Program Overview

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Geophysics (MSc)

Award: Master of Science

Typical Offer: 2:1 degree

Duration: 1 year

Course Type: Full-time

Campus: Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton)

Next course starts: September 2025

About this course

Geophysics plays a key role in understanding what lies beneath the earth's surface. This knowledge is vital for large engineering projects such as wind farms, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and hydrogen storage complexes.

With our geophysics master's degree course, you'll learn how to apply the geophysical techniques needed to sustainably explore Earth’s resources. The skills, knowledge and experience you'll gain will help you start a successful career and become a leader in geophysics and sustainable development.

You'll be based at our Waterfront Campus at The National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for marine education and research. Here you'll be studying the part of our planet’s subsurface which is essential to moving forward with the energy transition, and helping to transform the lives of others by decarbonising our economy.

During your studies, you'll develop your understanding of modern survey methods, and gain experience in planning surveys. You'll also gather, process and analyse data which is critical to enabling safe and efficient development.

To achieve this, you'll have access to our research boat, R.V. Callista, and facilities to help you broaden your skills and knowledge.

As an MSc Geophysics student, you'll also benefit from:

• access to the latest industry-standard equipment, technology and software
• training and assessment techniques which help prepare you for the workplace
• opportunities to apply your findings and interpretations to real-world scenarios
• training in key aspects of geology and geotechnics to help you understand the wider context for your work
• support in learning how to communicate with end users and successfully meet their needs

Course lead

The course leader(s) is Professor Tim Henstock, Professor of Geophysics.

Facilities

• Research boat
• National Oceanographic Library

Course location

This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

Entry requirements

To apply for this course, you'll need at least a 2:1 or equivalent degree in one of the following subjects:

• physical sciences
• maths
• engineering
• earth sciences
• chemistry

We will consider other degree qualifications on a case-by-case basis.

If you don't have a degree in maths or studied some maths as part of your degree, you'll also need an A level or equivalent qualification in maths.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 7.0
• reading: 6.5
• writing: 6.5
• speaking: 6.5
• listening: 6.5

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

Course structure

Our geophysics master's degree course will prepare you for a career linked to sustainable development, such as renewable energy.

It will include practical experience based on the University research vessel, R.V. Callista. You'll also get the chance to work with multiple industry-standard software packages for data processing and analysis.

The programme has a strong emphasis on coursework, a lot of which is based on industry or industry-equivalent datasets. You'll participate in activities and assessments that replicate what you will encounter in your future career.

We also expect to work with industry partners to design many of our research projects.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Advanced Exploration Geophysics
• Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists
• Geotechnics for Geoscientists
• Key and Practical Skills for MSc Geophysics
• MSc Research Project
• Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 2
• The Ground Beneath Our Feet: The Geological History of the last 2 Million Years

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Carbon Storage in the Sub-Surface Environment
• Sea Level Rise and Coastal Management

Learning and assessment

Learning

This programme will use a range of different learning and teaching approaches, including:

• lectures
• workshops/discussion sessions
• laboratory, computer and boat-based practical sessions

You'll be taught by an experienced teaching and pastoral team, whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on your course. This team includes:

• senior academics
• professional practitioners with industry experience
• demonstrators
• technical officers

Trained postgraduate research students may also help teach seminars and be involved in practical classes, project work and field trips. The module leader will supervise these contributions.

When you're not attending lectures, seminars and other timetabled sessions, you'll be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This will typically involve:

• reading journal articles and books
• working on individual and group projects
• undertaking research in the library
• completing coursework assignments and presentations

Assessment

We use assessment techniques that ensure the work you do on this degree mirrors what you'll encounter in your future career. Typically, this will include data acquisition, data analysis and laboratory or computer exercises.

Modes of assessment include formal written reports and oral presentations aimed at a range of audiences, such as clients, managers, or peers.

You'll have informal opportunities to test your understanding of the subject before you complete the formal assessments that count towards your module mark.

Formal assessments, also known as summative assessments, usually take place at the end of each module, although you may have interim assessments throughout some modules. The marks from summative assessments will count towards your module mark.

Careers and employability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £30,300.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.

Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)

This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.

Southampton Ocean and Earth Science Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Ocean and Earth Science.

Find out more about Southampton Ocean and Earth Science Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

Application assessment fee

We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for a postgraduate taught course.

This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees and is payable per application. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.

If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you’re applying for certain scholarships, you will not need to pay the fee. PGCE applications through GOV.UK and Master of Research (MRes) degree applications are also exempt. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.

Supporting information

When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.

You’ll need to include information about:

• your knowledge of the subject area
• why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
• how you intend to use your qualification

You'll also need to submit two academic references.

Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

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