MSci Environmental Geophysics

This exciting new four-year programme offers an integrated approach to studying planet Earth – its interior, its surface, its oceans, atmosphere, interactions and external influences. The Earth has observable properties and maintains patterns of interactions and processes that can be described and understood using the powerful sciences and techniques of mathematics, physics and computing.

Environmental Geophysics embraces disciplines including solid earth geophysics (plate tectonics, exploration geophysics), climatology, fluvial geomorphology, glaciology, hydrology, meteorology, oceanography, sedimentology, seismology and volcanology.

There is great overlap between interactive processes and the methods to describe them. Different waves appear on the ocean, in the atmosphere and emerge from earthquakes, yet they may be described in common using mathematical methods and then interpreted physically and understood.

The Earth’s water resource is shared between its atmosphere, ice caps and glaciers, run-off and rivers, and in the ground – a hydrosphere of interactions encompassing several aspects of geophysics. Interactions close to the Earth’s surface produce physical and chemical erosion (and pollution), and sediment shift by the action of wind and water. Fluids in the Earth’s outer core move in response to the same physical laws as fluids in the oceans and atmospheres. Perhaps the interactions of most significance occur near to the Earth’s surface, and produce hazards, where we all live: climate change, earthquakes, floods, volcanoes.

The programme will enable you to develop a critical awareness of issues at the frontier of research, along with a comprehensive understanding of research methods and their limitations. You will gain the qualities of self-direction and originality in applying knowledge, solving problems and conducting research. The first three years of the programme will follow the same profile as the BSc Geophysical Sciences, with the exclusion of the third year research project. In the fourth and final year you will study a range of masters level modules, as well as undertaking a substantial piece of independent research in a topic that matches your interests.

The Environmental Geophysics is run jointly by the School of Environmental Sciences and the School of Mathematics, and in collaboration with the School of Computing Sciences. The programme provides a broad choice, yet allows specialisation in your field of special interest to an advanced level. You can bias your degree towards geological geophysics, geohazards, meteorology and climatology, oceanography or a combination. This programme will inspire a lifelong interest, knowledge and understanding of the way the Earth works.

Course Organiser:Dr. Victor Bense

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Entry Requirements A Level: AAA (including A level Mathematics) International Baccalaureate: 34 points (incl 3 HL subjects at Grade 6 to include HL Maths) Scottish Highers: AAAAA (including Maths) Scottish Advanced Highers: AAA (including Maths) Irish Leaving Certificate: AAAAAA (including Maths) Access Course: See below European Baccalaureate: 85% overall. Maths required. Students for whom English is a Foreign language

We welcome applications from students from all academic backgrounds. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading). Recognised English Language qualifications include:

• IELTS: 6. overall (minimum 5.5 in any component)
• TOEFL: Internet-based score of 78 overall (minimum 20 in Speaking component, 17 in Writing and Listening components and 18 in Reading components.
• PTE: 55 overall (minimum 51 in any component).

If you do not meet the University's entry requirements, our INTO Language Learning Centre offers a range of university preparation courses to help you develop the high level of academic and English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Interviews

The majority of candidates will not be called for an interview. However, for some students an interview will be requested. These are normally quite informal and generally cover topics such as your current studies, reasons for choosing the course and your personal interests and extra-curricular activities.

Gap Year

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year, believing that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry and may wish to contact the appropriate Admissions Office directly to discuss this further.

Special Entry Requirements

A level Mathematics or equivalent.

General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.

Intakes

The School's annual intake is in September of each year.

Alternative Qualifications

We encourage you to apply if you have alternative qualifications equivalent to our stated entry requirement. Please contact us for further information.

Pass Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 45 credits at Level 3, including 12 Level 3 Science credits.

GCSE Offer

Students are required to have Mathematics and English at minimum of Grade C or above at GCSE Level.

Environmental science is a rapidly progressing, vibrant and exciting field of study with excellent career prospects in the UK and beyond.

Environmental Science is a modern scientific discipline that will have a profound effect on human society as environmental concerns become paramount at the beginning of the 21st century.

A human population of over 6 billion demands energy, transport, and technology, while climate change threatens the security of the most vulnerable peoples on the planet. Management of pollution and waste is essential to protect human health. Global environment change is eroding the planets biological diversity. Natural hazards threaten infrequent but catastrophic disasters.

Solving these urgent problems requires the expertise of trained environmental scientists. In ENV you will be trained to understand the complex interactions of human society with the bio-geosphere and to provide solutions for enhanced industry and sustainable economies. Inter-disciplinary scientists are needed to communicate the solutions and influence policy at local, national and global scales.

Volcanology, seismology, ecology, conservation, meteorology, oceanography, environmental economics, environmental politics, geochemistry, soil science, climate change and energy resources are just a few of the subjects you could study. Whether you choose to study a broad range of the environmental sciences or specialise in one field, you can be sure that your degree will be challenging and inspiring from beginning to end.

In the 2012 National Student Survey, the School of Environmental Sciences at UEA gained a 96% satisfaction rate, putting the department at joint 5th in the UK, above universities like Southampton and Exeter. Teaching was a particular highlight of the survey, and as a School, Environmental Sciences came in joint 2nd with a rating of 97% satisfaction.

UniStats Information Fees and Funding Undergraduate University Fees

We are committed to ensuring that Tuition Fees do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. Full time UK/EU students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £9,000. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases. Full time International students starting an undergraduate degree course in 2013 will be charged a tuition fee of £14,400. The level of fee may be subject to yearly increases.

Scholarships and Bursaries

Home/EU - The University of East Anglia offers a range of Bursaries and Scholarships. To check if you are eligible please visit http://www.uea.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/finance/university-financial-support

International Students - The University offers around £1 million of Scholarships each year to support International students in their studies. Scholarships are normally awarded to students on the basis of academic merit and are usually for the duration of the period of study. Our University international pages gives you more details about preparation for studying with us, including Fees and Funding http://www.uea.ac.uk/international