The University of Edinburgh
Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys
The University of Edinburgh

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 40 graduates of Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys and other courses in Earth Sciences at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Earth Sciences.

Overall student satisfaction
66 /100
40 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Earth Sciences at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £26500 £26500 £33000
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £32000 £22000 - £33000 £26500 - £41500


Salary of all UK Graduates of Geography, Earth and Environmental Studies

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24981 £25160 £29470
25-75 percentile range £21491 - £29019 £20386 - £31251 £23549 - £37770

Course Description

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 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.

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 disciplines 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.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys at The University of Edinburgh

30% Secretarial and related occupations
15% Finance Professionals
15% Elementary occupations
5% Skilled trades occupations
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Business and public service associate professionals
5% Administrative occupations
5% Information Technology Professionals
5% Skilled trades occupations
5% Sales occupations

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Earth Sciences

English language requirements

test Grade
IELTS (Academic) 6.5
TOEFL (iBT) 92
Cambridge English Advanced
Cambridge English Proficiency
Trinity ISE
PTE Academic 62
IELTS (Academic) 6.5
TOEFL (iBT) 92
Cambridge English Advanced
Cambridge English Proficiency
Trinity ISE
PTE Academic 62
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement, MEarthPhys, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Tuition Fees Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys

Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
EU £34800 year 1
International £34800 year 1

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.

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

#1
University Guru Meta Ranking
of The University of Edinburgh

among 20 universities in Scotland
based on 40 different rankings

Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #2 
    • #8 
    Geology
    The Times Good University Guide by Subject
    [Published 20 September, 2024]
    • #2 
    • #10 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 14 May, 2024]
    • #1 
    • #17 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #2 
    • #76 
    Earth Sciences
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 11 November, 2024]
    • #1 
    • #76 
    Environmental Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2024]
    • #1 
    • #80 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2024]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #1 
    • #22 
    Geography
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 10 April, 2024]
    • #2 
    • #26 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 11 November, 2024]
    • #1 
    • #38 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 19 October, 2023]

See all 40 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys The University of Edinburgh 66% 5% 5% £9250 £34800 193 Edinburgh
On campus Full-time
Geology with Study Abroad Msci (Hons) University of Bristol 85% 8% 0% £9250 £29300 151 Bristol
On campus Full-time
Earth Sciences MEarthSci The University of Edinburgh 79% 5% 5% £9250 £34800 193 Edinburgh
On campus Full-time
Geology MSc University of Exeter - 0% 0% £9250 £29700 160 Exeter
On campus Full-time
Geology Msci (Hons) Imperial College of Science 87% 5% 5% £9250 £40940 174 London
On campus Full-time
Engineering Geology and Geotechnics MSc University of Exeter 86% 0% 0% £9250 £29700 160 Exeter
On campus Full-time
Resource and Exploration Geology MSc University of Exeter - - - £9250 £29700 - Exeter
On campus Full-time
Geology Msci (Hons) University College London 73% 0% 0% £9250 £35000 149 London
On campus Full-time
Geology MSc Cardiff University 92% 5% 3% £9000 £25450 £28200 137 Cardiff
On campus Full-time
Geology Msci (Hons) University of Bristol 85% 0% 12% £9250 £29300 160 Bristol
On campus Full-time

FAQ about Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys The University of Edinburgh

  • Tuition fees for this programme are 9250 per year for UK students. In addition to the tuition fees you should also take into consideration the average monthly cost of living for students in the UK.

  • The median salary of graduates of this course was £26500 15 months after graduation, £26500 3 years after graduation and £33000 after graduation.

  • Secretarial and related occupations (30%), Finance Professionals (15%), Elementary occupations (15%), Skilled trades occupations (5%)

  • 40 graduates rated the course 66. This means that 66% of graduates indicated that they were satisfied or very satisfied with the course. See detailed ratings above and how these compare to the averages at other universities.

  • Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys is taught on campus and cannot be taken online at The University of Edinburgh.

  • It is very difficult to get accepted into this course. Accepted students had an average UCAS tariff score of 193 which makes it one of the 4.41% most difficult courses to enter among all Geology students in the UK.