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Check eligibility →BSc (Hons) Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences Bachelor's degree at the University of Leeds
BSc (Hons) Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences at University of Leeds covers core theory, research and methods, applied practice, specialist options, an independent project, and professional skills development.
About this course
BSc (Hons) Geophysical and Atmospheric Sciences is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at the University of Leeds. It runs 3 years, studied full-time.
For Physical sciences graduates from this provider, 82% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 79% in highly skilled roles, typical earnings around £30,000. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for Physics & Chemistry, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Moderate evidence Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 82% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2022-23. Continuation 88% (2022-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 6 modules
- Physics of the Earth and AtmosphereCompulsory40 credits
Module details
Learn both the basic principles of physics and the way that they are applied in different techniques to study the planet. This module focuses on quantitative problem solving, data analysis and interpretation and integrating methods to obtain a broad understanding of our planet from an atomic to a global scale.
- Advanced Mathematics 1Compulsory10 credits
Module details
These modules provide the mathematical toolbox that will be used for all physical components, as well as numerical and computational aspects of the degree. The overall aim of these modules is to provide you with mathematical concepts and techniques essential for a variety of scientific disciplines. The focus is on understanding how we can use mathematics to approximate, analyse and predict different physical processes in Earth and Environmental sciences. The modules are designed for students who
- Advanced Mathematics 2Compulsory10 credits
Module details
These modules provide the mathematical toolbox that will be used for all physical components, as well as numerical and computational aspects of the degree. The overall aim of these modules is to provide you with mathematical concepts and techniques essential for a variety of scientific disciplines. The focus is on understanding how we can use mathematics to approximate, analyse and predict different physical processes in Earth and Environmental sciences. The modules are designed for students who
- Programming and Data ScienceCompulsory20 credits
Module details
Learn how data scientists use computer systems, mapping software and basic computer programming to understand data and the Earth. The module begins in the first semester with an overview of geographical information systems (GIS) to quantitatively measure spatial data. This is followed in the second semester by an introduction to computer programming in Python and a brief look at the Linux operating system upon which the whole internet is based. This module is taught via combined lecture and prac
- EarthCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to the Earth Sciences, placing importance on fundamental geological concepts and processes like the dynamic Earth, plate tectonics, basic mineralogy and petrology as well as Earth's history and palaeontology, and the fostering of basic geological skills like the identification of rocks and minerals and working with geological maps.
- AtmosphereCompulsory10 credits
Module details
This module provides an introduction to some fascinating phenomena in Earth's atmosphere from the origin of life-sustaining air itself to present-day climate change. The module is delivered in a series of seminar-style lectures given by researchers in the School of Earth and Environment. These seminars aim to illustrate all aspects of the atmosphere at a highly accessible level so that students appreciate the complexity of Earth's atmosphere. The module also provides an opportunity for the stude
Year 2 8 modules
- Advanced Mathematics 3Compulsory10 credits
Module details
The topics covered in this module are essential mathematical tools for treating many physical phenomena. Matrices provide a powerful tool for storing, displaying and manipulating information about linear systems of algebraic and differential equations. They are, for example, used extensively in the analysis of vibrating systems such as those encountered in seismology. Derivatives and multiple integrals of scalar and vector fields arise naturally in areas of geophysical and atmospheric sciences s
- Numerical Methods for Earth and AtmosphereCompulsory10 credits
Module details
Numerical methods and statistics play a fundamental role in all aspects of geophysical and atmospheric research. Explore the basic techniques needed for a careful analysis of experimental data and solving numerical problems. You'll be introduced to the mathematical methods in the lectures and translate these into Python programs in the practical sessions.
- Digital Data AnalysisCompulsory10 credits
Module details
Learn the mathematical foundation for spectral analysis and filter theory as applied to the analysis of a large variety of data sets in applied and pure geophysical and atmospheric science. At the end of this module, you'll be able to use digital filters in time and frequency domain, understand the consequences of the digitisation process, and plan and carry out digital data acquisition processes to analyse time and spatial data series.
- Inverse TheoryCompulsory10 credits
Module details
Much of geophysical and atmospheric science is underpinned by observations, yet these datasets can be difficult to collect: the data often have gaps, are noisy, or do not directly report the quantify that is of most interest. This module explores how to make inferences from such data, by working backwards (in an "inverse" direction) to determine the structures and processes that govern the underlying physical system. Lectures are closely interwoven with computer exercises that bring data sets an
- Environmental GeophysicsCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module combines a field trip with lectures and practical sessions to teach you the fundamental skills of conducting and analysing environmental monitoring data through a range of different techniques. You'll develop skills in survey design, field safety, field data recording, quality control, processing, interpretation and the preparation and presentation of reports and maps. Practical sessions focus on the processing and interpretation of real data you've collected in the field.
- Lithosphere DynamicsCompulsory10 credits
Module details
This module aims to build your understanding the physical processes that govern lithospheric structure and deformation in a range of tectonic environments. You'll learn about the forces that govern the motion and deformation of the lithosphere. You'll learn how the earthquake cycle works, how we can observe the various phases of it, and how we can use this to inform our understanding of the hazards posed by tectonic processes, particularly earthquakes. You'll study a range of tectonic environmen
- 4D EarthCompulsory20 credits
Module details
The Earth's crust is a complex mosaic of different rock types and geological structures. Rocks formed in different environments have varying physical properties that reflect both their origin and the materials they are made from. Tectonic processes modify rock units through a combination of brittle and ductile deformation, changing their spatial arrangement over time. A key skill for any geoscientist is to use the observed 2D distribution of rocks at the Earth's surface to predict the structure
- Atmosphere and Ocean DynamicsCompulsory10 credits
Module details
This module deals with the way in which we can understand, interpret and predict the flow of air and of water in the Earth's environment. The syllabus covers the general properties of fluids, with relevance to interpreting and understanding their motion, before moving to explore the flows of air and water in the environment. Simple models related to atmospheric, oceanic and river flows will be developed
Year 3 4 modules
- Research DissertationCompulsory40 credits
Module details
During this module, you'll have the opportunity to complete an original research project. You'll develop the powers of scientific observation and analysis, capabilities of interpreting and presenting results and discussing them in the context of previous work conducted in the field. In general, independent projects are based on a set of observations that you have collected yourself or have been provided by a supervisor from a fieldwork survey, laboratory experiment, numerical model or data bank.
- Strategic Energy IssuesCompulsory10 credits
Module details
Explore a series of current topics regarding the development of energy resources, weighing up information and opinions from a variety of sources. You'll be expected to prepare reports and make seminar presentations on a series of topics, drawing on your academic background. A key feature of this module is working together in groups from different degree programmes to prepare a multidisciplinary seminar.
- Earth Observation from SpaceCompulsory10 credits
Module details
Remote sensing of the Earth's environment from space has revolutionised the ways in which we measure and perceive our planet. This module provides an understanding of how different satellite platforms work, how to critically assess their limitations and how to use acquired data to analyse plate tectonics, continental deformation, temperature distribution and radiation across the planet, and properties of the Earth's atmosphere and surface.
- Integrated Field SchoolCompulsory20 credits
Module details
This module combines a residential, two-week field trip to Lanzarote where you work in teams to acquire a multidisciplinary data set with advanced data processing and interpretation tools in practical sessions back at Leeds. The emphasis during the field trip is on you developing independent fieldwork skills using our special
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
You'll study the physics and chemistry foundations that underpin geophysical and atmospheric science. A course like this typically begins with core physics and chemistry, mechanics, matter, energy, atomic structure and bonding, alongside mathematics and practical laboratory skills. In Year 2, you'll progress to quantum and thermal physics, move through advanced experiments and computational methods, and develop the mathematical techniques needed to solve real physical problems. Year 3 shifts to specialist options such as astrophysics, materials science, medicinal chemistry, quantum science and computational methods, taught by active researchers at seminar level. You'll complete a supervised research project within a research group, applying what you've learned to an original investigation.
Who it's for
This course suits students with strong science foundations who wish to understand atmospheric and geophysical processes. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent qualifications, with typical UCAS tariffs of 144–159 points among recent entrants. You should be comfortable with quantitative reasoning and independent study, as the course culminates in a substantial research project. The degree is nationally recognised by the UK degree-awarding body framework.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) is studied full-time at the University of Leeds, a public Russell Group research-intensive university located in Leeds. The course runs for 3 years and is taught in English. As a recognised UK degree-awarding body, your degree is nationally recognised. The University received a Silver award for teaching quality in the Office for Students' TEF 2023.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Provider-published requirement; check the linked course page before applying.
Work placement. Availability, selection and pay can vary.
Entry & how to get in
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
UCAS tariff of entrants
Grades are the A-level equivalent of each points band. Tap a band to check your own chances below.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 90% |
| a previous degree | 5% |
| another higher-education qualification | 5% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Accepted students typically held strong UCAS tariffs. Check how your predicted grades compare and whether a contextual offer applies.
Will you get in? Plot your grades
Pick your predicted A-levels and watch your UCAS points land on the real spread of students admitted to this course.
Each bar is the share of admitted students in that UCAS-points band (lower → higher). Grades show the A-level equivalent.
Based on the official admitted-student tariff distribution. Many universities make contextual (reduced-grade) offers, so a result below the range doesn’t rule you out.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code F640). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
Standard capped home fee at English providers (2026/27); Scotland, Wales & NI differ.
Check fees at University of Leeds →For students who normally live in England
2026/27 Student Finance England figures. Maintenance support is means-tested and this two-point view is not an entitlement calculator. The course total uses its published length and home fee where both are available; a missing full-time fee uses the clearly labelled England-cap scenario, while part-time fees and unknown lengths are never guessed. Use the official calculator. Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland use separate systems: SAAS, Student Finance Wales, and Student Finance NI.
Starting on or after 1 January 2027?
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a separate system. A new learner’s tuition entitlement is currently stated as £39,160 (about 480 credits at 2026/27 fee levels), subject to prior study and eligibility. Check the official LLE guide.
Paying for it
- Tuition Fee Loan: can cover eligible tuition up to the applicable limit and is paid straight to the provider.
- Maintenance Loan: up to £10,830/yr away from home outside London (England, 2026/27), means-tested on household income.
- Repayment: 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below it; written off after 40 years.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
England figures shown; Scotland, Wales & NI run their own schemes, check gov.uk.
Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
students interested in strength and conditioning coaching
Check eligibility →students with business start-up ideas
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
Still deciding what to study?
StudyKit brings course choice, applications and funding together in one place, with a personal AI assistant. Find what really fits you and start your UCAS application step by step.
Careers & earnings
What Physics & Chemistry graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate earnings: this course
| When | Median | Typical range | Graduates |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15 months after | £30,000 | £26,500 – £35,000 | 45 |
| 3 years after | £29,000 | £24,500 – £35,000 | 280 |
| 5 years after | £37,000 | £30,000 – £48,000 | 325 |
Nominal earnings for graduates of this course/subject at this provider. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in physics & chemistry · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs Physics & Chemistry nationally
National figures for Physics & Chemistry graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Moderate evidence. Published sample: 45; avoid reading small differences as meaningful. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
Value compared with similar courses
How this course’s 5-year median earnings compare with Physics & Chemistry courses at the same study level.
Compared with 886 courses with compatible official earnings data. This is a course-value comparison, not a quality ranking.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Conservation and environment professionalsSOC 2020 215 · 40% of published destinations · ASHE median £40,520
- Information Technology ProfessionalsSOC 2020 213 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £55,357
- Business and public service associate professionalsSOC 2020 35 · 11% of published destinations · ASHE median £38,760
- Business, Research and Administrative ProfessionalsSOC 2020 243 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £48,746
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 30; response rate: 55%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How Physics & Chemistry graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
How AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where Physics & Chemistry graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Research institutes
- Energy & manufacturing
- Universities
- Government labs
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit Physics & Chemistry graduates.
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
Student finance
For comparison, the standard full-time England tuition cap is up to £9,790 per year in 2026/27; the actual fee varies by course and provider. If you normally live in England, eligible students can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan, plus a Maintenance Loan for living costs. Under Plan 5 you repay 9% of income above £25,000, nothing below that, and the balance is written off after 40 years.
Where graduates go
82% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, with a median salary of £30,000. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
Your entry chances
Use the UCAS points calculator above to see how your predicted grades compare with admitted students, and whether a contextual offer could apply.
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.4 out of 10: NSS 83.4% · in work or study 82% · continued 88%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
The University of Leeds
Physical sciences across the UK
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Local crime-data context
A neutral snapshot around the published teaching location.
Around The University of Leeds
3,846 street-level reports returned within roughly one mile across 2026-04 to 2026-06.
Police.uk street-level API. Approximate locations, not confined to campus. England, Wales and Northern Ireland; not Scotland.
Is Physics & Chemistry right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to University of Leeds from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is set per course by University of Leeds; international fees are typically £12,000–£30,000/year for classroom subjects and higher for lab/clinical ones. You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check University of Leeds’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with University of Leeds and gov.uk before you apply.
Related courses
More at University of Leeds
Common questions
How competitive is entry?
What are the entry requirements?
What do graduates go on to do?
What will it cost me?
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