BSc (Hons) GEOPHYSICS WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR
BSC (HONS) GEOPHYSICS WITH A PLACEMENT YEAR
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.
Our BSc Geophysics with a Placement Year is ranked in the top 20 for Earth and Marine Sciences by 'The Guardian University Guide 2023'.
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.
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Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the courses listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the regular review of course programmes. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes, there will normally be prior consultation of students and others. Changes may for example consist of variations to the content and method of delivery of programmes, courses and other services, to discontinue programmes, courses and other services and to merge or combine programmes or courses. The University will endeavour to keep such changes to a minimum, and will inform students.Accreditation
This course is accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
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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 CV and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but 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.
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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 master's 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
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
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Water Management
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Resource Exploration
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Geotechnical Engineering
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Risk Analysis
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Environmental Consultancy
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Hazard Management
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Assessment for Year 1
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 2
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 3
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 4
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Assessment for Year 1
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Modules in this range are core, which means they have to be passed and are not eligible for compensation. Students will select one of either ENV-5004B or ENV-5005K. Students must submit a request to the School for a place on the field courses.
Assessment for Year 2
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 3
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Assessment for Year 4
At the end of each year, you’ll be assessed on a combination of coursework, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose.
Your final year will include a research project, which will be assessed through your dissertation.
We also use formative assessment throughout each module so that you can gain feedback on your skills and understanding before completing summative work.
Important Information
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring and review of modules. Where this activity leads to significant change to a programme and modules, the University will endeavour to consult with affected students. The University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. Availability of optional modules may be restricted owing to timetabling, lack of demand, or limited places. Where this is the case, you will be asked to make alternative module choices and you will be supported during this process.Entry Requirements
A Levels
ABB including Mathematics. If you are taking an EPQ and three A-levels, we may offer you a one grade reduction on our advertised typical offer, if you achieve an A in the EPQ. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.T Levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. Accepted subjects: Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction, or Science.BTEC
DDM - Applied Science, or Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Countryside Management is acceptable alongside grade B A-Level MathsScottish highers
AAABB including grade A in Mathematics.Scottish highers advanced
BCC including Mathematics.Irish leaving certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Mathematics.Access course
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in MathematicsEuropean Baccalaureate
75% including grade 7 in Mathematics.International Baccalaureate
32 points including HL5 in Mathematics.GCSE offer
You are required to have Mathematics and English Language at a minimum of Grade C or Grade 4 or above at GCSE.
Additional entry requirements
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
We welcome and value a wide range of alternative qualifications. If you have a qualification which is not listed here, please contact us via Admissions Enquiries.
A-Level General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element.
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.
Important note
Once enrolled onto your course at UEA, your progression and continuation (which may include your eligibility for study abroad, overseas experience, placement or year in industry opportunities) is contingent on meeting the assessment requirements which are relevant to the course on which you are enrolled.
International Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. View our International Students pages for specific information about your country.
INTO University of East Anglia
If you do not meet the academic and/or English requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO University of East Anglia offers guaranteed progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree:
International Foundation in Physical Sciences and Engineering (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
International Foundation in Mathematics and Actuarial Sciences (for Year 1 entry to UEA)
Students for whom english is a foreign language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components) for year 1 entry
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IELTS: 6.5 overall (minimum 6.0 in all components) for year 2 entry
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
Interviews
Most applicants will not be called for an interview and a decision will be made via UCAS Track. However, for some applicants an interview will be requested. Where an interview is required the Admissions Service will contact you directly to arrange a time.
Gap year
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake is in September each year.
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Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course related costs
You’re eligible for reduced fees during the year in industry. Further details are available on our Tuition Fee website.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
View our information about Additional Course Fees.
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How to Apply
Apply for this course through the Universities and Colleges Admissions Services (UCAS), using UCAS Hub.
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
We’re 4th for research quality!
Ask a Student
UEA Award
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
What's included in your fees
We’re 4th for research quality!
Ask a Student
UEA Award
HEAR FROM OUR STUDENTS
What's included in your fees
Course Variants
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