Geophysics MSci

University College London

Master

In London

£ 9,250 VAT inc.

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Description

  • Type

    Master

  • Location

    London

  • Duration

    4 Years

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). In their first two years all students study a common geophysics syllabus covering the fundamentals of mathematics, mechanics, electricity and magnetism, Earth materials, structural geology and tectonics, global geophysics and Earth processes. Theoretical studies are integrated with a large element of illustrative practical work both in the laboratory and in the field. In the third and fourth years there are more advanced modules in seismology, geodynamics and global tectonics and there is the opportunity to specialise in, for example, the environmental aspects of the subject such as groundwater resources. We take a modern approach to teaching with modules based around laboratory practicals and theory workshops. Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities. The first three years of the MSci programme are identical to the BSc programme. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for a major individual research project and advanced optional modules, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.

Facilities

Location

Start date

London
See map
Gower Street, WC1E 6BT

Start date

On request

About this course

The programme includes up to three months of field classes in the UK and continental Europe, with financial support from the department. UCL has state-of-the-art geophysical instruments including the new must-do technique of ground penetrating radar (GPR), a new magnetometer/gradiometer (for archaeological and environmental surveys) and new, modern seismics. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London. World-leading research in mineral, ice and rock physics, and in geophysical hazards, is undertaken in the department and is used in the development of our modules.

Together with subject-specific skills, geophysics graduates have a wide range of transferable skills, developed through fieldwork, computer modelling and independent research, which are highly valued by employers in general, offering opportunities for careers in the City, commerce and government. All our students are encouraged and helped towards making informed career choices. We have excellent relationships with many employers in diverse aspects of the Earth and planetary sciences, and students are actively guided towards achieving their potential at UCL in preparation for their future careers. In addition to further study, main employment destinations include: exploration and production for mining, oil and engineering companies; groundwater resources management; investigating ground conditions associated with land use, such as planning, construction and waste disposal; geological surveying, and collecting geological information for maps and databases.

English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 5. For UK-based students, a grade C or 5 or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required.

This programme is accredited by the Geological Society. Undergraduate students may join the Geological Society as a Candidate Fellow and can become a Fellow of the Society upon graduation. A Fellow of the Society with relevant postgraduate experience in the practice of geology has the opportunity to apply for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status.

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Reviews

This centre's achievements

2018

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The average rating is higher than 3.7

More than 50 reviews in the last 12 months

This centre has featured on Emagister for 14 years

Subjects

  • Geology
  • Mechanics
  • Geophysics
  • Materials
  • Team Training
  • Climate
  • GCSE Physics
  • Magnetism
  • Earth
  • Petrology to Petrogenesis
  • Global Geophysics

Course programme

Year 1

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Classical Mechanics
  • Dynamic Earth
  • Earth Materials
  • From Petrology to Petrogenesis (including Cornwall fieldwork)
  • Mathematical Methods I
  • Mathematical Methods II
  • Surface Processes (including Dorset/Devon fieldwork)
  • The Earth
Optional modules

All first-year modules are compulsory.

Year 2

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Electricity and Magnetism
  • Global Geophysics
  • Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
  • Mathematical Methods III
  • Structural Geology and Tectonics
Optional modules

You will select 1.0 credit from the following options:

  • Igneous Petrology
  • Isotope Geology
  • Maps, Images and Structures (including Italy fieldwork)
  • Surface Processes and Structures (including Pyrenees fieldtrip)
  • Principles of Climate
  • or any appropriate modules in Physics, Maths, Statistics or Chemistry
Year 3

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Field Methods in Active Tectonics (including Abruzzo-Vesuvius fieldwork)
  • Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
  • Seismology I
  • Seismology II
Optional modules

You will select 1.5 credits from the following:

  • Advanced Geochemistry
  • Climate and Energy
  • Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building and Basin Evolution (including Betics fieldwork)
  • Earth Resources and Sustainability
  • Groundwater Science
  • Marine Geology
  • Ocean Physics and Climate Change
  • or any appropriate modules in Physics, Maths, Statistics or Chemistry

Year 4

Core or compulsory module(s)
  • Earth and Planetary System Science (including Germany fieldwork)
  • Independent MSci Project
Optional modules

You will select 2.0 credits from the following:

  • Deep Earth and Planetary Modelling
  • Earth and Planetary Materials
  • Earthquake Seismology and Earthquake Hazards
  • Melting and Volcanism
  • Physical Volcanology and Volcanic Hazard
  • Tectonic Geomorphology

You may take up to 1.0 credit outside the department.

Your learning

We use a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials to enable you to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme, as well as to develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working and organisational skills.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports and sometimes an oral examination.


Additional information

Overseas students fee

£25,960 (2018/19)

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Geophysics MSci

£ 9,250 VAT inc.

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