Geophysics with a Placement Year
- Study level:
- Undergraduate
- Awarded by:
- University of East Anglia

Course summary
Overview
Our BSc Geophysics degree with a placement year is designed for curious minds eager to explore the dynamic and forces shaping our planet. Geophysics merges the power of physics, mathematics, and earth sciences, offering you a unique opportunity to make a real impact on our changing world.
Geophysics at UEA combines our strengths in solid earth geophysics, marine science, and atmospheric science. This programme explores questions such as: What happens inside a volcano? How can we forecast earthquakes and mitigate the impact? Why do we experience extreme weather? How can we make the transition to sustainable and secure energy? With a geophysics degree at UEA, you’ll explore geophysics in the context of the entire Earth system. You’ll study the Earth’s many processes, from the seas and skies to the deep interior, and learn about the way they shape our environment. You’ll have the choice of a wide range of diverse modules, spanning from geophysical hazards to ocean system and geo-resources for a sustainable future. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a year gaining valuable experience on a work placement.
Geophysics offers practical solutions to some of the most significant challenges facing our planet, such as environmental sustainability, resource exploration, and natural hazard assessment. At UEA, you’ll develop key geophysical skills through exciting fieldwork and interdisciplinary study. This degree will unlock a wide range of career paths, from working in environmental consulting and energy exploration to contributing to future-shaping research in academia. Geophysics graduates from UEA are highly sought after in industries. UEA is one of the best places to study geophysics– we're ranked 16th in the UK for Geophysics by “QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024”.
This four-year course will inspire a lifelong understanding of the way the Earth works. You’ll explore how the whole Earth system, and its interactions, shape our environment. You’ll engage in a significant amount of fieldwork in various geological environments where you’ll learn to use a variety of state-of-the-art geophysical instruments and software, including seismic, electrical and magnetic imaging tools, ground-penetrating radar, and advanced modelling techniques. You’ll also develop practical skills that are in high demand across industries. Check out this solar water pump start-up project, founded by UEA graduates. You’ll also spend a year on a work placement which will increase your employability and give you the opportunity to put your learning into practice.
At the School of Environmental Sciences, you’ll benefit from a broad choice of subject material offered by our experienced and passionate faculty members who are actively involved in ground-breaking research. You’ll have the chance to specialise in your field of interest to an advanced level. You can tailor your degree towards geological geophysics, geohazards, meteorology and climatology, or oceanography – or study a combination of them all. You can also learn about how to manage big data from techniques such as remote sensing, using advanced techniques including machine learning, and artificial intelligence (AI).
Disclaimer
Course details are subject to change. You should always confirm the details on the provider’s website: www.uea.ac.uk
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
Application codes
- Course code:
- F660
- Institution code:
- E14
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Chat to student ambassadors
Discover what it's like to study Geophysics with a Placement Year at University of East Anglia UEA: insights on the course, making friends, personal statement tips, uni prep, and recommended books, podcasts, and videos.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM
Access to HE Diploma - D: 30 credits M: 15 credits
Scottish Higher - AABBB
Scottish Advanced Higher - CCC
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
T Level
GCSE Requirements: GCSE English Language grade 4 or C and GCSE Mathematics grade 4 or C.
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes – please see our website www.uea.ac.uk/apply/undergraduate/contextual-admissions for further information.
We welcome a wide range of qualifications - for further information please visit our website www.uea.ac.uk
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6 | IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in each component). |
Contextual admissions
This course may make contextual offers. This means that we use additional information to understand and recognise your potential to succeed at UEA. Using this insight, we could provide you with an offer with reduced entry requirements to study at UEA. You don’t need to do anything to be considered – if eligible we will process your contextual offer automatically, based on the data we hold in your application. We do not make contextual offers during clearing. Check our website for eligibility.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.
- Data from:
- This course and 18 other geography, earth and environmental studies courses
- Date range:
- 2022-2024
Grades held by accepted students
- AAA
- Highest grades
- CCD
- Lowest grades
Offer rate for UK school & college leavers
Students aged 17/18 who applied to this course were offered a place.
How do you compare?
See how students with your grades have been accepted onto this course in the past.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| International | £29300 | Year 1 |
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
Tuition fees increase annually for all students in subsequent years of study. Any fee increase is based on the fee for the year that you register. Home undergraduate fees, whose rates are regulated by the UK Government, will be amended in line with any alteration advised by the UK Government. Fees not regulated by the UK Government will increase by a maximum of 4% or RPI-X whichever is the higher. RPI-X is the Retail Prices Index excluding mortgage interest.
For further information about additional costs for your course and information on fee status please see our website.
University of East Anglia UEA
Norwich Research Park
Norwich
NR4 7TJ
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Admissions Service
Email:admissions@uea.ac.uk
Phone:01603 591515
