UCAS code F365
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.
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.
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).
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.
This course is taught jointly by world-leading academics from the University of Liverpool and Liverpool John Moores University.
We want you to feel welcome from the moment you apply to study at Liverpool. We offer lots of support for our students who are moving from abroad. We can welcome you at Manchester Airport with our meet and greet service (for September starts) and we have a friendly International Advice and Guidance team who run events to welcome you on to campus and provide in person support and events all year round.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
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.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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:
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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:
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
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.
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.
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:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| International Baccalaureate | 28 points overall including 5 in HL Maths and 5 in HL Physics, or Pass the IB Diploma plus 5,5,4 in 3 HL subjects including 5 in HL Maths and 5 in HL Physics. Plus a minimum of 4 in SL/HL English A or 6 in SL English B or 5 in HL English B |
| HKDSE | 443 from 2 electives (including 4 in Extended Maths and Physics) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language |
| India Standard XII | Overall average of 65% from four core subjects including 75% in Maths and 75% in Physics, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) |
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
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
Find out a little bit more about Physics at Liverpool from Professor Carsten Welsch, Head of the Physics Department.
Hear about why studying an environmental science courses with the University of Liverpool is unlike anything else.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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.
Want to find out more about student life?
Chat with our student ambassadors and ask any questions you have.
Third year student, Cara, gives her views on what its like studying Physics at Liverpool.
Find out what life is like studying and living in Liverpool from current student Jamie.
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:
Geophysicists also have expanded job opportunities in sectors including:
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.
Hear what graduates say about their career progression and life after university.
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.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £9,535
Year abroad fee - £1,430 (applies to year in China)
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 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
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a high-achieving international student starting an undergraduate degree with us from September 2024, you could be eligible to receive a fee discount of up to £5,000. You’ll need to achieve grades equivalent to AAA in A levels. Most of our undergraduate degrees are eligible, with the exception of clinical programmes in Medicine and Dental Surgery.
Completed a Kaplan Digital Pathways Foundation Certificate? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study for a maximum of two high achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from an online Kaplan Foundation Certificate.
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.
Completed a Foundation Certificate at University of Liverpool International College (UoLIC)? We’re offering a £5,000 fee discount off the first year of undergraduate study to some of the highest achieving students joining one of our non-clinical degrees from UoLIC.
We’re offering a £1,000 fee discount for years 2 and 3 of undergraduate study to eligible students progressing from University of Liverpool International College. You’ll need to be studying a non-clinical subject and get an average of 70% or above in year 1 of your degree.
If you’re a University of Liverpool International College student awarded a Kaplan Impact Scholarship, we’ll also consider you for an Impact Progression Scholarship. If selected, you’ll receive a £3,000 fee discount off the first year of your undergraduate degree.
Last updated 17 June 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions