Geophysics and Meteorology with Professional Placement

If you are curious about how our planet works and want to help solve some of our biggest global challenges, geophysics 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.

• By using satellites and drones, we can collect data on how the Earth behaves using a process called remote sensing.

• Understanding the physics of environmental change to find ways to reduce the harmful impact of human activity.

• We can also predict human impacts on the rapidly changing climate by understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact.

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

What is meteorology?

Meteorology uses similar methods and techniques as geophysics to study:

• atmospheric dynamics

• climate change

• meteorological phenomena, such as rain, snow, storms and hurricanes

There is a strong connection between geophysics and meteorology.

Many of the Earth's processes can affect our atmosphere, climate and weather - including:

• gravity

• heat transfer

• ocean currents

• volcanic eruptions

What will I learn?

We will train you in physical principles and mathematical techniques of geophysics. Your training will be combined with study of atmospheric processes and the techniques used to study them.

As a student in geophysics and meteorology, you will learn to apply your knowledge and skills to different fields.

For example:

• studying the Earth's atmosphere, including its structure, thermodynamic processes, rain formation, radiation and air pollution

• interpreting weather systems and climate processes

• monitoring the Earth's changing environment and climate

• mapping environmental pollution above and below ground

• measuring rock and soil properties before civil engineering work

• carbon capture, energy storage and management of water resources

• understanding the behaviour of the Earth's deep interior

• understanding how the Earth and other planets have formed and changed over their lifetime

By studying this degree, you will learn from our wide range of experienced academics across a range of Earth science disciplines. Our research-led, industry-informed teaching makes your degree relevant to the world and helps make you highly employable

We have a hands on approach to learning, so you can develop valuable practical skills. Many of your activities are similar to what professionals do in the real world.

An extraordinary reputation

We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK, many of whom are world experts in their field.

• We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gases 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.

• We are 22nd in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2024.

• We are also in the world's top 50 and the UK's top 10 universities for natural sciences, environmental sciences, geology, geophysics, Earth and marine sciences, (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023).

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