The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a public research university located in Edinburgh, Scotland. It is the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world and one of Scotland's ancient universities. The university has a long and rich history, and has produced many notable alumni in a variety of fields, including science, literature, and politics. Today, the University of Edinburgh is a leading research-intensive university, with a global reputation for academic excellence and a strong commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world.

The exciting nature of geophysics and meteorology means you will have a diverse learning experience during your years with us.

What (and how) you learn will depend on the courses you take and the nature of the topics explored.

Your programme begins with a broad grounding of topics across Earth sciences and the environment.

You will:

build on this foundation while exploring new and varied topics in the following years
develop your increasing independence and confidence as you progress through your studies
You can find details for compulsory and option courses through the 'Programme Structure' link.

Professional placement
The information on this page is for our 5-year MEarthPhys Geophysics and Meteorology with Professional Placement degree.

It follows the 4-year BSc Geophysics and Meteorology degree. However it has an additional one-year work placement between academic Years 3 and 4. This additional year gives you valuable professional experience.

###Study pathways

We have three degree streams that specialise in geophysics:

Geophysics
Geophysics and Geology
Geophysics and Meteorology
You do not need to apply to more than one geophysics degree when applying. You can switch between the different geophysics degrees in your first year of study as you discover the subjects you like best.

Our geophysics degrees:

have the same entry requirements
share the same first year
include the possibility to switch degrees at the end of Year 1
From Year 2 our geophysics degrees diverge to become more specialised for their particular degree streams.

In addition:

Many of the courses in your first and second years are also shared with our range of Earth science and environment degrees.

Depending on the courses you take it may be possible to switch between these degrees as you discover the subjects you like best.

You will then specialise in the subject of your choice in later years.

Explore all Earth and environmental sciences degrees
Second year entry option
You have the opportunity to shorten the length of your studies by one full year.

This option may be for you if you know exactly what you want to do and are ready to study your chosen field right away. You can also fast track your career by graduating earlier.

During your first year you will have fewer course options and flexibility.

But you can:

graduate with the BSc in three years or
graduate with an integrated masters (MEarthPhys) in four years or
graduate with the BSc followed by a separate one-year postgraduate degree within four years
In your first year through this route you will:

join the cohort of students entering their second year of study (Year 2)
take the same number of courses as your Year 2 peers. So there is no extra increase in your study workload
have fewer option courses than your Year 2 peers. Instead you will need to complete the compulsory courses of Year 1 and Year 2 within your first year
Please note: You must be suitably qualified if you want to shorten your studies. Make sure you view the entry requirements under 'Second Year Entry' below.

Switching degrees
Our Earth science and environment degrees provide opportunities to switch between degrees in your early years.

Please note:

Some later courses may not be available if you have not taken the necessary pre-requisite courses.
In order to switch between the different geophysics degrees you must decide by the end of Year 1.
You should discuss your interests with your Personal Tutor to ensure that these options are still available to you.

Option courses
One of the most exciting things about a Scottish undergraduate degree is option courses. You have the opportunity to take a number of courses outside your degree .

You can choose courses related to your degree. Or you can try something completely different and new to you.

Changes to teaching and learning
We are committed to offering high-quality education to all our students. However please be advised that there may be changes to course options and delivery. All decisions are made to ensure we can provide the highest standards for your educational experience.

Although we endeavour to provide a wide range of optional courses to choose from these can be subject to change or cancellation at short notice. Places on optional courses can be limited due to course capacity and timetabling constraints. It may not be possible to guarantee every offer holder their top choice of optional courses.

Changes to field trips
Field course locations may change for a variety of reasons including due to Covid-19. Where necessary fieldwork will be relocated rescheduled or alternative arrangements provided. Decisions will be made to safeguard the health and safety of our students staff and community - and to ensure the highest standards of educational experience.

Accessibility on field trips
We are committed to making our degree as accessible and inclusive as possible. In the event that you cannot attend all trips or only some of them we will provide alternatives with comparable learning outcomes.

Advice and guidance
We want to help you make the most of your studies with us.

We will assign you with a Personal Tutor for the duration of your degree. They will be a member of our teaching staff who provides you with individual academic guidance and support. They will assist you in mapping out a path through your studies. You will be able to discuss your course choices degree options and get careers advice.

You can also seek help from your Personal Tutor and Student Support Team to take advantage of our University's extensive network of student-support services.

The Earth sciences at Edinburgh are really comprehensive and offer many different options depending on your interest. I chose my degree because of the chance to study a wide range of material. During my degree I have developed skills that I didn't realise I enjoyed such as coding. And the fieldwork is a bonus as well!

David Fairweather BSc Geophysics and Meteorology

Year 1
All compulsory courses will be the same across our geophysics degrees.

We will introduce you to the foundations of:

physics
geophysics
mathematics
geology
We will help you develop a strong sense of purpose and foster an idea of what you might want to do as a geophysics graduate.

Year 2
You will begin your studies in meteorology with introductory courses.

We will also advance your knowledge in:

maths
physics
geology
geophysics
You can also choose option courses from a wide selection across the University. You can choose courses related to your degree. Or you can try something completely different and new to you.

Second year entry
If you have direct entry to Year 2 you will take a specially tailored set of courses in the first semester. But you will join the standard programme in the second semester.

Year 3
You will begin your studies in meteorology with introductory courses.

We will also advance your knowledge in:

maths
physics
geology
geophysics
You can also choose option courses from a wide selection across the University. You can choose courses related to your degree. Or you can try something completely different and new to you.

Second year entry
If you have direct entry to Year 2 you will take a specially tailored set of courses in the first semester. But you will join the standard programme in the second semester.

Year 4
As part of this degree you will complete a professional placement in Year 4.

Your placement will be with an approved company or research institute in the UK or abroad.

During this time you will work on a relevant project related to your degree. You will be assessed on your project work with the external partner.

This opportunity can give you valuable insight into the professional and real-world application of your degree and enhance your future career path.

Year 5
You will develop expert knowledge in a field of your choice.

A significant focus will be on independent research.

You can either complete:

one major project or
two smaller projects
Your project/s will be an independent piece of research in your chosen specialist field. They can be inspired by your area of interest aided by our world-class facilities and top scientists.

We will support you with individual supervision from an academic with experience in your chosen subject area.

Through fieldwork you will apply the skills you have learned during your studies. We will intensively explore a specific site which we often share with students from France and Germany. This gives you the opportunity to meet fellow peers and apply geophysics in the real world.

Our selected location will provide you with a variety of fascinating geophysical and geological structures. Previous trips have taken place across various sites in Europe.

You will employ a wide range of geophysical techniques and equipment to study:

gravity
magnetics
electromagnetism
seismology
You will also continue to study courses that further your knowledge in geophysics and meteorology including the atmosphere and climate.

The University of Edinburgh is a world-class research-intensive university that has been shaping the minds of students for over four centuries. Founded in 1583, it is one of Scotland's ancient universities and the sixth oldest university in the English-speaking world. The university is located in the beautiful and historic city of Edinburgh, which is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and lively atmosphere.

The University of Edinburgh offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in a variety of disciplines, including arts, humanities, social sciences, sciences, engineering, medicine, business, and law. The university has a strong reputation for academic excellence, and its graduates are known for their high level of education and employability. The university is home to some of the world's most respected research centers and institutes, including the Edinburgh College of Art, the Royal Observatory, and the Human Communication Research Centre.

Throughout its history, the University of Edinburgh has produced many notable alumni, including economist Adam Smith, philosopher David Hume, and Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland's most famous writers. The university has also produced seven Nobel Prize winners, including Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of penicillin, and Peter Higgs, who proposed the Higgs boson particle.

The University of Edinburgh is also known for its commitment to innovation and entrepreneurship. It is home to several leading research centers and institutes that specialize in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and sustainable energy. The university also has a strong emphasis on student engagement, and it encourages students to participate in extracurricular activities, clubs and societies, and volunteer work.

The University of Edinburgh is a diverse and inclusive community, with students and staff from all over the world. The university provides students with a supportive and challenging environment, where they can develop the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in their chosen fields. The University of Edinburgh is consistently ranked among the top universities in the UK and the world, making it an excellent choice for students who are looking for a high-quality education and a great student experience.

You will need to book the accommodation after you have been accepted.

You can choose to live on campus or off campus in private accommodation.

• Make a booking online after you have been accepted (in this case please let us know your choice when you apply).
• Register when you arrive - its not possible to reserve a room before arriving. You can arrive a few days before and book it