Course summary
Do you want to help solve some of the biggest global challenges facing our planet? Then geophysics may be for you. From record-breaking heatwaves and wildfires to disastrous floods, climate change is already impacting our planet. We have produced world-leading research proving that human-caused climate change has changed both the frequency and severity of extreme weather events. Join us as we explore the amazing planet Earth, from its hot core to its crust, oceans, atmosphere, and everything in between. What is geophysics? Geophysics is about understanding the complex interactions between Earth's systems. We explore everything from liquid metal in the Earth's core to moving continents on the Earth surface. We study the composition of the deep Earth and the rapidly changing composition of the Earth's atmosphere. Science of natural disasters We can use geophysics to monitor the processes that result in catastrophic events. For example, earthquakes, tsunamis, and volcanic eruptions. Big science and big data We use a process called remote sensing to gather vast amounts of data. We often obtain this data through satellites, aircraft and drones. We can collect data from the edges of space to the very centre of the Earth to understand, model and predict how the Earth behaves. Computer science Using coding and building computer models helps us understand complex data and predict how the Earth will behave in the future. Environmental science We are seeking ways to provide renewable sources of energy. Plus, finding the materials and technologies that enable them. Geophysics is also about understanding the physics of environmental change. We can look for ways to mitigate the harmful impact of human activity and repair damages of the past. Climate science Understanding how the atmosphere and oceans interact also allows us to predict the impact of human activities on the rapidly changing climate. We can benchmark our progress towards a net-zero future. Multiscale science Our understanding can range from how atoms behave under immense pressures and temperatures deep within the Earth, to examining interactions between planetary bodies in our solar system and beyond. Bringing it all together It is the interdisciplinarity and interconnected nature of geophysics that defines much of what we do. It is also why geophysics plays such an essential role in creating a more sustainable and equitable future for us all. 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
- gravity
- heat transfer
- ocean currents
- volcanic eruptions
How to apply
This course is not accepting applications at this time. Please contact the provider to find out more.
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:
- K7T8
- Institution code:
- E56
- Campus name:
- Central area campus
- Campus code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - AAA - ABB
Scottish Higher - ABBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 - 34 points
Direct entry to second year is available; see our website for entry requirements. 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.
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - ABB
Scottish Higher - ABBB
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points
Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component. |
TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
Cambridge English Advanced | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
Cambridge English Proficiency | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component. | |
Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components. | |
PTE Academic | 62 | Total 62 with at least 54 in each component. |
Regardless of your nationality or country of residence, you must demonstrate a level of English language competency at a level that will enable you to succeed in your studies. For SQA, GCSE and IB students, unless a higher level is specified in the stated entry requirements, a pass is required in English at the following grades or higher: SQA National 5 at C; SQA Standard Grade at 3; SQA Intermediate 1 at A; SQA Intermediate 2 at C; GCSE/IGSCE at C or 4; Level 2 Certificate Grade C or IB Standard Level at 5 (English ab initio is not accepted for entry). We also accept a wider range of international qualifications and tests. English language qualifications must be no more than three and a half years old from the start date of the degree you are applying to study, unless you are using IELTS, TOEFL, or Trinity ISE, in which case it must be no more than two years old.
Full details of our English language requirements can be found on our website:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/entry-requirements/english-language
Student Outcomes
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
Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
England | £9250 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
EU | £34800 | Year 1 |
International | £34800 | 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
Provider information
The University of Edinburgh
Student Recruitment and Admissions
33 Buccleuch Place
Edinburgh
EH8 9JS