Course at a glance
| Degree awarded | Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Geophysics |
|---|---|
| Duration | 4 years, then NYSC |
| Faculty / college | Faculty of Science |
| Career field / body | Oil & gas exploration, mining and research; COMEG |
| UTME subjects | Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Biology or Economics |
| Competitiveness | Competitive |
On this page
- What Geophysics is about
- A brief history of the discipline
- What you will study
- Why study Geophysics & who it suits
- Careers & where graduates work
- Salary outlook in Nigeria
- Where it’s offered
- Is it a good course?
- Skills you’ll gain
- Licensing, professional bodies & further study
- How to get in (UTME requirements)
- Practise the UTME subjects free
- Related & alternative courses
- Frequently asked questions
What Geophysics is about
Geophysics applies physics to study the Earth — using gravity, magnetic, seismic and electrical methods to explore beneath the surface for oil, gas, minerals and water.
A brief history of the discipline
Geophysics became central to resource exploration, especially oil and gas, and remains a high-value field in Nigeria. Geoscientists are registered by COMEG.
What you will study
You study core physics alongside seismology, gravity, magnetic and electrical methods, well logging, geology basics and computational geophysics — with industrial training and a project.
Why study Geophysics & who it suits
This course suits curious, analytical students who enjoy science and laboratory or field work. Strong Physics and Mathematics and an interest in the Earth are ideal.
Careers & where graduates work
Graduates work in oil and gas exploration, mining, groundwater and environmental studies, and research, with COMEG registration for professional practice.
Salary outlook in Nigeria
Geophysics pays very well in oil & gas exploration and mining, with strong demand for its specialist skills.
| Career stage | Typical monthly pay (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Entry (graduate) | ₦200,000 – ₦450,000 |
| Mid-level | ₦500,000 – ₦1,200,000 |
| Senior / oil & gas, mining | ₦1,500,000 – ₦4,000,000+ |
Figures are rough approximations (monthly gross) as of 2026, drawn from Nigerian salary aggregators. Actual pay varies widely by sector (oil & gas, fintech and multinationals pay far above the public service), employer, location (Lagos and Abuja pay more) and experience — treat these as a guide, not a guarantee.
Where it’s offered: notable universities
Geophysics is offered at a number of Nigerian universities, including the University of Nigeria, University of Port Harcourt, the Federal University of Technology Akure and the University of Lagos, among others.
This is not a ranked or exhaustive list — always confirm the current institutions and their requirements in the official JAMB brochure, or use our subject combination checker and the Geophysics admission guide.
Is Geophysics a good course to study in Nigeria?
Geophysics applies physics to explore the earth and is among the best-paid sciences, via oil & gas exploration and mining.
Why it’s a strong choice:
- Very strong pay in oil & gas exploration.
- Specialised, high-value skills.
- COMEG registration and global mobility.
- Cutting-edge, data-rich work.
Challenges to weigh:
- Tied to oil, mining and energy cycles.
- Mathematically and physically demanding.
- Competitive.
- Roles concentrated in exploration.
It suits students strong in Physics and Mathematics who are interested in the earth.
Skills you’ll gain
Beyond subject knowledge, Geophysics builds transferable skills valued across many careers:
- Seismic and geophysical methods
- Data interpretation
- Computational modelling
- Problem-solving
- Applied physics
- Fieldwork
Licensing, professional bodies & further study
B.Sc Geophysics (4 years) → NYSC → careers in exploration, mining, environment and research, with COMEG registration.
How to get in: Geophysics UTME requirements
The JAMB UTME combination for Geophysics is Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Biology or Economics. You also need five relevant O’Level credits including English Language, Mathematics and the core science subjects. Confirm the exact requirement for your chosen university.
Practise the UTME subjects free
Prepare with free official-syllabus notes and timed CBT practice for your UTME subjects:
- Use of English — practise CBT
- Physics — practise CBT
- Mathematics — practise CBT
- Chemistry — practise CBT
Related guides
- How to choose the right course for JAMB
- Good courses you can study with a low JAMB score
- Understanding the JAMB brochure & subject combinations
- How to use the JAMB eligibility checker
- How to change your course or institution on JAMB
Related & alternative courses
If you like Geophysics, you may also want to explore these related courses:
Frequently asked questions
How long is Geophysics in Nigeria?
The B.Sc typically takes 4 years, followed by the one-year NYSC.
What are the JAMB subjects for Geophysics?
Use of English, Physics, Mathematics, and one of Chemistry, Geography, Biology or Economics
What does a geophysicist do?
They use physics-based methods (seismic, gravity, magnetic, electrical) to explore the subsurface for oil, gas, minerals and water.
Is Geophysics good for the oil industry?
Yes — geophysics is central to oil and gas exploration, which makes it a high-value field, alongside mining and environmental work.
Is Geophysics a good course to study in Nigeria?
Yes — it is among the best-paid sciences thanks to oil & gas exploration and mining, though it is tied to the resource sector and is demanding.
Does Geophysics pay well?
Yes — exploration roles in oil & gas are among the best-paid science careers.
Geophysics vs Geology?
Geology studies the earth’s materials and history broadly; Geophysics uses physics-based methods (seismic, gravity, magnetic) to explore the subsurface.
Where do geophysicists work?
In oil & gas exploration, mining, groundwater and environmental studies, and research.
Sources: Course content and career pathways summarised from Nigerian faculties of science and relevant professional/learned bodies; admission requirements from the official JAMB UTME brochure. Last checked: 22 Sept 2026. Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB, the NUC or any professional body. Programme structure, duration and requirements vary by university — always confirm details with your chosen institution and the official JAMB brochure.