Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences BSc

Course overview

Our planet faces many pressing societal challenges. With a growing population, more and more people are affected by natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and extreme weather. Space weather is also increasingly impacting the satellites we all rely on as a society.

The climate emergency calls for sustainable exploration and the need for utilising the Earth’s resources to develop sustainable technologies that will combat the impact – from freshwater to minerals.

On this course, you’ll develop fundamental expertise in the physics of the Earth, including ocean and atmospheric physics and the dynamics of the Earth’s and other planets’ interiors. You’ll apply this knowledge to find solutions to complex environmental challenges in areas like climate change, energy transition and hazard mitigation.

You’ll be trained in data analysis, quantitative modelling and computer programming – all skills that are vital to tackling real-world environmental issues. To help further develop your skill set, we place a strong emphasis on practical, hands-on learning with a range of field trips throughout the course.

As we move towards a greener, more sustainable future, it’s the skills and expertise you’ll learn on this course that will be invaluable to many industries and governments worldwide.

Why study at Leeds:

• Our globally-renowned research that tackles complex global challenges such as climate change, energy security and natural hazard management feeds directly into your course and shapes what you learn at Leeds with the latest thinking.
• Experience expert teaching delivered by a programme team made up of leading specialists with extensive industry experience from across the breadth of this field.
• Put theory into practice by undertaking fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain hands-on experience highly valued by employers in industry.
• Access specialist facilities, featuring extensive lab spaces, including our Earth Visualisation Lab, and computer clusters fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our exciting study abroad programmes and work placement opportunities.
• Join one of our societies, such as RocSoc or SusSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at activities such as comedy and film nights, trips and sports. You could even be elected as a member of the committee, which is a great opportunity to develop your management and leadership skills.

Course details

This degree covers a broad spectrum of geophysical and atmospheric topics during which you'll build up a portfolio of specialist and highly transferable numerical skills, making you ideally placed for a career in geophysical or atmospheric science or indeed any other highly numerate profession.

Throughout your degree, you’ll explore key geophysical and atmospheric topics including Earth’s magnetic and gravitational field, seismology and hazards caused by earthquakes, volcanoes and extreme weather, climate change and environmental monitoring.

Starting out from the physical fundamentals in year 1, you'll learn how they apply to geophysical data in year 2, before the course culminates with an integrated residual field trip and independent research project in year 3.

Fieldwork will be integral to your course, with opportunities to explore many different environments first-hand, in the UK and abroad.

Please note: field trip destinations specified below are typical examples but may be subject to change.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

The course structure shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll develop fundamental skills in maths, physics of the Earth, atmosphere and oceans, and geology. You’ll start computer programming that you'll use and develop throughout your degree. You'll study maths in your first and second year and can choose from a range of discovery and/or optional modules.

Compulsory modules

Physics of the Earth and Atmosphere – 40 credits

Learn both the basic principles of physics and the way that they are applied in different techniques to study the planet. This module focuses on quantitative problem solving, data analysis and interpretation and integrating methods to obtain a broad understanding of our planet from an atomic to a global scale.

Advanced Mathematics 1 & 2 – 10 credits each

These two modules provide the mathematical toolbox that will be used for all physical components, as well as numerical and computational aspects of the degree. The overall aim of these modules is to provide you with mathematical concepts and techniques essential for a variety of scientific disciplines. The focus is on understanding how we can use mathematics to approximate, analyse and predict different physical processes in Earth and Environmental sciences. The modules are designed for students who already studied basic differentiation and integration.

Programming and Data Science – 20 credits

Learn how data scientists use computer systems, mapping software and basic computer programming to understand data and the Earth. The module begins in the first semester with an overview of geographical information systems (GIS) to quantitatively measure spatial data. This is followed in the second semester by an introduction to computer programming in Python and a brief look at the Linux operating system upon which the whole internet is based. This module is taught via combined lecture and practical classes.

Solid Planet – 20 credits

The ability to identity and characterise the rocks, minerals, and sedimentary deposits that form the Earth are fundamental skills for any professional geoscientist. In this module, you'll develop the core skills of describing and identifying key Earth materials at a range of spatial scales, from the macro-scale structures seen in rock outcrops to the micro-scale features visible under the microscope. During practical work in the laboratory, you'll be taught how to recognise common igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary rock types, and the key features that provide evidence for their origins in different environments. In addition to learning about the physical and chemical properties of Earth materials, you'll also gain an understanding of the important magmatic and metamorphic processes that occur during the rock cycle to create geological deposits.

Optional modules

You’ll choose from the following optional modules. Or you may choose to combine optional modules with discovery modules.

Discovery modules give you the chance to expand your learning, broadening your knowledge and giving you that competitive edge in the jobs market.

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

• Natural Hazards
• Atmosphere
• Weather
• Water

Year 2

In your second year, compulsory modules provide you with the key techniques used to look inside and explore the Earth from the core to the atmosphere and near-Earth space. These include methods used to understand plate tectonics, earthquakes and volcanoes, as well as ocean and atmospheric currents. You'll be taught tools to investigate the near surface as used to enable civil engineering projects, locate and extract the resources we need to make batteries and wind turbines. You’ll also develop an understanding of the subsurface needed to find freshwater, trace pollutants and permit carbon sequestration.

Compulsory modules

Advanced Mathematics 3 – 10 credits

The topics covered in this module are essential mathematical tools for treating many physical phenomena. Matrices provide a powerful tool for storing, displaying and manipulating information about linear systems of algebraic and differential equations. They are, for example, used extensively in the analysis of vibrating systems such as those encountered in seismology. Derivatives and multiple integrals of scalar and vector fields arise naturally in areas of geophysical and atmospheric sciences such as fluid flow and heat transfer.

Numerical Methods for Earth and Atmosphere – 10 credits

Numerical methods and statistics play a fundamental role in all aspects of geophysical and atmospheric research. Explore the basic techniques needed for a careful analysis of experimental data and solving numerical problems. You'll be introduced to the mathematical methods in the lectures and translate these into Python programs in the practical sessions.

Digital Data Analysis – 10 credits

Learn the mathematical foundation for spectral analysis and filter theory as applied to the analysis of a large variety of data sets in applied and pure geophysical and atmospheric science. At the end of this module, you’ll be able to use digital filters in time and frequency domain, understand the consequences of the digitisation process, and plan and carry out digital data acquisition processes to analyse time and spatial data series.

Inverse Theory – 10 credits

Much of geophysical and atmospheric science is underpinned by observations, yet these datasets can be difficult to collect: the data often have gaps, are noisy, or do not directly report the quantify that is of most interest. This module explores how to make inferences from such data, by working backwards (in an “inverse” direction) to determine the structures and processes that govern the underlying physical system. Lectures are closely interwoven with computer exercises that bring data sets and theoretical ideas to life.

Environmental Geophysics – 20 credits

This module combines a field trip with lectures and practical sessions to teach you the fundamental skills of conducting and analysing environmental monitoring data through a range of different techniques. You'll develop skills in survey design, field safety, field data recording, quality control, processing, interpretation and the preparation and presentation of reports and maps. Practical sessions focus on the processing and interpretation of real data you’ve collected in the field.

Tectonophysics – 10 credits

This module aims to build your understanding the physical processes that govern lithospheric structure and deformation in a range of tectonic environments. You'll learn about the forces that govern the motion and deformation of the lithosphere. You'll learn how the earthquake cycle works, how we can observe the various phases of it, and how we can use this to inform our understanding of the hazards posed by tectonic processes, particularly earthquakes. You'll study a range of tectonic environments, from the creation of new lithosphere at mid-ocean ridges to its destruction in collisional plate boundaries, in each case understanding what controls the style, distribution, and evolution of deformation. You'll use simple physical models to explain real-world data, understanding how we study such processes.

Structural Geology and Stratigraphy– 20 credits

This module is linked to a geological fieldtrip and explores the three-dimensional nature of the Earth through time. You’ll integrate structural geology with the occurrence and nature of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks in the framework of plate tectonics. You’ll learn how to describe, quantify and interpret geological structures and how Earth’s history can be interpreted in two- and three-dimensions using geological maps and cross-sections.

Atmosphere and Ocean Dynamics – 10 credits

This module deals with the way in which we can understand, interpret and predict the flow of air and of water in the Earth's environment. The syllabus covers the general properties of fluids, with relevance to interpreting and understanding their motion, before moving to explore the flows of air and water in the environment. Simple models related to atmospheric, oceanic and river flows will be developed

Optional modules

You’ll choose from the following optional modules. Or you may choose to combine optional modules with discovery modules.

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

• Meteorology
• Fluid Dynamics
• Introductory Oceanography
• Climate Change: Science and Impacts.

Year 3

Your final year includes a project that allows you to do research with a member of academic staff on a topic of mutual interest. Typical projects could involve machine learning, the study of the Earth's core, computational physics, study of volcanic systems and earthquakes using satellite data and archaeological geophysics to name a few.

You’ll also explore the global structure and dynamics of our planet through compulsory modules and attend seminars from visiting researchers from around the world. Optional modules allow you to pursue interests in, for example, volcanic systems, engineering geology, environmental monitoring, climate change and applications in the energy sector.

Compulsory modules

Research Dissertation – 40 credits

During this module, you’ll have the opportunity to complete an original research project. You’ll develop the powers of scientific observation and analysis, capabilities of interpreting and presenting results and discussing them in the context of previous work conducted in the field. In general, independent projects are based on a set of observations that you have collected yourself or have been provided by a supervisor from a fieldwork survey, laboratory experiment, numerical model or data bank.

Strategic Energy Issues – 10 credits

Explore a series of current topics regarding the development of energy resources, weighing up information and opinions from a variety of sources. You’ll be expected to prepare reports and make seminar presentations on a series of topics, drawing on your academic background. A key feature of this module is working together in groups from different degree programmes to prepare a multidisciplinary seminar.

Earth Observation from Space – 10 credits

Remote sensing of the Earth's environment from space has revolutionised the ways in which we measure and perceive our planet. This module provides an understanding of how different satellite platforms work, how to critically assess their limitations and how to use acquired data to analyse plate tectonics, continental deformation, temperature distribution and radiation across the planet, and properties of the Earth's atmosphere and surface.

Integrated Field School – 20 credits

This module combines a residential, two-week field trip to Lanzarote where you work in teams to acquire a multidisciplinary data set with advanced data processing and interpretation tools in practical sessions back at Leeds. The emphasis during the field trip is on you developing your independent fieldwork using our specialist equipment, whilst working as a team. You’ll also build skills in planning, leadership, presentation and communication.

The Earth from Core to Atmosphere – 20 credits

In your final year, you’ll be able to combine and apply many aspects of your learned skills acquired throughout your degree, obtaining a complete picture of our planet from the Earth’s core to the atmosphere. The emphasis of this module is on problem solving, so you’ll master various advanced mathematical techniques for quantitatively analysing geophysical and atmospheric data.

Optional modules

You’ll choose from the following optional modules.

Please note: The modules listed below are indicative of typical options.

• Volcanic Processes
• Engineering Geology
• Geothermal Energy: Engineering, Social and Governance Challenges
• Atmosphere and Ocean Climate Change Processes
• Dynamics of Weather Systems

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Summer internships

As a student in our Faculty, you’ll have the unique opportunity to do a paid summer internship. It’s your chance to get involved in the real-world research projects happening in and around the University – and advance your own professional skills in research and experimentation.

Want to find out more? Check out what our recent students got up to on their summer internships.

Learning and teaching

Most modules combine lectures with practical sessions, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skills classes, field trips and small group academic tutorials. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, laboratories, visualisation suites and out in the field.

We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the leading edge on research worldwide.

You'll have a designated personal tutor throughout your studies at Leeds, who will be an academic member of staff. You'll have fortnightly academic tutorials with your tutor throughout your first two years, in your tutor group (of typically 5 students), as well as one-to-one meetings twice per semester. In addition, our excellent student support team is there to help with anything from academic advice to timetabling and project submission enquiries. You'll also receive support from fellow students through our peer mentoring scheme.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, specifically designed to help students learn, whatever their preferred learning style. We use both coursework and exams, but with a general progression from an emphasis on exams in year 1 towards an emphasis on coursework in your final year.

Before you are assessed on a specific topic, you'll have received formative feedback on a very similar piece of work to help you with your preparations. We use, wherever appropriate, an approach towards authentic assessment, e.g., during fieldwork, you'll be assessed as if you were a ‘contractor’ considering teamwork and leadership skills alongside the scientific results. Communication and presentation skills are assessed throughout the degree to develop your transferrable skills.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB including Mathematics.

Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

GCSE: English Language and Mathematics at grade 4 (C) or higher, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English instead of GCSE English.

Extended Project Qualification, International Project Qualification and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate: Grade A plus ABB at A-level including Mathematics.

Alternative qualification

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: BBB including Mathematics plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.

Foundation years

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a Foundation Year. A Foundation Year is the first year of an extended degree. We’ve designed these courses for applicants whose backgrounds mean they are less likely to attend university and who don’t meet the typical entry requirements for an undergraduate degree.

We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without science and mathematics qualifications.

You could also study our Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc which is for applicants whose background is less represented at university.

On successful completion of your Foundation Year, you'll be able to progress onto your chosen course.

Alternative Entry Scheme for Mature Students

If you are a mature applicant and you don’t have the required A Levels or GCSE English and Math qualifications, you can complete our Alternative Entry Scheme (subject to meeting the eligibility criteria for the scheme). As part of this, you may be asked to take tests in English and maths and to write an essay.

Further information on the support available for mature students can be found at https://www.leeds.ac.uk/mature-students.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: To be confirmed

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
The fee for UK undergraduate students is decided by the Government and may vary if policy changes. The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 will be £9,535.

The tuition fee for the following programmes with an integrated foundation year is £5,760 for the foundation year, and £9,535 for subsequent years of study:
•    Business Studies with Foundation Year BSC
•    Arts and Humanities with Foundation Year BA
•    Interdisciplinary Studies with Preparation for Higher Education BA
•    Social Science (foundation year) BA
 

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2025/26 are available on individual course pages.
 

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

Standard travel and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for some subsistence, incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing, footwear and any related visa costs associated with overseas travel.

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Bursary

UK students eligible for a reduced grade contextual offer will receive a cash bursary worth £1,000 to help with some of the costs of being at university.

International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to high achieving and particularly deserving international students. There are limited scholarships available.

Applying

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

What happens after you’ve applied

You can keep up to date with the progress of your application through UCAS.

UCAS will notify you when we make a decision on your application. If you receive an offer, you can inform us of your decision to accept or decline your place through UCAS.

How long will it take to receive a decision

We typically receive a high number of applications to our courses. For applications submitted by the January UCAS deadline, UCAS asks universities to make decisions by mid-May at the latest.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Earth and Environment

Contact us

School of Earth and Environment Undergraduate Admissions

Email: admissions@see.leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

Climate change couldn’t be more pertinent than it is in society today. Organisations and governments rely on experts who can help comprehend the huge impact of climate on a regional or global scale – and create solutions for the future.

This degree will train you in how to deliver these crucial solutions. You’ll be equipped with a breadth of skills in geophysics and atmospheric science, giving you the ability to tackle the most pertinent and complex problems in Earth Sciences.

It’s this core knowledge you’ll gain from the course which will prove invaluable to employers worldwide, in both the public and private sectors. You’ll also build strong analytical, computational and numerical skills, alongside experience working in a team and independently – all sought after both in industry and transferable into many other careers, too.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Read our alumni profiles to find out more about where students from our School are now working.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one — that’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers. The University's Careers Service is one of the largest in the country, providing a wide range of resources to ensure you are prepared to take your next steps after graduation and get you where you want to be.

• Dedicated Employability Officer — gain quality advice, guidance and information to help you choose a career path. From CV and cover letter writing to supporting you with job applications, our School’s dedicated Employability Officer is on hand to help maximise your capabilities through a process of personal development and career planning.
• Employability and networking events — we run a full range of events, including careers fairs and industry talks in specialist areas and across broader industries, with employers who are actively recruiting for roles, giving you the opportunity to network and engage with industry sponsors. 
• Employability skills training – to support your transition to the workplace, we embed training in a range of key transferable skills valued by employers such as research and data analysis in all our programmes.
• MyCareer system — on your course and after you graduate you’ll have access to a dedicated careers portal where you can book appointments with our team, get information on careers and see job vacancies and upcoming events.
• Opportunities at Leeds — there are plenty of exciting opportunities offered by our Leeds University Union, including volunteering and over 300 clubs and societies to get involved in.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our strong connections with industry mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in a particular company or sector
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

During your industrial placement, you'll have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more about Industrial placements.