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University of Aberdeen: Geophysics
| Institution | University of Aberdeen View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | School of Geosciences |
| Web | https://www.abdn.ac.uk |
| pgadmissions@abdn.ac.uk | |
| Telephone | 01224 272090 |
| Study type | Taught |
MSc
Summary
Providing professional-level geophysics training and education to open up career opportunities across a number of industries and for future academic research.
The MSc Geophysics offers three distinct study pathways based on your areas of interest. Choose from the Geophysics, Energy Resources Geophysics, or Environmental Sustainability Geophysics Pathway.
Qualified geophysicists are in demand globally. This programme equips you with the skills for careers in energy transition, hydrocarbon and minerals exploration, renewable energy, environmental sciences, Earth data science and machine learning, and geophysics research/PhDs.
This unique programme is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of modern geophysics, with an emphasis on cutting edge techniques for understanding and visualising the structure, dynamics and composition of the Earth from the near surface to the deep interior.
The content is broad-based and integrative with a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of geophysical data analysis and interpretation, with a foundation in Earth science and geophysics methods, conventional approaches such as inversion and signal processing, and advanced applications of data science and machine learning.
Choose from 3 study pathways:
-
Geophysics – for careers in a broad range of industries with advanced geophysics activities (primarily energy sector, environmental and construction sectors, marine exploration) or geophysics research (PhDs)
-
Energy Resources Geophysics – for careers in the hydrocarbons and/or renewables energy industry, consultancy, government, or policy
-
Environmental Sustainability Geophysics – for careers which address environmental challenges associated with the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals
You will learn from experienced geophysics staff and industry experts, in world-class facilities with dedicated teaching and study space. You will explore the theory of geophysics and its application to a multitude of research and industry problems across a variety of scales. You will also gain hands-on experience in using industry-standard software and acquiring geophysical data with our vast range of geophysics equipment.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth, in Geophysics, Mathematics or Physics. Those with a 2:2 in Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Science or similar degree will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate a proven ability in Geophysics, Mathematics and/or Physics. Your degree should have included at least one university-level Mathematics and/or Physics and/or Geophysics module. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Fees
| Republic of Ireland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| EU | 26250 GBP for Year 1 |
| England | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 11900 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 26250 GBP for Year 1 |
Summary
Providing professional-level geophysics training and education to open up career opportunities across a number of industries and for future academic research.
The MSc Geophysics offers two distinct pathways with different combinations of courses for students commencing in September 2025.
Geophysics Pathway - designed for students interested in a career in a broad range of industries with advanced geophysics activities (primarily energy sector, environmental and construction sectors, marine exploration) or in geophysics research (through PhD). Energy Resources Geophysics Pathway – designed for students interested in a career in the energy industry (either fossil fuels or renewables), consultancy, government or policy.
Developed on the back of a recognised need for qualified geophysicists within industry, this programme is hosted by the Department of Geology & Geophysics and is delivered by staff across the School of Geosciences supplemented by external experts. It equips students with the skills for careers in the energy transition, hydrocarbon and minerals exploration, renewable energy, environmental sciences, earth data science and machine learning, and associated service industries, or broader geophysics research.
This unique programme is designed to expose students to the theory and practice of modern geophysics, with an emphasis on cutting edge techniques for understanding and visualising the structure, dynamics and composition of the Earth from the near surface to the deep interior. The content is broad-based and integrative with a strong focus on the quantitative aspects of geophysical data analysis and interpretation, from conventional approaches such as inversion and signal processing, to data science, machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI).
Here, you will learn from experienced geophysics staff and key industry experts, delivered in world-class facilities with dedicated teaching and study space and explore the theory of geophysics and its application to a multitude of research and industry problems across a variety of scales, via a curriculum that covers the broad fundamentals and new technologies.
We place specific emphasis on students gaining hands-on experience in using industry-standard software and acquiring geophysical data with our large pool of geophysics equipment (including broadband seismometers, seismic reflection/refraction, ground penetrating radar, resistivity tomography, magnetometers and differential GPS).
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Our minimum entry requirement for this programme is a Geophysics, Mathematics or Physics degree at 2:1 (upper second class) UK Honours level (or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth). Those with a 2:1 in Geology, Engineering Geology, Environmental Science or similar degree will also be considered where the applicant can demonstrate proven ability in Geophysics, Mathematics and/or Physics. Key subjects you should have covered: At least one University-level Mathematics and/or Physics and/or Geophysics module. |
| Location | Main Site University Office Regent Walk King's College Aberdeen AB24 3FX |
Overview
The University of Aberdeen is Scotland’s third oldest university and the fifth oldest in the UK. Founded by Bishop William Elphinstone in 1495, the beautiful campus attracts a diverse international community of over 14,000 students from over 130 countries.
The University of Aberdeen is ranked as a Top 15 UK university by the Guardian University Guide 2025 and Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025. It also ranks second across Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland for student satisfaction in The National Student Survey 2024.
Postgraduate Programmes
Aberdeen offers an …
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