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Geophysics and Geology at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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You can no longer submit a new application for courses starting in 2024.

If you already have a 2024 application and are in Clearing, you can add this course as a Clearing choice – contact the university or college first to check they have places.

Course summary

Do you:

  • have a curiosity about how our planet works?
  • want to help solve some of the biggest global challenges facing our planet?
Then geophysics may be for you. 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 humans 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. Making a difference starts here. Are you ready? What will I learn? Our degree offers you the best of both subjects. Many people confuse geology and geophysics, as both study the Earth and how it works. For example, they both explore the mechanisms behind plate tectonics. However:
  • Geologists focus on the materialistic surface of the Earth and its evolution.
  • Geophysicists are mainly concerned about the Earth's physical processes, including its internal composition and atmosphere.
As a student in geophysics and geology, you will learn about:
  • the microscopic properties of minerals
  • the structure and composition of the Earth
  • how large scale forces such as gravity, seismology and magnetism shape the Earth
  • our Earth's past to forecast and safeguard its future
  • the impact of global climate change on our world
By studying this degree, you will learn from our wide range of experienced academics across a diverse range of Earth science disciplines. We embrace a hands on approach to learning, so you can develop in-demand practical skills. Open to a world of possibilities We are one of the largest and most successful groupings of geographers, Earth and environmental scientists in the UK.
  • We have pioneered research proving human-caused greenhouse gasses are warming our planet, which helped underpin the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • We are working with major space agencies to monitor the environment using satellite data.
  • We are 15th in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023.
Join us as our planet and humanity face some of the biggest challenges we have ever known.

How to apply

You can no longer submit a new application for courses starting in 2024.

If you already have a 2024 application and are in Clearing, you can add this course as a Clearing choice – contact the university or college first to check they have places.

31Jan

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:
L3R7
Institution code:
E56
Campus name:
Central area campus
Campus code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Standard Qualification 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

https://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/undergraduate/2024/degrees

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Please click the following link to find out more about minimum qualification requirements for this course

https://www.ed.ac.uk/ug/L3R7

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Total 6.5 with at least 5.5 in each component.
TOEFL (iBT)92Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. 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.
PTE Academic62Total 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

Operated by the Office for Students
55%
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
75%
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

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

Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees. 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.
Geophysics and Geology at The University of Edinburgh - UCAS