb geological locations are right on our doorstep, providing you with world-class outdoor training grounds. Many of these sites are of scientific importance. For example, the world-famous 'Hutton's Unconformity' at Siccar Point is just a short trip away.

We will help you make the most of our local surroundings throughout your studies.

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include:

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustment

Health and wellbeing support services

Contact us

Contact us through our enquiry team if you have any questions about this programme.

Open days, events and visits

Find out when our next open days will be taking place

Open days, events and visits

Chat to our students on Unibuddy

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