Physics with Geophysics
UCAS code F365
- Study mode
- Full-time
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start date and application deadlines
-
- Start date
About this course
Study this programme and gain a range of transferable skills that will put you at the forefront of modern physics while discovering how planet Earth works and how we use physics to image its static and dynamic subsurface, from inner core to crust.
Introduction
There has never been a better time to study physics and geophysics as we seek to provide sustainable resources for the world’s population. On our Physics with Geophysics BSc you will learn fundamental Physics principles that govern the behaviour of matter and energy, which are essential for understanding a wide range of natural phenomena, and then apply these principles within Geophysics to study the Earth’s physical properties and processes. This integration helps in comprehensively understanding the Earth’s structure and behaviour. As a geophysicist, you’ll study the physical aspects of the earth using a range of methods, including gravity, magnetic, electrical and seismic. By collecting data on seismic waves, which move through and around the earth, you’ll create a picture of what lies below the earth’s surface. This information is vitally important to many industries and governments.
As part of the Department of Physics, you will be taught by academics involved in cutting-edge research across various fields in physics. We are very proud of our research achievements and major international collaborations, such as the Large Hadron Collider at CERN in Switzerland, STFC’s Diamond Light Source and Daresbury Laboratory in the UK, ESRF and GANIL in France, GSI and DESY in Germany, and TRIUMF in Canada. During your studies you will use our award-winning Central Teaching Laboratories with state-of-the-art, superbly equipped and purpose-built teaching spaces that host research-grade equipment. Geophysics students at Liverpool also benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities. The fieldwork is an integral part of the curriculum, as practical experiences allow students to apply theoretical knowledge in real-world settings, enhancing their understanding of geophysical processes and techniques. Fieldwork in the Physics with Geophysics programme currently involves a residential course. You will also work within one of our research groups to undertake a significant geophysical research project in your final year, which has the possibility to include a fieldwork component. Our students have opportunities to study abroad or take a year in industry. We also have strong connections with industry and governmental agencies who can provide opportunities for collaborative projects, and employment after graduation.
What you'll learn
- Explore and apply the fundamental principles of physics
- Numeracy and problem-solving skills
- Ability to reason clearly and communicate well
- Apply the principles of Physics and Geophysics to study, explore and understand the Earth’s structure, atmosphere and space environment.
- Study the Earth’s physical properties and processes, including seismic activity, gravitational fields, and magnetic fields
Accreditation
As a new programme, our Physics with Geophysics BSc is pending accreditation by the Institution of Physics (IoP). The programme has been designed to deliver and fulfil the IoP accreditation requirements and it will be fully accredited (subject to approval), as soon as students from the first cohort graduate (approx. in 2028).
Accreditation in detail
Institute of Physics
This programme is accredited by the Institute of Physics, which means it satisfies the academic requirements for Chartered Physicist status. The Institute of Physics is the professional body for physics in the UK and Ireland.
LJMU
This course is taught jointly by world-leading academics from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
Course content
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one
The first year starts with a one-week project to familiarise you with the staff and other students. There will be three maths modules in across the first and second years; these are designed to provide the mathematical skills required by physics students.
Geophysics – A strong feature of year one is the acquisition of fundamental skills in maths, geology and geoscience, supported by an integrated approach to transferable skills conveyed through the tutorial system.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year two
In year two you will broaden your understanding of physics, with modules designed to ensure you have mastered the full range of physics concepts. You will also broaden your skillset through modules in applied and computational geophysics.
Fieldwork involves:
- 4 days using industry-standard geophysical survey equipment in the local Liverpool area.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Year three
The third year comprises a mix of core physics and geophysics modules along with many optional modules in advanced topics. Building on your applied geophysics knowledge, you will undertake an industry-style geophysical survey in the south of Spain. Supported by a supervisor, you will undertake a field, laboratory or computer-based geophysics research project over the duration of your final year.
Fieldwork:
- One week in southern Spain.
Modules
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Teaching and assessment
How you'll learn
Our research-led teaching ensures you are taught the latest advances in cutting-edge physics research. Lectures introduce and provide the details of the various areas of physics and related subjects. You will be working in tutorials and problem-solving workshops, which are another crucial element in the learning process, where you put your knowledge into practice. They help you to develop a working knowledge and understanding of physics. All of the lecturers also perform world class research and use this to enhance their teaching.
Most work takes place in small groups with a tutor or in a larger class where staff provide help as needed. Practical work is an integral part of the programmes, and ranges from training in basic laboratory skills in the first two years to a research project in the third or fourth year. You will undertake an extended project on a research topic with a member of staff who will mentor you. By the end of the degree you will be well prepared to tackle problems in any area and present yourself and your work both in writing and in person. In the first two years students take maths modules which provide the support all students need to understand the physics topics.
How you're assessed
Physics modules – The main modes of assessment are coursework and examination. Depending on the modules taken you may encounter project work, presentations (individual or group), and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.
Geophysics modules – Assessment matches the learning objectives for each module and may take the form of written exams, practical laboratory and computer examinations, coursework submissions in the form of essays, scientific papers, briefing notes or lab/field notebooks, reports and portfolios, oral and poster presentations and contributions to group projects, and problem-solving exercises.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
- Digital fluency
- Confidence
- Global citizenship
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
- Research-connected teaching
- Active learning
- Authentic assessment
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
Entry requirements
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| A levels |
BBC (including Mathematics: B and Physics: B) |
| BTEC Level 3 national extended diploma |
Not accepted for this programme. |
| BTEC combinations |
BTEC National Extended Certificate M plus BB including Mathematics grade B and Physics grade B at A level. |
| Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced |
C in the Welsh Baccalaureate, plus BB at A level to include Mathematics and Physics grade B. |
| Access |
Pass relevant Access to HE Diploma with 45 Level 3 credits with 27 at Distinction including 12 in Mathematics and 15 in Physics or 15 in Mathematics and 12 in Physics and 18 at Merit |
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
Global opportunities
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Year in China
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
- Learn Chinese
- Study in a bustling world heritage city
- Improve employment prospects
- Study Chinese culture
- 30 minutes from Shanghai
- Learn new skills
Year abroad
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
- Choose from up-to 26 countries
- Experience another way of life
- Inspire your future career or studies
- Improved prospects of earning a 2:1 or First
- More likely to earn higher salary
- More likely to be employed after graduating
Where can I spend a year abroad on this course?
- Australia
- Canada
- Hong Kong
- Malaysia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- USA
Summer abroad
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
- Spend a summer abroad in addition to your degree programme
- Study abroad without adding an extra year
- Choose any summer between your first and final year of study
- Get the chance to study subjects outside your discipline
Where can I spend a summer abroad on this course?
- Hong Kong
- Japan
- South Korea
Language study
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
- A dedicated languages degree
- A language as a joint or major/minor degree
- Language modules (selected degrees)
- Language classes alongside your studies
Your experience
Day-to-day you will attend lectures, as well as working in tutorials and problem-solving workshops. Practical work is carried out in laboratories, starting with basic skills and progressing to a research project. Your course will be delivered by the Department of Physics
Explore where you'll study
Welcome to physics
Find out a little bit more about Physics at Liverpool from Professor Carsten Welsch, Head of the Physics Department.
Why Environmental Sciences?
Hear about why studying an environmental science courses with the University of Liverpool is unlike anything else.
Virtual tour
Supporting your learning
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
- Careers and employability support, including help with career planning, understanding the job market and strengthening your networking skills
- A dedicated student services team can help you get assistance with your studies, help with health and wellbeing, and access to financial advice
- Confidential counselling and support to help students with personal problems affecting their studies and general wellbeing
- Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Physics gives you a chance to explain how the world works, from the tiny, atomic scale to the large. I've enjoyed the practicals, getting to grips with handling the equipment and the scientific methods. I’ve developed a lot of skills that I will apply throughout my life.
Chat with our students
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
What it’s like to be a physics student? Third year student, Cara, gives her views on what its like studying Physics at Liverpool.
Third year student, Cara, gives her views on what its like studying Physics at Liverpool.
Meet Jamie: Studying Earth Sciences at Liverpool
Find out what life is like studying and living in Liverpool from current student Jamie.
Careers and employability
All Physics degrees are highly valued in today’s labour market and our graduates have excellent career opportunities in academic & industrial research and development, computing, teaching, business and finance. In addition, the understanding and knowledge that Geophysicists have of the physical processes of the earth, are sought after and employed by environmental agencies, governments, geophysical exploration companies, as well as carbon capture, oil and gas industries.
Studying physics with geophysics opens up a range of diverse and rewarding career opportunities. The combination of these fields equips graduates with strong analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued in various industries.
Most of our recent graduates have gained employment within a degree-related field or continued within further education after graduation.
The knowledge, skills and experience that our you’ll develop during your degree are in high demand by employers. Graduates have gone on to explore careers in areas as diverse as:
- Nuclear power
- Instrumentation
- Cryogenics
- Astronomy
- Geophysics
- Medical physics
- Materials science
- Telecommunications
- Microelectronics
- Computing
- Software engineer
- Teaching
- Business
- Finance
- Management
Geophysicists also have expanded job opportunities in sectors including:
- Geoscience Energy consultant
- Meteorologist
- Petroleum engineer
- Engineering geologist
- Hazard prediction
- Risk Management
- Oceanographer
Progressing to research The Department of Physics attracts considerable research income, creating excellent opportunities to progress to a research degree, particularly in the fields of condensed matter physics, nuclear physics, particle physics, nanoscience and energy.
Graduate employees have included: Deloitte, IBM, Bosch, PWC, NHS, Jaguar, Sony, Unilever, BMW.
Physics graduates also move into careers outside of science. Popular options include banking and finance, as well as the software, computing and consultancy industries. Other areas include accountancy, law and transport.
Meet our alumni
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
Dr Stuart Penn, BSc (Hons) Physics 1988
Dr Stuart Penn (BSc Hons Physics 1988, PhD 1992) has turned a love of science and sci-fi into a blockbuster movie career. Here he describes his journey from superconductors to special effects.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
International fees
Full-time place, per year - £29,100
Year abroad fee - £14,550 (applies to year in China)
The tuition fees shown are correct for 2025/26 entry. Please note that the year abroad fee also applies to the year in China.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.
Additional costs
Additional costs for this course could include travel to placements and fieldwork expenses.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This may include a laptop, books, or stationery.
Compulsory/optional field class/school placements –
The main costs are covered by the university for the compulsory field trips.
Students are reimbursed for travel costs to school placements, if undertaken as part of an optional module in year three.
http://www.liverpool.ac.uk/paying-for-your-studies/study-costs/?course=physics-bsc-hons
There will be additional costs for a lab coat, geological field kit, and sustenance during compulsory field trips.
http://www.liverpool.ac.uk/paying-for-your-studies/study-costs/?course=environmental-geoscience-bsc-hons
Scholarships and bursaries
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
The Liverpool Bursary
If you’re a UK student joining an undergraduate degree and have a household income below £35,000, you could be eligible for a Liverpool Bursary worth up to £2,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Asylum Seekers Scholarship
Apply for an Asylum Seekers Scholarship and you could have your tuition fees paid in full and receive help with study costs. You’ll need to have applied for asylum in the UK, or be the dependant of an asylum seeker, and be joining an eligible undergraduate degree.
Care Leavers’ Opportunity Bursary
If you’ve spent 13 or more weeks in Local Authority care since age 14, you could be eligible for a bursary of £3,000 per year of study. You’ll need to be a UK student joining an eligible undergraduate degree and be aged 28 or above on 1 September in the year you start.
Cowrie Foundation Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a Black African or Caribbean heritage and a household income of £25,000 or less? You could be eligible to apply for a Cowrie Foundation Scholarship worth up to £8,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Estranged Students Bursary
If you’re a UK student identified as estranged by Student Finance England (or the equivalent UK funding body), you could be eligible for a bursary of £1,000 for each year of undergraduate study.
Genesys Life Sciences Scholarship
Joining a School of Biosciences degree and have a household income of less than £25,000? If you’re a UK student, you could apply to receive £4,500 per year for three years of your undergraduate course.
Nolan Scholarships
Do you live in the Liverpool City Region with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a Nolan Scholarship worth £5,000 per year for three years of undergraduate study.
Rigby Enterprise Award
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? If you’ve participated in an eligible outreach programme, you could be eligible to apply for a Rigby Enterprise Award worth £5,000 per year for three years of your undergraduate degree.
ROLABOTIC Scholarship
Are you a UK student with a household income of £25,000 or less? Did neither of your parents attend University? You could be eligible to apply for a ROLABOTIC Scholarship worth £4,500 for each year of your undergraduate degree.
Sport Liverpool Performance Programme
Apply to receive tailored training support to enhance your sporting performance. Our athlete support package includes a range of benefits, from bespoke strength and conditioning training to physiotherapy sessions and one-to-one nutritional advice.
Technetix Broadhurst Engineering Scholarship
Joining a degree in the School of Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science? If you’re a UK student with household income below £25,000, you could be eligible to apply for £5,000 a year for three years of study. Two awards will be available per academic year.
Young Adult Carer’s (YAC) Bursary
If you’re a young adult and a registered carer in the UK, you might be eligible for a £1,000 bursary for each year of study. You’ll need to be aged 18-25 on 1 September in the year you start your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions