Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences

Our planet faces many pressing societal challenges. With a growing population, more and more people are affected by natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather. Space weather is also increasingly impacting the satellites we all rely on as a society.

The climate emergency calls for sustainable exploration and the need for utilising the Earth’s resources to develop sustainable technologies that will combat the impact – from freshwater to minerals.

On this course, you’ll develop fundamental expertise in the physics of the Earth, including ocean and atmospheric physics and the dynamics of the Earth’s and other planets’ interiors. You’ll apply this knowledge to find solutions to complex environmental challenges in areas like climate change, energy transition and hazard mitigation.

You’ll be trained in data analysis, quantitative modelling and computer programming – all skills that are vital to tackling real-world environmental issues. To help further develop your skill set, we place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with a range of field trips throughout the course.

As we move towards a greener, more sustainable future, it’s the skills and expertise you’ll learn on this course that will be invaluable to many industries and governments worldwide.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research that tackles complex global challenges such as climate change, energy security and natural hazard management feeds directly into your course and shapes what you learn at Leeds with the latest thinking.

• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of leading specialists with extensive industry experience from across the breadth of this field.

• Put theory into practice by undertaking fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry.

• Access specialist facilities, featuring extensive lab spaces, including our Earth Visualisation Lab, and computer clusters fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.

• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our exciting study abroad programmes and work placement opportunities.

• Join one of our societies, such as RocSoc or SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at activities such as comedy and film nights, trips and sports. You could even be elected as a member of the committee, which is a great opportunity to develop your management and leadership skills.