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Geophysics

Which combination of A Level subjects is best to study Geophysics or Earth Science?
Geophysics courses normally require A-level Physics and A-level Maths. Further maths might be useful for some courses?

Earth sciences/geology courses tend to be more varied usually requiring one or two science/maths subjects at least though. I gather in general A-level Maths (if not required to start with) and A-level Chemistry are useful when you are on the course, and A-level Physics may also be useful, although A-level Biology is also accepted as a science subject.

A-level Geography seems not uncommon as a choice for students interested in those subject areas, it's not required although sometimes accepted as a second science. It has some content that relates to those subject areas (physical geography) so may be of interest :smile:

Reply 2

Original post
by Ruth Frewin
Which combination of A Level subjects is best to study Geophysics or Earth Science?

If you look at the relevant course pages on some different University websites, the 'entry requirements' will state exactly which A level subjects are either required or 'preferred'. Remember to also check if there are specific GCSE Maths and/or English grades required

Examples :
Subject area: Earth Sciences and Environment (Edinburgh)
Physics with Geophysics BSc (Hons) | Courses | University of Liverpool
Geology | School of Earth Sciences | University of Bristol
etc etc

Reply 3

Original post
by McGinger
If you look at the relevant course pages on some different University websites, the 'entry requirements' will state exactly which A level subjects are either required or 'preferred'. Remember to also check if there are specific GCSE Maths and/or English grades required
Examples :
Subject area: Earth Sciences and Environment (Edinburgh)
Physics with Geophysics BSc (Hons) | Courses | University of Liverpool
Geology | School of Earth Sciences | University of Bristol
etc etc

Thank you very much!
(edited 10 months ago)

Reply 4

Original post
by artful_lounger
Geophysics courses normally require A-level Physics and A-level Maths. Further maths might be useful for some courses?
Earth sciences/geology courses tend to be more varied usually requiring one or two science/maths subjects at least though. I gather in general A-level Maths (if not required to start with) and A-level Chemistry are useful when you are on the course, and A-level Physics may also be useful, although A-level Biology is also accepted as a science subject.
A-level Geography seems not uncommon as a choice for students interested in those subject areas, it's not required although sometimes accepted as a second science. It has some content that relates to those subject areas (physical geography) so may be of interest :smile:

Thank you very much!

Reply 5

Original post
by Ruth Frewin
Which combination of A Level subjects is best to study Geophysics or Earth Science?

Maths and Physics are very good/needed for geophysics. The third subject doesn't really matter but some relevant subjects are computing (lots of coding involved in geophysics but it does get taught from scratch at most unis), chemistry (if your thinking of doing a more geology or environmental based course), further maths (not all unis accept this as a 3rd but it is helpful if your doing geophysics), geography(the physical geography can help a bit), biology(helpful for an environmental science type course). If your school offers geology that would be very helpful too, I would say just pick what you enjoy for the 3rd subject!

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