Overview

The M.Sc. Geophysics at the University of British Columbia provides a comprehensive platform for advanced research into the physical processes of the Earth and other planetary bodies. This programme integrates theoretical, experimental, and observational approaches to address complex scientific challenges. Students benefit from a structured curriculum that requires both high-level coursework and the completion of an original research thesis.

The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences hosts this degree, offering a vibrant academic environment where interdisciplinary collaboration is encouraged. The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with sophisticated analytical, computational, and problem-solving skills.

Why Geophysics at the University of British Columbia?

The University of British Columbia houses the largest and most diverse department of its kind in Canada, providing students with unparalleled opportunities for cutting-edge research. The Department of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences allows for unique investigations that cross traditional disciplinary boundaries, merging geophysics with geology, oceanography, and atmospheric sciences.

Students have access to the Earth Sciences Building, a state-of-the-art facility completed in 2012. This $75 million centre was specifically designed to foster creativity and collaboration amongst researchers. The department’s extensive research interests span from glaciology and climate variability to the geodynamics of planetary cores and the application of machine learning to Earth scientific problems.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

• International fee: CAD 9884 per year
• National fee: CAD 5626 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum focuses on diverse areas of planetary and terrestrial physics. Modules and research areas may include:

• Observational and Theoretical Glaciology
• Geodynamics of the Crust, Mantle, and Core
• Geological Fluid Mechanics
• Volcanic Processes
• Planetary Magnetic Fields
• Reflection Seismology
• Inversion Methodologies
• Computational Electrodynamics
• Data Science and Machine Learning

Careers with Geophysics

Graduates from this programme are highly sought after for their technical expertise and research capabilities. Many alumni pursue successful careers in academia, securing positions at prestigious universities across Canada, the United States, Europe, and Australia. The skills gained are also directly applicable to government roles, such as those within the Geological Survey of Canada.

In the private sector, former students have found employment in the mineral and hydrocarbon exploration industries, as well as environmental monitoring. The programme's emphasis on computational methods and data science also opens doors to the technology sector. Recent graduates have been recruited by major global organisations, including Google and Tesla, for roles in software engineering and advanced data analysis.