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 for 35 graduates of Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys and other courses in at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in .

Overall student satisfaction
93 /100
35 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Earth Sciences

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of 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 £23500 £24000 £28000
25-75 percentile range £20500 - £27000 £19000 - £30500 £21000 - £32000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Earth Sciences

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £23000 £24496 £28785
25-75 percentile range £19969 - £26572 £19181 - £30313 £22339 - £36076

Course Description

If you have a curiosity about how our planet works, a love of the outdoors, and an aptitude for science, then geophysics and geology may be for you.

Through geophysics and geology, you can study our planet's fascinating history to predict and protect its future.

You will learn:

  • how old the Earth is and how it was formed

  • how our planet has changed over time

  • about the processes that shape our planet and how that affects the life upon it

  • about how these processes interact within the Earth system

  • how understanding the past can help us interpret the current Earth and make future projections

Join us as we explore our magnificent planet, from its hot core through to its crust and oceans, atmosphere and beyond.

What will I learn?

The Geophysics and Geology programme will develop and combine your understanding of:

  • the inner workings of planet Earth, its composition and structure

  • the origin of our world and how it has evolved through time

  • physical processes such as gravity, seismology and magnetism

Many people confuse geology and geophysics - this degree offers you the best of both subjects.

Both geologists and geophysicists are geoscientists who study the Earth and how it works.

For example, they both explore the mechanisms behind plate tectonics.

Geologists focus on the materialistic surface of the Earth and its evolution.

Geophysicists are mainly concerned about the physical processes of the Earth, such as:

  • its internal composition

  • the planet's atmosphere

  • magnetic, gravitational and electrical forces

By studying both approaches, you will gain deeper insights into each subject. It is this integrated understanding that underpins research on global change and some of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

You will have access to a range of cutting-edge research facilities throughout your studies. In addition, programme academics will incorporate the latest research in the teaching you receive, and share their discoveries with you.

As a student in geology and geophysics, you will have the opportunity to learn about:

  • all aspects of the Earth, from its formation to the evolution of life

  • the present-day planetary surface and environmental processes

  • the impact of global climate change on our world

You will be equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary for employment in a diverse range of areas such as:

  • sustainable exploration

  • environmental protection

  • the management of our natural resources

You will also have access to an extensive range of specialist facilities including:

  • geophysics field equipment

  • airborne drone imaging

  • geochemistry laboratories

  • high-performance computing

Why study in Edinburgh?

By studying geophysics and geology at the University of Edinburgh, you will:

  • join one of the top-ranked universities in the world

  • become part of an academic community in one of the leading geosciences departments in the UK

  • enjoy access to a world of experience with our research and industry networks

  • learn from leading geologists and Earth scientists at the forefront of their fields, undertaking world-leading research in a wide range of areas

By studying this degree, you can play a vital role in our transition into a more sustainable society.

What You Will Learn

Programme content: As a student of Geophysics and Geology with Professional Placement, MEarthPhys you will study the following course modules.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

Year 4

Year 5

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

40% Natural and social science professionals
15% Elementary occupations
10% Skilled trades occupations
10% Conservation and environment professionals
10% Sales occupations
10% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals
5% Engineering professionals
5% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Earth Sciences

Qualification requirements

Required subjects: A Levels: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. GCSEs: English at C or 4.

AABB-ABBB by end of S5 or AAAB by end of S6. BBB must be achieved in one year of S4-S6. Required subjects: Highers: Mathematics at A and Physics at B. Higher Applications of Mathematics is not accepted in place of Higher Mathematics. National 5s: English at C.

34 points with 655 at HL - 32 points with 655 at HL. Required subjects: HL: Mathematics (from 2021, Mathematics: Analysis and approaches only) at 6 and Physics at 5. SL: English at 5.

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.

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6 6.5 overall with 5.5 in each component.
TOEFL (iBT) 92 92 or above with 20 in each section (including Special Home Edition). We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
Cambridge English Advanced 176 overall with 162 in each component.
Cambridge English Proficiency 176 overall with 162 in each component.
Trinity ISE ISE II with a distinction in all four components.

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

England UK £9250 year 1
Northern Ireland £9250 year 1
Wales £9250 year 1
Channel Islands £9250 year 1
Ireland £9250 year 1
Scotland £1820 year 1
EU £30400 year 1
International £30400 year 1

Additional fee information

Scotland In 2021-22 the fee level set by the Scottish Government was £1,820. The 2022-23 fee rate is expected to be confirmed by the Scottish Government in early 2022. Students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland SAAS for payment of their tuition fees.

England/Wales/N Ireland The Rest of UK RUK rate is yet to be confirmed and was £9,250 for 2021 entry. For 2022 entry this may increase in line with inflation and will be subject to government limits.

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 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.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2024

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.

Possible Entry Points:

  • year 1 (Default entry point)

University 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

    • #1 
    • #66 
    Environmental Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #2 
    • #9 
    Geography & Environmental Science
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #2 
    • #8 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #22 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #29 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #1 
    • #34 
    Physical Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]
    • #2 
    • #35 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]
    • #15 
    • #423 
    Physical Sciences
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Subject
    [Published 06 June, 2020]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #1 
    • #19 
    Geography
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #1 
    • #26 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #1 
    • #38 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

See all 39 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh

About The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.

Where is this programme taught

Central and Kings Buildings
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Central area campus
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