Can I do a Masters degree in Geophysics with a Bachelors Degree in Physics

I have applied to do a bachelors degree in Physics at University but I have suddenly realised I want to become a geophysicist when I am older.IIs it possible to do a Masters in Geophysics and still have all the skills necessary for field work and geography.

Reply 1

artful_lounger

Universities Forum Helper

21

Geophysics is a distinct field from Physics - it has more in common with Geology than Physics. You may be able to do some specialist masters relating to the area but you may find your options more limited in the sector.

If you are interested in working in that area I would suggest applying to a Geophysics/Geology/Earth Sciences degree. If you look at major universities offering Geophysics as an individual degree programme, you will see normally the courses are offered through the Geology/Earth Sciences department(s) and are 60-80% Geology/Earth Sciences with the remainder being a core physics and mathematics curriculum from the Physics (and as applicable, Mathematics) department(s).

"Conversion" masters courses are less common as general degrees, although in more specialised areas (like marine geology and geophysics, exploration geophysics and some petroleum engineering courses or similar) may accept graduates from other physical science or engineering disciplines (including, naturally, Physics).

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 2

Plagioclase

21

Original post by CoolKid66

I have applied to do a bachelors degree in Physics at University but I have suddenly realised I want to become a geophysicist when I am older.IIs it possible to do a Masters in Geophysics and still have all the skills necessary for field work and geography.

Yes, it is possible. There aren't that many places that offer geophysics as a free-standing Masters degree in the UK, but those that do will generally ask for an undergraduate degree in Geophysics, Physics, or Mathematics. I do not agree with the poster above that an undergraduate degree in Physics is limiting your options, at least as far as research is concerned - I'm fairly certain that most of the researchers in Geophysics in my department have an undergraduate degree in Physics or Mathematics, not Geophysics.

As far as fieldwork is concerned, if you're a geophysicist, you'll receive training for any fieldwork you have to do (if you have to do any at all).

(edited 5 years ago)

Reply 3

hezzlington

20

Original post by artful_lounger

x

For the most part, yeah. Lots of geology, but there is some flexibility if you prefer going down the physics route.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/geophysics-physics-bsc-hons/overview/

When I was in 3rd year, I was taking pure geophysics modules, and I didn't even have to look at/touch rocks (thank god) - but it was very physicsy; lots of calculus, gravity, waves in 3D, materials science (the maths behind how rocks deform, stress strain that sorta stuff), geophysical mathematics (data modelling, inverse theory..) lots of programming etc.

Agreed with Plagioclase; a lot of my Geophysics lecturers had come from a pure physics background. There are some 4 year MESci courses but not many. Have a google.

Reply 4

CoolKid66

OP

3

Original post by hezzlington

For the most part, yeah. Lots of geology, but there is some flexibility if you prefer going down the physics route.

https://www.liverpool.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/geophysics-physics-bsc-hons/overview/

When I was in 3rd year, I was taking pure geophysics modules, and I didn't even have to look at/touch rocks (thank god) - but it was very physicsy; lots of calculus, gravity, waves in 3D, materials science (the maths behind how rocks deform, stress strain that sorta stuff), geophysical mathematics (data modelling, inverse theory..) lots of programming etc.

Agreed with Plagioclase; a lot of my Geophysics lecturers had come from a pure physics background. There are some 4 year MESci courses but not many. Have a google.

My problem is I love the physics degree but do not like the career opportunites and I feel like a geophysics degree will give you an outdoorsy job with a lot of fieldwork so do you think I could get into a geophysicsy job with little to no knowledge of geology.

Reply 5

username2752874

22

Original post by CoolKid66

I have applied to do a bachelors degree in Physics at University but I have suddenly realised I want to become a geophysicist when I am older.IIs it possible to do a Masters in Geophysics and still have all the skills necessary for field work and geography.

Yes

Reply 6

hezzlington

20

Original post by CoolKid66

My problem is I love the physics degree but do not like the career opportunites and I feel like a geophysics degree will give you an outdoorsy job with a lot of fieldwork so do you think I could get into a geophysicsy job with little to no knowledge of geology.

Companies like RSK have outdoorsy roles where you'll spend time conducting geophysical surveys. Geology underlies a lot of the basic principles in Geophysics so an elementary understanding of geology is essential.

Geology is field work heavy and there a lot more opportunities career wise to be outdoors licking rocks or whatever it is geologists do, if thats what you want.

Can I do a Masters degree in Geophysics with a Bachelors Degree in Physics

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