Geophysics

Geophysics is the science of the Earth, applying the principles and methods of physics to understand the structure, composition, and behaviour of our planet. It encompasses the study of the Earth's interior, from the crust and mantle to the core, as well as the oceans, the atmosphere, and the Earth's position within the solar system. Geophysicists use techniques including seismology, gravity and magnetic measurements, electromagnetic methods, and remote sensing to image what lies beneath the surface and to understand processes ranging from volcanic eruptions and earthquake dynamics to the formation of mineral deposits and the flow of groundwater.

At Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, this four-year full-time programme gives you a rigorous scientific grounding in the physics and mathematics that underpin geophysical methods, alongside deep knowledge of the Earth systems you will use those methods to investigate. You will study the internal structure and dynamics of the planet, the physics of seismic waves, the nature of the oceans and atmosphere, and the geological processes that shape the surface and interior of the Earth. The programme develops strong quantitative and computational skills, and you will gain experience with real geophysical datasets and instrumentation.

Graduates of geophysics programmes work in the energy sector, including oil, gas, and increasingly renewable energy, as well as in environmental consultancy, mining, engineering geology, and government and academic research. The quantitative skills developed by the degree are also valued in finance, computing, and data science. Many graduates go on to postgraduate research in geophysics, Earth science, or related fields, where the mathematical and physical foundations of the degree provide an excellent preparation.