Earth sciences and environment

Earth sciences enable you to examine all aspects of our planet, from its formation and the evolution of life through to present-day surface and environmental processes.

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photo of students on earth sciences field trip

If you have an aptitude for science, a sense of adventure for the great outdoors, and a passion for learning about how our planet works, then a career in Earth sciences may be for you. 

Our programmes all have a strong practical element where your observational, analytical and quantitative skills are developed, including computer modelling and programming.

The Earth sciences embrace many natural and physical science subjects, to understand the Earth and its development through time, including:

  • mathematics
  • physics
  • chemistry
  • biology
  • geography

BSc degrees

We offer degrees in four areas of Earth sciences and environment, which you can view below.

Our undergraduate degrees are four-year Bachelor of Science degrees (BSc) with honours.

You can also undertake an additional year of study to complete an integrated masters (MEarthSci or MEarthPhys). These integrated masters degrees entail a research focus, which is useful if you anticipate continuing your education into research such as a PhD. 

 

Environmental geoscience

Environmental geoscience is the in-depth study of these different components and the processes that maintain and modify them. Not only does it cover the natural processes that have controlled Earth's history, but crucially, how modern human activities are affecting our planet today.

Through this programme, you will develop a scientific understanding of environmental processes controlling the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere. 

You can find out more about our BSc Environmental Geoscience programme on the degree finder including information on programme structure, optional courses, learning outcomes, career opportunities, field trips, entry requirements, and fees and funding.

Access the degree finder page for your programme below: 

Earth sciences

Through our new cutting-edge Earth sciences degree, you can study our planet's fascinating history to predict and protect its future.

Earth scientists seek to understand the planet from its core to the surface, using chemistry, physics, biology, and physical geography. They study how to find and use the Earth's resources sustainably and explore the challenges and impacts humans have on our planet. 

You can find out more about our geology programmes on the degree finder including information on programme structure, optional courses, learning outcomes, career opportunities, field trips, entry requirements, and fees and funding.

Access the degree finder page for your programme below: 

Earth science and physical geography

This programme offers you the opportunity to combine your understanding of both physical geography and Earth processes to address global challenges.

It integrates these subjects into an understanding of the Earth from its origin, composition and structure through to how rivers, glaciers, volcanoes, hill slopes and human impact define the modern and ancient landscape at all scales.

You can find out more about our Earth science and physical geography programmes on the degree finder including information on programme structure, optional courses, learning outcomes, career opportunities, field trips, entry requirements, and fees and funding.

Access the degree finder page for your programme below: 

Geophysics

Geophysics is the study of physical processes through the use of physics and mathematics and applying them to the Earth.

You can explore minerals' microscopic properties through to large scale forces such as gravity and magnetism that act on planetary or even inter-planetary scales. 

You can find out more about our geophysics programmes on the degree finder including information on programme structure, optional courses, learning outcomes, career opportunities, field trips, entry requirements, and fees and funding.

Access the degree finder page for your programme below: