Program Overview

With a geophysics degree at UEA, you’ll explore geophysics in the context of the entire Earth system. You’ll study the Earth’s many processes, from the seas and skies to the deep interior, and learn about the way they control our environment. You’ll have the choice of a significant range of modules thanks to our diverse expertise, with a particularly strong emphasis on geophysical hazards and geo resources for a sustainable future. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a year gaining valuable experience on a work placement.  This is a highly desirable earth science degree due to the varied skills you’ll develop. The subject can be applied in many different industrial, governmental and academic careers. UEA is one of the best places to study it – we have a global reputation for excellence in Environmental Sciences.

This four-year course will inspire a lifelong understanding of the way the Earth works. You’ll explore how the whole Earth system, and its interactions, control our environment. You’ll also develop an understanding of the issues that threaten our future. Approximately one third of your time at UEA will be spent studying mathematical techniques and gaining the skills necessary to analyse the physical environment. You’ll develop a critical awareness of issues at the frontier of research, along with a comprehensive understanding of research methods and their limitations. You’ll learn self-direction and originality in applying knowledge, solving problems and conducting research. You’ll get involved in a significant amount of fieldwork in many different geological environments. During your field course, you’ll learn to use a variety of technological equipment and techniques – including seismic and gravity investigations, magnetic and electrical measurements, and ground-penetrating radar surveys. You’ll have the opportunity to spend a year on a work placement – an invaluable addition to your scientific knowledge and technique. This will increase your employability and give you the chance to put your first two years of learning into practice.

Our geophysics degrees are run jointly by the School of Environmental Sciences and the School of Mathematics, and in collaboration with the School of Computing Sciences, so you’ll benefit from a broad choice of subject material and have the chance to specialise in your field of interest to an advanced level. You can tailor your degree towards geological geophysics, geohazards, meteorology and climatology, oceanography or study a combination of them all. You can also learn about how to manage big data from techniques such as remote sensing, using advanced techniques including machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI). When you graduate, you’ll be highly employable, with a wide range of skills that are desired by employers. Many of our graduates have gone on to work for local and multinational companies within sectors such as geophysical exploration and services, geotechnical engineering, risk analysis and environmental consultancy.