What happens inside a volcano? How can we forecast earthquakes? Why do we experience extreme weather and can we control it? 
 
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. 
 
You’ll also have the opportunity to spend a year gaining valuable experience on a work placement. 
 
This is a highly desirable degree due to the varied skills you’ll develop. The subject can be applied in many different industrial, governmental and academic settings. 

ABOUT

This four-year course will inspire a lifelong interest in and 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 will 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 also 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. 

When you graduate, you’ll be highly employable, with a wide range of skills that are highly prized 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.

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

This course includes a year on a work placement, putting you one step ahead of your peers with relevant work experience, valuable contacts and real-world insight. 

We have well-established commercial connections throughout the UK and beyond. Past students have worked in local and national government, in SMEs and multinationals, for environmental consultancies and research institutes and with conservation groups and NGOs. 

You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement and in the first two weeks of your second year you’ll be asked to write a curriculum vitae and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you will require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities. 

During this year you’ll be supported by a placement supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your placement supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year. 

Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. 

If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you will have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent degree programme without a Placement Year.

AFTER THE COURSE

After graduating you could follow in the footsteps of past graduates and go into sectors such as water management, resource exploration, geotechnical engineering, risk analysis, environmental consultancy, hazard management or teaching. 

Alternatively you could continue your studies with a taught masters degree such as the MSc in Environmental Science or a research degree such as a PhD. 

To get your career off to the best start, our Careers Service run annual Environmental Science events. These include alumni-led presentations and workshops across a range of sectors, including industrial, governmental and academia. 

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Examples of careers that you could enter include; 

• Water Management 

• Resource Exploration 

• Geotechnical Engineering 

• Risk Analysis 

• Environmental Consultancy 

• Hazard Management