
Geophysics (MSc)
University of SouthamptonSouthampton, United Kingdom
Course overview
Geophysics plays a key role in understanding what lies beneath the earth's surface. This knowledge is vital for large engineering projects such as wind farms, carbon dioxide capture and storage, and hydrogen storage complexes. With our geophysics master's degree course, you'll learn how to apply the geophysical techniques needed to sustainably explore Earth’s resources.
The skills, knowledge and experience you'll gain will help you start a successful career and become a leader in geophysics and sustainable development. You'll be based at our Waterfront Campus at The National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for marine education and research. Here you'll be studying the part of our planet’s subsurface which is essential to moving forward with the energy transition, and helping to transform the lives of others by decarbonising our economy.
During your studies, you'll develop your understanding of modern survey methods, and gain experience in plan
Key highlights
- Applies geophysical techniques to wind farms, carbon capture and hydrogen storage
- Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton's Waterfront Campus
- Study alongside one of the world's largest marine research centres
- Focus on sustainable resource exploration and the energy transition
- Develops understanding of modern geophysical survey methods
Entry requirements
- Degree: 2:2 — to include one of the following subjects: physical sciences maths engineering earth sciences chemistry We; or above
Scholarships
Biological Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in biological sciences.
Chevening Scholarships
Environmental and Life Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
£5000 is available to international students studying for a MSc in Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing.
Up to £5,000Geography and Environmental Science Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in geography and environmental science.
Global Excellence Scholarship
The £3,000 is available as a tuition fee reduction on the first year of study.?
Up to £3,000Health Sciences Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in health sciences. The scholarship will apply to the first year of study.
Medical Technology, Innovation and Design Master’s Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying MSc Medical Technology, Innovation and Design.
Up to £3,000Nursing Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in nursing. The scholarship will apply to the first year of study.
Ocean and Earth Science Global Impact Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students.
Presidential Bursaries
The scholarship funds the difference between UK and international level tuition fees.
Southampton Ageing and Gerontology Talent Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 are available to UK and international students applying to study an eligible postgraduate Ageing and Gerontology programme in 2026.
Up to £5,000Southampton Business School (MBA) Excellence International Scholarship
Scholarships are available for 3 different amounts: £13,000, £10,000, £7,000.
Southampton Business School (MBA) Future Leader Scholarship
Five scholarships of £15,000 are available to UK and international students studying Master of Business Administration (MBA).
Up to £15,000Southampton Business School (MSc) Dean Scholarship (International)
If you have a 1st or an equivalent qualification in your undergraduate studies you will get £9,000.
Southampton Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in chemistry.
Up to £3,000Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in economic, social and political sciences.
Up to £3,000Southampton Education Civic Scholarship
Southampton Education Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in education.
Up to £3,000Southampton Engineering Deans Postgraduate International Scholarship
£5000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in engineering.
Up to £5,000Southampton Faculty of Medicine PGT Talent Scholarship
Three scholarships of £6,000 off tuition fees are available to UK and international students studying an eligible postgraduate masters’ within the Faculty of Medicine in 2026.
Up to £6,000Southampton Law Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3,000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in law.
Up to £3,000Southampton MA Holocaust Scholarships
2 Sayers Family scholarships of £2,000 are available to students applying for the MA Holocaust: History, Experience, Heritage in 2026.
Southampton Mathematics Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in mathematics.
Up to £3,000Southampton Medicine Postgraduate International Scholarship
£3,000 is available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in medicine.
Up to £3,000Southampton Photonics Impact Scholarship
There are up to 3 scholarships available to international students applying to study MSc Optical Engineering. If you are awarded this scholarship, you'll get up to £15,000 off your tuition fees.
Up to £15,000Southampton Psychology Postgraduate International Scholarship
Scholarships of £5,000 and £3,000 off tuition fees are available to international students studying an eligible postgraduate master’s in psychology.
Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship
Two scholarships of £5,000 are available to international students studying for an eligible master’s degree in social statistics and demography.
Up to £5,000Southampton Sociology and Criminology Postgraduate International Scholarship
2 scholarships of £5,000 off tuition fees are available to international students.
Up to £5,000Southampton Teachers' Postgraduate Scholarship
We'll issue the 10% discount as a tuition fee reduction on both years of part-time study. For 2025 entry, the 10% discount for year 1 will be £462.50.
Up to 10% of fees
Careers this course leads to
- Geophysicist
- Marine geophysicist
- Geophysical survey engineer
- Offshore wind site investigation specialist
- Carbon capture and storage geoscientist
- Seismic data processor
Cost of study
UK/Home: £9,700 per year | International: £31,200 per year
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to University of Southampton, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
Ready to start?
Book a free consultation and we'll map your fastest route to a September 2026 place.
