Energy & Environment
Research & Development
Degree
Geophysicist
Study Earth's physical properties using seismic, gravitational and magnetic methods to find resources and understand hazards.
A day in the life
Collect and process field data, build subsurface models, interpret seismic surveys, and advise drilling or engineering teams.
Entry routes
- A-level Physics + Maths (+ Geography/Geology useful)
- Geophysics, Physics or Earth Sciences degree
- MSc or PhD for research roles
Typical salary
£28,000-£35,000 to £75,000+
Mid-career: £40,000-£60,000
Oil, gas and geothermal sectors can pay at the higher end.
UK employers
- BP
- Shell
- Tullow Oil
- British Geological Survey
Worldwide employers
- Schlumberger
- ExxonMobil
- Equinor
- CGG
Useful route links
These links are good starting points for courses, apprenticeships, graduate routes and professional training. They open the official or specialist sites rather than another summary page.
UCAS course search: geophysics
Compare degree prospectuses, entry requirements, open days and course structures.
ucas.com
National Careers Service: Green careers
Explore routes into jobs that support net zero and the environment.
nationalcareers.service.gov.uk
UKRI studentships and research funding
Explore UK research councils and postgraduate research funding routes.
ukri.org
UCAS Physics and astronomy courses
Search UK undergraduate physics, astrophysics and related degree options.
ucas.com
Prospects: what can I do with a physics degree?
Independent overview of careers that physics graduates enter.
prospects.ac.uk
Find an apprenticeship on GOV.UK
Search current apprenticeship and degree apprenticeship vacancies in England.
gov.uk
Key skills
Explore related careers
Sources and further reading
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