Your MSci Geophysics and Geology course will give you broad knowledge of contemporary geophysics and a range of geophysical, geological and mathematical skills, including excellent field skills and computer programming. You will gain an in-depth understanding of geological processes that have shaped the Earth and how physical principles can be applied to study processes operating in, on and around our planet.
If you are looking for a professional career in geophysics or quantitative Earth science, this is the programme for you. This degree will equip you skills you can transfer readily into the world of work, and our students have been very successful in finding summer placements and subsequent employment in the geophysical industry.
Accredited by the Geological Society of London, this means that our teaching is of the highest quality and approved by an independent body of academics and experts.
Geology at the University of Southampton is ranked in the top 50 globally and 8th among UK universities (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021).
Course Details - Modules
We have a varied range of modules for all years. Examples of core modules for year one will include:
Dynamic Earth,
Earth Materials,
Earth and Ocean System,
Key Skills for Geoscientists,
Mathematical Methods for Scientists 1b,
Mathematical Methods for Scientists 1a,
Dynamic Landscapes,
Introduction to Ocean Biogeochemistry,
Physics of the Ocean.
For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.
Course Details – Assessment Method
The learning activities for this course include the following: lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group projects and independent learning (studying on your own).
We’ll assess you using: coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, oral presentations and written exams.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
The Geological Society
How to Apply
26 January 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:
GG89
Institution code:
S27
Campus Name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
AAB to include Maths and one further science subject. Science practical components must be passed. General Studies, Critical Thinking and Use of Mathematics are excluded for entry.
Contextual offer: ABB including Maths and one further science subject
We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject).
Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
The University of Southampton recognises the educational value of taking AS Levels alongside three A Levels and the breadth of studying additional subjects. However, all of our programmes express their entry criteria in terms of three subjects offered at A Level with selection decisions being informed, in part, by actual or predicted grades in those subjects (excluding General Studies, Use of Maths and Critical Thinking).
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
DD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Maths and one further science subject.
ABB from three A-levels including Maths and one further science, and grade A in the EPQ
Pass with overall score of 34 points, with 17 points required at higher level: including 5 and 6 points from Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretations) and one further science subject
International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):
The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered.
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
DDD + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to to include Maths and one further science subject.
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to to include Maths and one further science subject.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent),to include Maths and one further science subject.
D + AA at A-Level (or equivalent), to include Maths and one further science subject.
AA from two A-levels including Maths and one further science subject and grade B in the the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
D3, D3, M2 to include Maths and one further science subject.
Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
GCSEs: achieve at least a Grade 4 in English, Science and Mathematics GCSEs (taken in England) or a Grade C in both subjects (where taken in Northern Ireland or Wales).
English Language proficiency for international students: All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency. For more information on the University of Southampton’s English Language entry requirements, please see the English Language Proficiency webpage.
AQA Tech Levels: The University accepts the new AQA Tech Level qualification, which must be offered in combination with at least one A Level. For degrees in Engineering, Computing and related subjects, the A Level must be in Mathematics and the units M1 and M2 must be taken. Typical entry criteria for degrees in Engineering will be to achieve an A in the A Level plus D*D in the Tech Level, or A* in the A Level plus DD in the Tech Level. For Computer Science and Information and Technology in Organisations, typical offers will be to achieve an A in the A Level and DD in the Tech Level.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
