Department of Earth Sciences | BSc Geophysics (with Placement Year) 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Durham University |TopUniversities

Department of Earth Sciences | BSc Geophysics (with Placement Year)

Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Starting Month

SepStarting Month

Programme overview

Main Subject

Geophysics

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Understanding the physical processes that control the materials, structure and dynamics of our planet is essential for anticipating Earth’s future behaviour and addressing global challenges. Geophysics combines physics, mathematics and geology to tackle issues such as natural hazards, sustainable resource management and the energy transition, providing the tools to help build a more resilient future.


Our flexible Geophysics degree puts you in control of your academic journey. You will develop a strong foundation in Earth Sciences and quantitative methods before tailoring your studies towards the areas that most interest you. Supported by world-leading research, you will gain both breadth of understanding and depth of expertise.


The course equips you with advanced analytical, computational and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across sectors including mineral and geo-energy exploration, environmental and hydrogeological consultancy, and geotechnical engineering. The quantitative training also opens pathways beyond geoscience, including finance, insurance and data science.


At the end of your second year, you may be eligible to transfer to the four-year MSci in Earth Sciences, which includes a bespoke independent research project and advanced modules to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad, extending the degree from three to four years.


The Earth Science department also offers courses in Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Climate Science and Geoscience and it is possible to choose a set of modules that may allow you to transfer to one of our other courses at the end of your first year.


Durham Education 2027


The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.


Placement year available

Programme overview

Main Subject

Geophysics

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

Understanding the physical processes that control the materials, structure and dynamics of our planet is essential for anticipating Earth’s future behaviour and addressing global challenges. Geophysics combines physics, mathematics and geology to tackle issues such as natural hazards, sustainable resource management and the energy transition, providing the tools to help build a more resilient future.


Our flexible Geophysics degree puts you in control of your academic journey. You will develop a strong foundation in Earth Sciences and quantitative methods before tailoring your studies towards the areas that most interest you. Supported by world-leading research, you will gain both breadth of understanding and depth of expertise.


The course equips you with advanced analytical, computational and problem-solving skills that are highly valued across sectors including mineral and geo-energy exploration, environmental and hydrogeological consultancy, and geotechnical engineering. The quantitative training also opens pathways beyond geoscience, including finance, insurance and data science.


At the end of your second year, you may be eligible to transfer to the four-year MSci in Earth Sciences, which includes a bespoke independent research project and advanced modules to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad, extending the degree from three to four years.


The Earth Science department also offers courses in Geology, Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Climate Science and Geoscience and it is possible to choose a set of modules that may allow you to transfer to one of our other courses at the end of your first year.


Durham Education 2027


The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.


Placement year available

Admission Requirements

4.5+
6.5+
62+
120+
176+

4 Years
Sep

Scholarships

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