Geophysics
Apply mathematical and physical laws to the study of the Earth.
Geophysics with a Year Abroad
Apply mathematical and physical laws to the study of the Earth.
Course key facts
Qualification
MSci
Duration
4 years
Start date
October 2027
UCAS course code
F660
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
-
South Kensington
-
Applications: places
4 : 1 (2025)
Minimum entry standard
AAA (A-level)
39 points (International Baccalaureate)
Qualification
MSci
Duration
4 years
Start date
October 2027
UCAS course code
F664
Study mode
Full-time
Delivered by
Location
-
South Kensington
-
Applications: places
4 : 1 (2025)
Minimum entry standard
AAA (A-level)
39 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
By studying the Earth's internal core, crust, oceans, atmosphere, and the solar system, we can gain a better understanding of how our planet works.
This course explores how maths, physics and computer modelling can all be used to help further our knowledge of Earth processes.
You'll combine traditional observational and field skills with numerical and analytical fundamental science to understand the Earth more quantitatively.
You'll benefit from our internationally leading research programme, as well as lectures and case studies from business and academic leaders.
Our courses place a strong emphasis on fieldwork, where you'll learn essential skills and apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This includes the opportunity to build your familiarity with using technical equipment on a fieldwork trip to Cyprus.
To prepare yourself for using specialist electronic mapping packages, you'll also complete a variety of computing modules.
Your final year culminates in the completion of a research project or dissertation, where you'll explore an aspect of geophysics in greater detail.
By studying the Earth's internal core, crust, oceans, atmosphere, and the solar system, we can gain a better understanding of how our planet works.
This course explores how maths, physics and computer modelling can all be used to help further our knowledge of Earth processes.
You’ll combine traditional observational and field skills with numerical and analytical fundamental science to understand the Earth more quantitatively.
You’ll benefit from our internationally leading research programme, as well as lectures and case studies from business and academic leaders.
Our courses place a strong emphasis on fieldwork, where you’ll learn essential skills and apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This includes the opportunity to build your familiarity with using technical equipment on a fieldwork trip to Cyprus.
To prepare yourself for using specialist electronic mapping packages, you’ll also complete a variety of computing modules.
You’ll spend your third year at one of our partner universities abroad.
This will enable you to challenge yourself in a different academic environment before you return to Imperial for your final year.
Your studies will culminate in the completion of a research project or dissertation, where you’ll explore an aspect of geophysics in greater detail.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take the following core modules.
You’ll also choose two optional modules.
Core modules
- Deforming the Earth
- Dynamic Earth and Planets
- Geology in the Field
- Maths Methods 1
- Maths Methods 2
- Physical and Surface Processes
- Programming for Geoscientists
- Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
- Volcanism and Internal Processes
Optional modules
- Chemistry for Geoscientists or Low Temperature Geochemistry
You’ll study the following core modules.
Core modules
- Solar System Science
- High-temperature Geochemistry
- Maps and Structures
- Pure and Applied Geophysics
- Field Geophysics
- Remote Sensing Earth and Planets
- Maths for Scientists and Engineers
- Mechanics and Waves
- Seismology and Numerical Methods
You’ll study all core modules.
You’ll choose three modules from Group A, one from Group B and four from Group C.
A maximum of three can be level 7 modules from Group C during this year.
Core modules
- Independent Project
- I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.
All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.
Optional modules – Group A
- Advanced Remote Sensing
- Continental Tectonics
- Climate
- Mining Geology and Engineering
- Near-surface Seismic Imaging
- Optional modules – Group B
- Practical Seismic Data Processing
- Integrated Advanced Field Geology
Optional modules – Group C (Level 6)
- Advanced Applied Geophysics
- Advanced Programming
- Astrobiology
- Contaminant Transport in the Environment
- Data Science and Machine Learning for Geoscientists
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Seminars
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics of the Oceans
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Planetary Surfaces
- Tectonics of the Oceans
Optional modules – Group C (Level 7)
- Applied Geomorphology
- Applied Inversion Methods
- Arc Magmatic Processes and Products
- Collisions and Craters
- Geodynamics
- Geohazards
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Geophysical Inversion
- Meteorites
- Minerals Processing
- Palaeobiology
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
- Sea Level Change
You’ll take the following core modules.
You choose six optional modules in total.
You can take either module from Group A and five modules from Group B or six modules from Group B. A maximum of three of these can be level 6 modules.
Please note, you cannot take the same optional module twice in different years.
Core modules
- MSci Independent Project
Optional modules – Group A
- Geophysics Synthesis Group Project
- Field Geology of an Active Mountain Belt
Optional modules – Group B (Level 6)
- Advanced Applied Geophysics
- Advanced Programming
- Astrobiology
- Contaminant Transport in the Environment
- Data Science and Machine Learning for Geoscientists
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Seminars
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics of the Oceans
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Planetary Surfaces
- Tectonics of the Oceans
Optional modules – Group B (Level 7)
- Applied Geomorphology
- Applied Inversion Methods
- Arc Magmatic Processes and Products
- Collisions and Craters
- Geodynamics
- Geohazards
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Meteorites
- Minerals Processing
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
- Sea Level Change
You’ll take the following core modules.
You’ll also choose two optional modules.
Core modules
- Deforming the Earth
- Dynamic Earth and Planets
- Geology in the Field
- Maths Methods 1
- Maths Methods 2
- Physical and Surface Processes
- Programming for Geoscientists
- Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
- Volcanism and Internal Processes
Optional modules
- Chemistry for Geoscientists or Low Temperature Geochemistry
You’ll study the following core modules.
Core modules
- Solar System Science
- High-temperature Geochemistry
- Maps and Structures
- Pure and Applied Geophysics
- Field Geophysics
- Remote Sensing Earth and Planets
- Maths for Scientists and Engineers
- Mechanics and Waves
- Seismology and Numerical Methods
The third year consists of an agreed programme of study at an approved university in either Australia, Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain or the USA.
We currently have exchange agreements with:
- Australian National University, Australia
- University of British Columbia, Canada
- University of Utrecht, Netherlands
- University of Barcelona, Spain
- MIT, USA
- Politecnico Milano, Italy
- University of California, USA
This is an integrated year abroad so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.
You’ll take the following core modules.
You choose six optional modules in total.
You can take either module from Group A and five modules from Group B or six modules from Group B. A maximum of three of these can be level 6 modules.
Please note, you cannot take the same optional module twice in different years.
Core modules
- MSci Independent Project
Optional modules – Group A
- Geophysics Synthesis Group Project
- Field Geology of an Active Mountain Belt
Optional modules – Group B (Level 6)
- Advanced Applied Geophysics
- Advanced Programming
- Astrobiology
- Contaminant Transport in the Environment
- Data Science and Machine Learning for Geoscientists
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Seminars
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Geophysical Fluid Dynamics of the Oceans
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Planetary Surfaces
- Tectonics of the Oceans
Optional modules – Group B (Level 7)
- Applied Geomorphology
- Applied Inversion Methods
- Arc Magmatic Processes and Products
- Collisions and Craters
- Geodynamics
- Geohazards
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Meteorites
- Minerals Processing
- Palaeobiology
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
- Sea Level Change
Professional accreditation
This degree leads to a Master's level qualification and is professionally accredited by the Geological Society of London.
With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.
Our MSci courses in Earth Science also reduce the number of years of post-graduation experience you need in order to register as a Chartered Geologist (CGeol). This is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in the geosciences industries, and can help you to enhance your career prospects and earning potential.
The current accreditation agreement started in 2023, and is due to be renewed in 2029.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines (ARSM) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lectures
-
Tutorials
-
Field work
-
Group exercises
-
Laboratory work
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Examination
Year 1
- 15% Title 1 goes here
- 20% Title 2 goes here
- 65% Title 3 goes here
Year 2
- 10% Title 1 goes here
- 15% Title 2 goes here
- 75% Title 3 goes here
Year 3
- 15% Title 1 goes here
- 35% Title 2 goes here
- 50% Title 3 goes here
Year 4
- 5% Title 1 goes here
- 60% Title 2 goes here
- 35% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
-
Written examinations
-
Coursework
-
Reports
-
Poster presentations
-
Seminars
-
Oral assessments
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lectures
-
Tutorials
-
Field work
-
Group exercises
-
Laboratory work
Balance of assessment
This is an example of how assessments are usually divided, based on a typical pathway through the course. The actual breakdown may vary depending on the modules you choose.
Key
- Coursework
- Practical
- Examination
Year 1
- 15% Title 1 goes here
- 20% Title 2 goes here
- 65% Title 3 goes here
Year 2
- 10% Title 1 goes here
- 15% Title 2 goes here
- 75% Title 3 goes here
Year 4
- 5% Title 1 goes here
- 60% Title 2 goes here
- 35% Title 3 goes here
Assessment methods
-
Written examinations
-
Coursework
-
Reports
-
Poster presentations
-
Seminars
-
Oral assessments
Testimonials
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
Once applications open, you can register and start your application via the UCAS Hub. There, you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
Applications open on 12 May 2026.
Applications open on 12 May 2026.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
If your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements you will be invited to participate in an interview, which may be online.
You will be introduced to the Department, the staff, our courses, teaching facilities and methods and life at College by staff and our current students. You will have an interview online with a member of the academic staff.
The interview is a chance for us to get to know each other, and we consider all aspects of your application fully when deciding whether to make you an offer. We will also take the comments of the staff member who has interviewed you into account, particularly when we decide after A-levels whether to confirm a place should you marginally fail to meet the terms of your offer.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
All of our courses follow a similar syllabus for the first two years.
This high level of shared content means you may transfer between all our Geology and Geophysics courses up to the start of spring term in the first year if you meet the original entry requirements for the course you want to transfer to.
As a result, you are encouraged to only apply for one course within the department.
- Transfer onto our Year Abroad courses is not normally possible as places at our partner institutions are limited.
- Transfer to the equivalent three-year BSc course is normally allowed up until the start of year three.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa.
Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France and Germany, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally, only students with marks of 60% or above will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students with marks of 70% or above will be eligible for placements in the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Fees and funding
Home fee
2027 entry
£10,050* per year
Fees to be confirmed
*Home tuition fees
In England and Wales, the UK government sets the maximum tuition fee (known as a 'fee cap') chargeable by universities for Home students. Imperial’s Home fees for undergraduate courses starting in 2027 will align with this cap, which means that, subject to parliamentary approval, they are expected to be £10,050.
It is current Imperial policy to charge Home fees in line with the Government’s fee cap. The UK government announced its proposed fee caps for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 academic years in November 2025.
The fee cap beyond this hasn’t been announced yet but the Government plans to increase the fee cap each year to match inflation.
So, you should expect a rise in your fee each year. As soon as we know what this will be for 2028- to 2029 academic year and beyond, we will publish it on our course pages.
If you choose a course with a work placement or year abroad, your fee for this non-standard year will be calculated as follows:
- Work placement year: Faculty of Engineering: 10% of the standard full-time fee for that year; all other faculties: 20% of the standard full-time fee for that year.
- Overseas study year or Turing year: 15% of the standard full-time fee for that year (Turing work placements in the Faculty of Engineering will be charged at 10% of the standard full-time fee for that year).
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Upcoming changes: Lifelong Learning Entitlement
From January 2027, students who live in England can access student finance through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – a single funding system that brings together Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans.
The LLE currently applies to England only. Student finance in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not affected by this change.
You can learn more about the LLE on the GOV.UK website.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
Upcoming changes: Lifelong Learning Entitlement
From January 2027, students who live in England can access student finance through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) – a single funding system that brings together Tuition Fee and Maintenance Loans.
The LLE currently applies to England only. Student finance in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland is not affected by this change.
You can learn more about the LLE on the GOV.UK website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
Overseas fee
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2026-27 was £45,500.
Year abroad
2027 entry
Not set
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2026-27 was 100% of the fee for that year.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
91% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 91% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 9%
86% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 86% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 14%
*2020-21 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2023
In today's global challenges, earth science graduates are needed more than ever.
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Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for an earth sciences career.
Become a geologist, geochemist, or geophysicist with highly sought-after skills in space-related jobs.
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Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.
Other potential career paths include geologists, risk consultants, geophysicists, consultants and research assistants.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 1279
- Email: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Earth Science and Engineering website
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Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
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Course data
Terms and conditions
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You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
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