The University of Edinburgh
Geophysics and Meteorology 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 Meteorology 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
93 /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 Earth Sciences

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 £23000 £24000 £28000
25-75 percentile range £21000 - £26000 £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 £24981 £24496 £28785
25-75 percentile range £21491 - £29019 £19181 - £30313 £22339 - £36076

Course Description

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

There is a strong connection between geophysics and meteorology. Many of the Earth's processes can affect our atmosphere, climate and weather - including:

  • gravity
  • heat transfer
  • ocean currents
  • volcanic eruptions

As well as being fascinating, the study of geophysics and meteorology are increasingly vital to us all.

Climate change is causing extreme weather such as heatwaves, heavy downpours, droughts and hurricanes all over the planet. It is predicted extreme weather events will become even worse in the coming decades, causing significant challenges for both society and the environment.

What will I learn?

We will train you in fundamental physical principles and mathematical techniques of geophysics. Your training will be combined with an appreciation of atmospheric processes and the techniques used to study them.

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.

Making a difference starts here. Are you ready?

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 Meteorology with Professional Placement MEarthPhys at The University of Edinburgh

30% Business and public service associate professionals
15%
15% Teaching Professionals
5% Natural and social science professionals
5% Other Health Professionals
5% Other Educational Professionals
5% Finance Professionals
5% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
5% Natural and social science professionals
5% Science, engineering and technology associate professionals

Grading & Study Time

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for Earth Sciences

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6.5

Total 65 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

Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Geophysics and Meteorology 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 Meteorology 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.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

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)
  • year 2

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

    • #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 
    • #90 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

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 38 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.

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

Where is this programme taught

Central area campus
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