UCAS F660, three years
UCL describes a three-year BSc that studies the physics of the Earth.
Undergraduate · UCL Geophysics
UCL Geophysics: the physics of the Earth, with Mathematics and Physics required
UCL's Geophysics BSc studies the physical processes that shape the Earth, from plate tectonics to climate, with Mathematics and Physics required at AAB. It is the quantitative sibling of UCL's Geology BSc, with the same fieldwork emphasis. The decision is whether you want physics-led Earth science.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What UCL asks for in Geophysics
Taken from UCL's Geophysics BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes) 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; UCL's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
AAB with Mathematics and Physics
The A-level requirement is AAB, with Mathematics and Physics required.
IB 17 points with Mathematics and Physics
17 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics, with no higher level score below 5.
Mathematics and Physics required
Both subjects are required, unlike UCL's Geology BSc.
Fieldwork essential to accreditation
UCL says fieldwork is essential for Geological Society accreditation.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on UCL's Geophysics BSc course page (a saved copy that UCL labels as possibly not showing recent changes), which describes 2027 entry. UCL's department pages, the fees pages, the contextual-offer details and the 2028-entry values were not read, and the page lists no admissions test or interview so none is stated and are not stated.
The course
The physical processes that shape the Earth
UCL says the course ranges from understanding Earth materials, through the internal processes that drive plate tectonics, volcanoes and earthquakes, to atmosphere, weather and climate, giving a firm foundation in the physics of the Earth. Fieldwork is essential to Geological Society accreditation.
Is it the right degree?
Geophysics against Geology and Imperial
The required subjects are the signal.
Choose Geophysics if
you take Mathematics and Physics and prefer a quantitative approach to the Earth.
Choose UCL Geology if
you want field-based Earth science with a flexible subject rule. Avandy's UCL Geology guide covers it.
Compare Imperial Geophysics if
you are weighing universities. Avandy's Imperial Geophysics guide records its own rules.
Entry rules
Mathematics and Physics at AAB
A-level applicants need AAB with Mathematics and Physics. IB applicants need 17 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics. UCL's page lists no admissions test or interview. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not UCL's.
Do you take Mathematics and Physics?
Both are required.
Do you want a quantitative approach?
That is the difference from Geology.
Are you ready for fieldwork?
It is essential to accreditation.
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 UCL has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means UCL published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means UCL has not yet published it.
Grades, the subject requirements and the preferred-subject guidance: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. UCL has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline and the 2028-entry requirements: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check UCL's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm the required subjects, read the course structure and plan your preparation around it.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with University 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 write applications. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does UCL Geophysics BSc require?
AAB at A level with Mathematics and Physics required, in UCL's wording for 2027 entry.
What is the IB requirement?
17 points in three higher level subjects including Mathematics and Physics.
How does it differ from Geology?
Geophysics requires Mathematics and Physics and is quantitative; Geology has no required subject.
Is there fieldwork?
Yes. UCL says it is essential for accreditation.
Does Avandy state offer scores?
No. This page records UCL's wording for 2027 entry and states no scores or probabilities.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are UCL's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when UCL publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about UCL Geophysics
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their Mathematics and Physics, their interest in quantitative Earth science and fieldwork and how UCL compares with Imperial, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.