Skip navigation

Geophysics

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 13 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Central area campus
More about The University of Edinburgh

Course options

2026-20272027-2028
Apply

Course summary

Curious about how our planet works?

Geophysics combines geography, physics and maths to explore Earth systems and help solve global environmental challenges.

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, incorporating seismology, meteorology and elements of geology.

For example, you may:

  • study what causes natural disasters, like earthquakes and volcanoes

  • use natural and man-made seismic waves to understand the internal structure of the Earth

  • use satellites and drones to collect data on how the Earth behaves through a process called remote sensing

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

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

You’ll benefit from the wide range of research interests of our academics – many at the forefront of their field – making it easy for you to tailor your studies to suit your interests.

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.

There is currently a large demand for geophysics graduates in industry. By the end of this degree, you’ll gain sought-after skills in:

  • scientific writing

  • computer modelling

  • data collection in the field

  • presentation and collaboration

Programme benefits

  • One of the few UK degrees combining atmospheric science and solid-Earth geophysics

  • Build future-ready skills. Graduate with skills employers and policymakers need to tackle complex global issues

  • Study a research-led, industry-informed degree that has real-world relevance and enhances your employability

  • Join one of the UK’s largest Earth Science communities. Learn from leading researchers in meteorology, climate science, seismology and geomagnetism

  • 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

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Central area campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 13 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F660
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F660
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA-ABB

Required subjects: A levels: Mathematics at A; Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4. Standard A level requirements must be achieved in one set of exams.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher
ABBB

ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: Mathematics at A; Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34-32

from 34 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL (Standard). 32 points with 655 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6; Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.

We normally make offers to the highest qualified applicants. If competition for places is high this may mean that offers will only be made to applicants who are predicted, or who have achieved, above the single set of grades or the upper grade level in a range. Therefore, achieving the top of our standard entry requirements does not guarantee a place on the relevant degree.

Detailed entry requirements, including typical offer levels, and information about other qualifications we accept, are available on the University of Edinburgh’s website. You’ll also find important information on how to apply. You must submit a fully completed UCAS application that includes details of the qualifications you are taking, including full predicted grades for qualifications not yet completed, your personal statement and your reference. https://study.ed.ac.uk/programmes/undergraduate/2027/49-geophysics?utm_source=ucas&utm_medium=programme&utm_campaign=ug_institution_profiles&utm_content=listing

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level ABB

Required subjects: A levels: Mathematics at A; Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4. Standard A level requirements must be achieved in one set of exams.

Scottish Higher ABBB

ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6 (Standard). ABBB by end of S6 (Minimum). BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: Mathematics at A; Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme Offer: 32

from 34 points with 666 at HL to 32 points with 655 at HL (Standard). 32 points with 655 at HL (Minimum). Required subjects: HL: Mathematics (Analysis and approaches only) at 6; Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
TOEFL (iBT)total 92 with at least 20 in each component (before 21 Jan 2026); total 4.5 with at least 4.0 in each component (from 21 Jan 2026). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English Advancedtotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Cambridge English Proficiencytotal 176 with at least 162 in each component.
Trinity ISEISE II with distinctions in all four components.

You must prove that you can read, write, listen and speak in the English language at a level that will allow you to succeed in your studies. This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals. You can meet our English language requirements with qualifications from school or an English language test. We accept any of the following, at the specified grade or higher: National 5: English at C; GCSE: English at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate: English at C; International Baccalaureate (IB) Standard Level: English at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). Before you apply, check the required subjects for this programme, as you may need a higher English grade to meet the academic requirements. If you don’t have school qualifications that meet our requirements, we accept any of the English language tests, at the specified grade or higher, as detailed above. We also accept other English language tests and qualifications from around the world. Qualifications from the following English language tests must be no more than two years old from the start date of your programme, regardless of your nationality: IELTS, TOEFL, Oxford ELLT, Oxford Test of English Advanced, Trinity ISE. All other types of English language qualification must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of your programme. If you are a national of a majority English-speaking country or region, as defined by UKVI, there is no time limit on how old these other types of English language qualifications can be.https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

The University of Edinburgh welcomes students from the UK and all over the world. We accept a wide range of qualifications and our policies support students with diverse backgrounds and experience. UCAS entry grade data is currently not available for our degrees but we publish admissions statistics on our website. We also provide information on widening access offers and entry requirements.

Learn more on the The University of Edinburgh website

International entry requirements

We accept a wide range of international qualifications. https://study.ed.ac.uk/undergraduate/entry-requirements/international-qualifications

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not available

Historical entry grades data is not currently available for The University of Edinburgh - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
Scotland£1820
England, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & International£40900

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Scotland - Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.

England/Wales/Northern Ireland - The Rest of UK (RUK) students commencing or continuing their studies in September 2027, the tuition fees will be £10,050.

EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.

Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme

Related courses

At The University of Edinburgh

Like this page