A three-year BSc, F662
Delivered by the Department of Earth Science and Engineering; Imperial says it uses mathematics, physics and computer modelling to further knowledge of Earth processes.
Undergraduate · Imperial Geophysics
Imperial Geophysics: mathematics and physics applied to the Earth
Imperial's Geophysics BSc studies the Earth through mathematics, physics and computer modelling, with fieldwork including a trip to Cyprus. Unlike the department's flexible Geology entry, it asks for both A-level Mathematics and Physics. That single difference is the most useful thing to know before choosing between the two.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Geophysics
Taken from Imperial's Geophysics BSc course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
AAA with Mathematics and Physics
The A-level standard is AAA including A in Mathematics and A in Physics. The IB standard is 38 points with 6 in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level.
No test; an interview
Imperial says the department does not use a test. Applicants likely to meet the requirements are invited to an interview, which may be online.
Fieldwork and computing
Fieldwork includes a trip to Cyprus, and students build computing expertise with specialist electronic mapping packages.
A final-year project
The final year ends with a research project or dissertation on an aspect of geophysics.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Imperial's Geophysics BSc course page, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's Department of Earth Science and Engineering pages, the geophysics MSci, the module descriptions, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The degree
The Earth treated quantitatively
Imperial describes the course as exploring how mathematics, physics and computer modelling can further knowledge of Earth processes. Students specialise in areas such as marine geophysics and geophysical techniques and build computing expertise, while fieldwork, including a trip to Cyprus, keeps the work tied to observation.
Geophysics or Geology?
The subject rule is the signal
The two degrees share a department, a three-year length and the AAA standard, but not the subjects.
Geophysics if
you take A-level Mathematics and Physics and prefer modelling and measurement to mapping rock.
Geology if
you want a flexible two-of-six subject rule and independent field mapping. Avandy's Imperial Geology guide covers it.
Physics instead if
you want physics without the earth focus. Avandy's Imperial Physics guide covers that.
Entry rules
AAA with Mathematics and Physics, no test, an interview
A-level applicants need AAA including A in Mathematics and A in Physics; IB applicants need 38 points with 6 in Mathematics and Physics and a third subject at Higher Level. There is no test. Applicants likely to meet the requirements are invited to an interview, which may be online. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
Are Mathematics and Physics both strengths?
Both are required at A level and Higher Level.
Do you like computing and modelling?
The course builds computing expertise alongside the geophysics.
Would you rather map rock or model the Earth?
That is the practical difference from Geology.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
Grades, subject requirements, the test position and the interview arrangements: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, test windows and interview dates: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm Mathematics and Physics, and read the geophysics and geology course pages side by side.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not supply interview or test questions. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does Imperial Geophysics require?
AAA including A in Mathematics and A in Physics, or IB 38 with 6 in Mathematics and Physics at Higher Level, in Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Is there an admissions test?
No. Imperial says the department does not use a test.
Is there an interview?
Yes. Applicants likely to meet the requirements are invited, and the interview may be online.
How does it differ from Geology?
Geophysics needs both Mathematics and Physics, where Geology accepts any two of six subjects.
Is there fieldwork?
Yes. Imperial describes a fieldwork trip to Cyprus.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Geophysics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics and physics, their interest in computing and fieldwork and whether geophysics or geology is the better fit, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.