Master's Programme in Physics – Geophysics
120 credits
How does planet Earth work and how can we explore the processes that form our planet? In geophysics, we use tools and methods from physics to explore the Earth. The Geophysics specialisation of the Master's Programme in Physics allows you to combine your physics knowledge with field data and laboratory experiments to get a deeper understanding of the solid Earth.
Autumn 2024 Autumn 2024, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 2 September 2024
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is 75 credits in physics.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
- Fees
-
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2024
- Application code
- UU-M1362
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
Autumn 2025 Autumn 2025, Uppsala, 100%, On-campus, English
- Location
- Uppsala
- Pace of study
- 100%
- Teaching form
- On-campus
- Instructional time
- Daytime
- Start date
- 1 September 2025
- Language of instruction
- English
- Entry requirements
-
Academic requirements
A Bachelor's degree, equivalent to a Swedish Kandidatexamen, from an internationally recognised university.
Also required is 75 credits in physics.
Language requirements
Proficiency in English equivalent to the Swedish upper secondary course English 6. This requirement can be met either by achieving the required score on an internationally recognised test, or by previous upper secondary or university studies in some countries. Detailed instructions on how to provide evidence of your English proficiency are available at universityadmissions.se.
- Selection
-
Students are selected based on an overall appraisal of previous university studies and a statement of purpose.
- Fees
-
If you are not a citizen of a European Union (EU) or European Economic Area (EEA) country, or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees.
- First tuition fee instalment: SEK 72,500
- Total tuition fee: SEK 290,000
- Application deadline
- 15 January 2025
- Application code
- UU-M1362
- Additional information
-
In addition to the general supporting documents, you also need to submit a programme-specific statement of purpose (1 page).
Check the application guide for information on how to apply and what other supporting documents you need to submit.
About the programme
In geophysics, we investigate the structure and dynamics of Earth on scales from a few meters to thousands of kilometres. On smaller scales geophysics is used to detect groundwater resources and soil contaminations, to evaluate risks for landslides or to discover archaeological artefacts. On larger scales, geophysical methods are applied to understand the present-day structure of Earth, its previous and current evolution (plate tectonics), earthquakes and volcanic eruptions.
During the programme, you can expect to:
- Learn about the physical processes that shape our planet.
- Study seismic waves, earthquakes and other active processes.
- Apply geophysical methods to find natural resources such as water, minerals and reservoirs of geothermal energy.
- Tailor your programme according to your interest and career plan, by studying other disciplines such as programming, geology, physics, and mathematics.
Through geophysical methods, we measure seismic waves, electromagnetic waves, gravity and magnetic fields, using satellite, aircraft, boat, surface and borehole instruments. In the analysis of these data, we use advanced numerical modelling and interpret the resulting models geologically using rock physics.
The job market for a geophysicist is very broad and international, including positions in academia, industry, government authorities and international agencies.
Student profile
You are naturally curious about how the world works and realise that formulating a question can be just as important as finding the answer. You have a good theoretical foundation in both physics and mathematics. Furthermore, you have experience in analysing data and creating computer-based tools to solve problems.
A PhD education is a distinct possibility in your future. A Master's degree in geophysics from Uppsala University is exactly what takes you there because you come in close contact with current research and prominent researchers in the field.
Degree
The programme leads to the degree of Master of Science (120 credits) with Physics as the main field of study. After one year of study, it is possible to obtain a degree of Master of Science (60 credits).
Content
During the two-year programme, you will apply your knowledge in physics to study the Earth.
We offer two standard schemes of courses:
- Scheme 1 is intended for students who have taken physics and mathematics courses during the BSc studies, but who have no prior knowledge of geophysics. In this case, the standard courses are mainly courses in geophysics complemented by a programming course early on in semester 1.
- Scheme 2 is intended for students who have taken the geophysics specialisation in the BSc programme of physics at Uppsala University and who wish to supplement existing knowledge in geophysics with courses in geology, geoscience, applied mathematics and programming.
In both schemes, the standard courses are the same from year 1 period 4, and consist of advanced geophysics. However, depending on your preferences, you can supplement your course choice with in-depth studies in programming, geology, physics or applied mathematics.
The obligatory independent project work which can be done in one of our research groups, focusing on different aspects of geophysics. Another possibility is to seek degree projects outside the university, e.g. at a company or governmental agency. It all depends on your interest and career plan.
Courses within the programme
See the programme outline for courses within the specialisation.
Learning experience
Instruction consists of lectures, teacher-led classes, and guidance in conjunction with field courses and laboratory work.
During a typical week, you will have about 8-10 hours of scheduled classroom time. The majority of time is thus spent studying on your own or in a study group outside the classroom. Field courses are taught in blocks of one to five days and emphasise group work. You can also choose to conduct research projects. They are a lot like thesis work, only shorter in duration, and are an excellent way into a new research field and research group.
The forms of examination vary depending on the course content and design. Final exams are more common for theoretical courses, although many tutors have continuous examinations during the course, such as group discussions and hand-in exercises.
Classes are typically small, ranging from a few students up to about 20. This gives you close contact with the teachers as well as your fellow students. Our teaching is in English as the student group is international.
Career
A geophysicist's job market is very broad and international, including jobs in industry, academia, public organs and international organisations at various levels.
With a Master's degree from the programme in Geophysics, you will be qualified for PhD studies in geophysics. Many of our physics Master's students continue as PhD students, at Uppsala University or elsewhere in the world. You will also have the opportunity to work with research and development (R&D) at various companies and public authorities.
Your mathematical competence and analytical problem-solving skills trained during your studies will make you an attractive recruit. Our previous graduates work at, for example, various exploration companies, geotechnical companies, mining companies and governmental institutions.
Depending on the courses you take and the specialisation you choose, there are many career opportunities in special areas, both within and outside the field of geophysics. For example, you may find employment as a company consultant, project manager in R&D, or as a specialist in banking, insurance or research organisations.
Career support
During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.
Is this programme right for you?
Read interviews about the programme.
What people say about the programme
Watch our programme video.
Register your interest
Keep updated about the application process.
Programme syllabus
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2024
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2023
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2022
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2021
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2020
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2019
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2018
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2017
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2016, version 2
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2016, version 1
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2015
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2014
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2013
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2012
- Programme syllabus valid from Autumn 2011
Outline
- Outline valid from Autumn 2024
- Outline valid from Autumn 2023
- Outline valid from Autumn 2022
- Outline valid from Autumn 2021
- Outline valid from Autumn 2020
- Outline valid from Autumn 2019
- Outline valid from Autumn 2018
- Outline valid from Autumn 2017
- Outline valid from Autumn 2016, version 2
- Outline valid from Autumn 2016, version 1
- Outline valid from Autumn 2015
- Outline valid from Autumn 2014
- Outline valid from Autumn 2012, version 2
- Outline valid from Autumn 2012, version 1
- Outline valid from Autumn 2011
Contact
- For programme-specific information, please contact our study counsellor:
- studievagledare@geo.uu.se
- +46 18 471 25 07
- For admissions-related or general information, please contact our applicant support team:
- masterprogrammes@uu.se
- Director of studies for specialisation in geophysics, Thomas Kalscheuer
- thomas.kalscheuer@geo.uu.se
- +46 18 471 38 19
Students
As a student you will find information about your studies in the student gateway.