Geophysics with a Placement Year

Geophysics applies the methods and theories of physics to the study of Earth and its physical processes. It investigates phenomena ranging from the movement of tectonic plates and the structure of the deep interior to the dynamics of ocean currents and the behaviour of Earth's magnetic field. Geophysicists use seismic waves, gravitational measurements, electromagnetic signals, and remote sensing to probe the planet in ways that direct observation cannot reach.

The discipline is both a fundamental science, seeking to understand how the Earth works, and an applied one, supporting exploration for mineral and energy resources, environmental monitoring, and hazard assessment.

At the University of East Anglia, this four-year full-time degree includes a placement year that gives you direct professional experience in a geophysical or related scientific role. You will build rigorous foundations in physics and mathematics before developing specialist knowledge in areas such as seismology, exploration geophysics, geomagnetism, and the physics of Earth's interior. The programme also connects geophysics to the urgent questions surrounding climate and environmental change, where geophysical methods are increasingly used to monitor and model changes in ice sheets, sea levels, and subsurface systems.

Field work and laboratory investigations develop your practical skills alongside the quantitative and computational methods the discipline demands.

You will develop the capacity to collect, process, and interpret complex geophysical data, the mathematical rigour to model physical systems, and the scientific judgement to evaluate evidence about complex Earth processes. These skills are applicable across a wide range of careers.

Graduates work in the energy industry in roles related to exploration and production, in environmental and engineering consultancy, in government geological surveys, in climate and environmental research, and in academic research. The combination of physics, mathematics, and Earth science provides a versatile foundation for careers in data science and other quantitative fields. Postgraduate study in geophysics, Earth system science, or a specialist technical area is a common pathway for graduates drawn to research.