Geophysics PhD Projects, Programmes & Scholarships in the UK

PhD in Geophysics students aim to understand the composition, structure and physical properties of the Earth. You could be researching plate tectonics or the Earth's magnetic field and its changes over time.

What's it like to study a PhD in Geophysics?

Geophysics is a popular area of research with many potential research topics. You could be looking at topics including:

• volcanology
• seismology
• tectonics
• atomic physics
• geochemical and isotopic signatures

You may also be asked to collaborate with local emergency services to improve their risk assessment and planning.

It takes around three to four years to complete a Geophysics PhD, which usually involves writing a thesis around 80,000 words long (although word counts differ between universities). You will likely have regular contact with your supervisor and group or department meetings. You may also be required to attend research training sessions and have supervisory meetings about your ongoing work.

In the UK, you may be asked to apply for a PhD with a specialisation in certain areas. If you are applying for a PhD that requires you to apply for a bespoke research topic, you will first need to be accepted into a department that already has a research programme in place.

You may be asked to submit a research proposal to accompany your application.

Entry requirements for a PhD in Geophysics

In the UK you'll usually need a Masters degree in Geosciences, Geology or Physics to be considered for a PhD in Geophysics. You may sometimes be able to gain entry with a 2:1 undergraduate degree in Geology or Geosciences, but it is more likely that you'll have a Masters if you don't also have a degree in Geology or Geosciences.

PhD in Geophysics funding options

A PhD in Geophysics in the UK is funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). They offer fully-funded studentships and a monthly stipend. If you are applying for a PhD with a specialisation, you'll automatically be considered for funding if you are accepted into a department that already offers a research programme.

PhD in Geophysics careers

Many Geophysics PhD graduates continue to research and go on to have careers as postdoctoral researchers or in academia. Geoscience jobs like petroleum geoscience, geohazards and hydrogeology are also popular options for Geophysics PhD holders.