MSci Geophysics
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Learn how to apply mathematical and physical laws to the study of Earth in this professionally accredited integrated Master's degree.
Key information
Award
MSci
Duration
4 years
full-time
Applications : admissions ratio
3 : 1
Based on 2019 entry data
- UCAS course code: F660
- ECTS: 240
- Start date: October 2021
- Department: Department of Earth Science and Engineering
- Campus: South Kensington
Overview
The principal challenge facing the world’s growing population is how to maintain sustainable access to the natural resources – water, energy and food – that are necessary for us to enjoy a good quality of life, while protecting the environment.
The science and engineering behind understanding and solving this challenge lie at the heart of earth science, an interdisciplinary subject which encompasses physics, chemistry, mathematics and other sciences. It can be applied to the study of Earth to give us an understanding of how our planet works, from its internal core, crust and oceans, to the atmosphere and our solar system.
All our courses combine a strong traditional emphasis on observational and field skills with the numerical and analytical fundamental science required to understand Earth processes and systems quantitatively.
We also emphasise the development of transferable professional skills such as group working, problem-solving, drawing inferences from incomplete data, IT, and oral and written communication. You can expect a balance between theory and practice, including a variety of field trips in the UK and abroad.
Study programme
Our Geophysics courses are aimed at students with a particular interest in physics and maths. Geophysicists use maths, physics and computer modelling to understand how the world works.
The modular nature of the course enables you to gain a solid understanding of geosciences while tailoring your study programme to suit your interests. As the course progresses, you will be able to choose modules from specialist areas such as: surface processes, marine geophysics, volcanism, tectonics and geophysical techniques.
You will complete a range of computing modules to prepare you for using specialist electronic mapping packages.
Your study reaches Master's level in the fourth year with a choice of advanced modules, a specialist field trip, and a substantial research project. This means that you will require fewer years of work experience than graduates of our BSc degrees to apply for Chartership of the Geological Society (see Professional accreditation).
Field work
We place emphasis on field work across all our courses. It is a great way to apply your knowledge to the real world and learn essential skills.
Our field trips are designed to help you gain experience of identifying rocks and interpreting the physical processes that may have been involved in their formation.
Depending on which course you choose, you could spend over 100 days in the field. This can range from geological day trips in the UK to 10 days in the Pyrenees.
Students on Geology courses spend six weeks mapping the geology of areas such as the: Greek Cyclades, French Massif Central, Pyrenees, French Alps, North West Scotland, and others.
Students on Geophysics courses have the chance to gain experience in using technical equipment in the field.
Students on Earth and Planetary Science courses join Geology students for the same field trips, and have the option to join the independent mapping project.
Transfer between courses
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.
Structure
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about them.
Year 1
Core modules
You take all core modules listed below.
- Dynamic Earth and Planets
- Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
- Programming for Geoscientists
- Maths Methods 1
- Deforming the Earth
- Geology in the Field
- Physical and Surface Processes
- Volcanism and Internal Processes
- Maths Methods 2
Optional module
You choose one optional module from below.
- Chemistry for Geoscientists
- Low Temperature Geochemistry
Year 2
Core modules
You take all core modules listed below.
- 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
Year 3
Core module
- Independent Geology Project
- Seismic Techniques
- I-Explore
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses with options including business, management and many more.
Optional modules
You choose seven optional modules in total.
You choose two 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.
Group A
- Continental Tectonics
- Climate
- Advanced Remote Sensing
Group B
- Seismic Processing
- Integrated Advanced Field Geology
Group C
Level 6 modules
- Advanced Programming
- Astrobiology
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Seminars
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- I-Explore
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Planetary Surfaces
- Tectonics of the Oceans
Level 7 modules
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geomorphology
- Collisions and Craters
- Geodynamics
- Geohazards
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Geophysical Inversion
- Magmatic Processes and Products
- Meteorites
- Minerals Processing
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
Some modules run in alternate years, which means that a module may not be available to you in year three, but will be in year four, and vice-versa. You cannot take the same modules twice.
Year 4
Core module
- MSci Independent Project
Optional modules
You choose six optional modules in total.
You will choose one module from Group A and five modules from Group B. A maximum of three level 6 modules can be taken from Group B during this year.
Group A
- Geophysics Synthesis Group Project
- Field Geology of an Active Mountain Belt
Group B
Level 6 modules
- Advanced Programming
- Astrobiology
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Seminars
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- I-Explore
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Planetary Surfaces
- Tectonics of the Oceans
Level 7 modules
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geomorphology
- Collisions and Craters
- Geodynamics
- Geohazards
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Geophysical Inversion
- Magmatic Processes and Products
- Meteorites
- Minerals Processing
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
Some modules run in alternate years, which means that a module may not be available to you in year three, but will be in year four, and vice-versa. You cannot take the same modules twice.
Download the programme specification [PDF] – this is the most up-to-date version available for this course. It may change for your year of entry. If/when changes to this course are approved by the College, we will update this document and the information on this course page.
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.
Professional accreditation
This degree leads to a Master's level qualification and is professionally accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Achieving a professionally accredited degree demonstrates to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. It also brings international recognition of your qualification, which is particularly useful for students preparing for a career abroad.
As professionally accredited qualifications, our MSci courses in Earth Science 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, which can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects.
The current accreditation agreement was awarded for students starting their studies in the 2017–18 academic year, and is renewed every six years.
Associateship
As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines on completion of this course.
The Royal School of Mines is one of three historic Colleges that came together to form Imperial College London in 1907.
Find out more about our Associateships.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
Our courses are both theoretical and practical. Teaching will be enhanced by fieldwork opportunities throughout your degree. Methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Field work
- Group exercises
- Laboratory work
Assessment
Methods for this course include:
- Written examinations
- Coursework
- Reports
- Poster presentation
- Seminars
- Vivas
Assessment types
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | Year 4 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 10% | 10% | 5% | 5% |
| Practical | 20% | 30% | 40% | 55% |
| Examination | 70% | 60% |
55% |
40% |
| Based on the typical pathway through the course; percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number | ||||
Staff expertise
For each module you will have a designated coordinator, who will be normally be a teaching fellow or member of academic staff.
You receive tutorial time with post-doctoral research assistants/fellows, who will themselves be researching specialised areas of geology and geophysics, with a depth of subject knowledge and experience of study to share.
As you progress through your degree, the areas covered become specialised and more advanced, and you will increasingly be taught by experts in the fields concerned.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis – see selection process below.
For advice on the requirements for the qualifications listed here please contact the Department (see Contact us).
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. If the requirements for your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page for guidance on which qualifications we accept.
A-levels
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2021 entry is AAA overall, to include:
- A in Mathematics
- A in Physics
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Typical offer range
As a guide, here are the typical offers made to at least 80% of A-level applicants for 2019 entry:
- Three A-level offer: AAA–A*AA
Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)
If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
The practical endorsement is part of the reformed English linear A-levels.
Additional Mathematics support
Our new A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.
This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
International Baccalaureate
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2021 entry is 38 points overall, to include:
- 6 in Mathematics at higher level
- 6 in Physics at higher level
- 6 in another subject at higher level
Typical offer range
As a guide, the typical offer made to at least 80% of IB applicants for 2019 entry was 38–39 points overall.
Mathematics Higher Level for award in 2021
For entry in 2021, the Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level with no preference.
Additional Mathematics support
We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Advanced Placements
The grades detailed below are the minimum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Imperial.
If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Imperial alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.
Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.
Our minimum requirement for this course is grades 5, 5, 5 to include:
- 5 in Calculus (AB or BC)
- 5 in Physics
- 5 in another subject
Additional Mathematics support
We have recently launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Selection process
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.
Post-application open day and interview
If your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements you will be invited for an online interview.
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.
Pilot admissions schemes (Home students)
From 2020 entry, we will be using information about our applicants in a number of new pilot admissions schemes, to consider the wider context of Home students from groups underrepresented at the College.
Foundation programmes
A foundation course is a one-year preparation course, designed for international students, which leads to undergraduate programmes in the UK. Foundation programmes are normally for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university.
Foundation programmes are offered by many UK universities, but only two would be considered for entry to Imperial:
- UCL’s Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering (UPCSE), and
- Warwick’s International Foundation Programme (IFP) in Science & Engineering
UCL UPCSE
A year-long programme for international students whose school leaving qualifications do not allow them direct entry to UK universities. Students must complete four modules across the year – two compulsory and two elective modules:
| Module | Status |
|---|---|
| Research and Academic Skills: Science and Society | Compulsory |
| Academic English | Compulsory |
| Biology | Elective |
| Chemistry | Elective |
| Mathematics | Elective |
| Physics | Elective |
| Information correct at time of publishing, but subject to change | |
To be considered for admission to the Geophysics, international students studying UCL UPCSE must achieve:
- 80% overall
- 80% Mathematics + Physics
Warwick IFP Science and Engineering
A year-long programme for international students whose school leaving qualifications do not allow them direct entry to UK universities.
To be considered for admission to Geophysics, international students studying Warwick IFP Science and Engineering must achieve:
- 80% overall
- 80% Mathematics + Physics
To meet these requirements, students should choose from the following IFP pathways:
- Engineering
- Physical Sciences
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students who apply for this course.
For more information about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), please see the International Student Support website.
View our terms and conditions on visas.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View the Department of Earth Science and Engineering's competence standards [pdf]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Department of Earth Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)20 7594 6478
E: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
Tuition fees and funding
We charge tuition fees for every year that your course lasts. The fee you will be charged is based on your fee status, which is determined by government regulations.
Home rate of tuition
2021 entry
£9,250 per year.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.
For example, the RPIX value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.
For regular updates for EU students, please see our Imperial and the EU webpages.
Government funding
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.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Overseas rate of tuition
2021 entry
£9,250 per year.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.
For example, the RPIX value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.
For regular updates for EU students, please see our Imperial and the EU webpages.
Government funding
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.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Additional course costs
2021 entry
£9,250 per year.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.
For example, the RPIX value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.
For regular updates for EU students, please see our Imperial and the EU webpages.
Government funding
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.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Accommodation and living costs
2021 entry
£9,250 per year.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.
For example, the RPIX value in April 2022 will apply to fees for the academic year 2022–2023.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
EU/EEA/Swiss students
The Government has confirmed that EU/EEA/Swiss students who begin a course before the 31 July 2021 will be eligible to pay the same fee as Home students and have access to student finance for the duration of their course, as long as they meet certain requirements which are unchanged from previous years. This includes students who begin the course remotely.
EU/EEA/Swiss students starting a course on or after 1 August 2021 will no longer be eligible for the Home fee rate and so will be charged the Overseas fee. Please note we do not expect this to apply to Irish students or students benefitting from Citizens' rights under the EU Withdrawal Agreement, EEA EFTA Separation Agreement or Swiss Citizens’ Rights Agreement respectively. However, we are currently awaiting the formal publication of the amended Fees and Awards regulations.
The UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA) website has useful information on the conditions you currently need to meet to be entitled to pay tuition fees at the Home rate for study on a higher education course in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand (not the amended regulations which are subject to publication).
UKCISA has also provided some information in response to Questions for students starting their course from the 1 August 2021.
For regular updates for EU students, please see our Imperial and the EU webpages.
Government funding
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.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Bursaries and scholarships
Careers
The growing importance of earth science in tackling some of the world’s most significant challenges means that the job prospects for our graduates have never been better.
Our three-year BSc degrees are excellent preparation for careers in geosciences and other professions, especially if followed by a relevant MSc and a research degree. Our four-year MSci degrees provide a deeper understanding of the subject and the chance to undertake a significant research project.
Recent graduates of the Department have become:
- Graduate Engineering Geologist, Mott MacDonald
- Risk Consultant, KPMG
- Trainee Field Geophysicist, Oilfield services provider
- Spatial Data Infrastructure team, Global IT and business consulting service
- Research Assistant, National museum
How to apply
UCAS key information
- UCAS course code: F660
- UCAS institution code: I50
Apply on UCAS
You can start and track your application on UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices.
You can view this course on the UCAS website.
Application deadlines
All applications, other than those which include choices for medicine at Imperial, must be submitted to UCAS by 18.00 (UK time) on 29 January 2021 for entry in October 2021.
The deadline for medicine courses at Imperial starting in 2021 is 18.00 (UK time) on 15 October 2020.
Track your application
Once you’ve submitted your application you can use UCAS Track to follow its progress and manage your choices.
Further questions?
Find answers to your questions about admissions. Answers cover COVID-19, English language requirements, Visas and more.
Related departments
You may also be interested in the following related departments and the courses they offer:
Connect with us
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7594 6478
E: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
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