Earth Sciences MSci & BSc degrees are intended as an entry route for high-level professional employment or postgraduate education.
This flexible programme allows you to select from the range of options offered across environmental geoscience, geology and geophysics. You may also graduate with a degree in Earth Sciences Palaeobiology or Environment and Policy dependent on your chosen courses.

Other ES streams:
- Palaeobiology Stream Prospectus: Bsc UCAS Code: F603
- Environment and Policy Prospectus: MSci UCAS Code F604
Further enquiries:
In entry to the programme, you will select a 'diet', following a pathway through the subject (General, Palaeobiology, or Environment and Policy). There is some overlap between these diets and opportunities to switch diets particularly in the first and the second year of study. The holistic nature of the subject is emphasized. Students should normally take at least four half course credits in the Earth Sciences Department each year. Optional modules based in other departments may be chosen from those listed for the Geology, Geophysics or Environmental Geoscience degree programmes.
The first and second years provide core skills and knowledge in the subject. The third year provides opportunities for specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.
Year 1
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematics for Engineers I
- Earth: An Integrated System
- Quantitative Biology
- Life On Earth
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Fieldwork:
- Dorset/Devon Coast
- Cornwall/Devon Coast
Year 2
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematics for Engineers I
- Earth: An Integrated System
- Quantitative Biology
- Life On Earth
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Fieldwork:
- Dorset/Devon Coast
- Cornwall/Devon Coast
Year 3
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematics for Engineers I
- Earth: An Integrated System
- Quantitative Biology
- Life On Earth
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Fieldwork:
- Dorset/Devon Coast
- Cornwall/Devon Coast
Year 4
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematics for Engineers I
- Earth: An Integrated System
- Quantitative Biology
- Life On Earth
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Fieldwork:
- Dorset/Devon Coast
- Cornwall/Devon Coast
Year 1
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematics for Engineers I
- Earth: An Integrated System
- Quantitative Biology
- Life On Earth
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Fieldwork:
- Dorset/Devon Coast
- Cornwall/Devon Coast
Year 2
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution
- Global Geophysics
- Geomorphology
- Ecological Patterns and Processes
- Surface & Groundwater Hydrology
- Science in Popular Culture
Term 2:
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Igneous Petrology
- Principles of Climate
- Isotope Geology
- Reconstructing Past Environments
- Environmental Remote Sensing
- Engaging the Public with Science
Fieldwork:
- Pyrenees, Spain
Year 3
Optional modules
Term 1:
- Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
- Ocean Physics & Climate Change
- Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
- Marine Geology
- Seismology I
- Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes
- Tectonic Geomorphology
Term 1 & 2:
- Geosciences Report
Term 2:
- Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution
- Earth Resources & Sustainability
- Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- Groundwater Science
- Seismology II
- Advanced Geochemistry
- Statistics for Geoscientists
- Environmental Consequences of Human Activity
Fieldwork:
- South-East Spain
The 2x2 layout
Year 1
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Term 2:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematics for Engineers I
- Earth: An Integrated System
- Quantitative Biology
- Life On Earth
- Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Fieldwork:
- Dorset/Devon Coast
- Cornwall/Devon Coast
Year 2
Core or compulsory modules
Term 1:
Optional modules:
Term 1:
- Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution
- Global Geophysics
- Geomorphology
- Ecological Patterns and Processes
- Surface & Groundwater Hydrology
- Science in Popular Culture
Term 2:
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Igneous Petrology
- Principles of Climate
- Isotope Geology
- Reconstructing Past Environments
- Environmental Remote Sensing
- Engaging the Public with Science
Fieldwork:
- Pyrenees, Spain
Year 3
Optional modules
Term 1:
- Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
- Ocean Physics & Climate Change
- Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
- Marine Geology
- Seismology I
- Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes
- Tectonic Geomorphology
Term 1 & 2:
- Geosciences Report
Term 2:
- Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution
- Earth Resources & Sustainability
- Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- Groundwater Science
- Seismology II
- Advanced Geochemistry
- Statistics for Geoscientists
- Environmental Consequences of Human Activity
Fieldwork:
- South-East Spain
Year 4
Optional modules
Term 1:
- Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns
- Ocean Physics & Climate Change
- Geological/Environmental Mapping Project
- Marine Geology
- Seismology I
- Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes
- Tectonic Geomorphology
Term 1 & 2:
- Geosciences Report
Term 2:
- Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution
- Earth Resources & Sustainability
- Geodynamics and Global Tectonics
- Groundwater Science
- Seismology II
- Advanced Geochemistry
- Statistics for Geoscientists
- Environmental Consequences of Human Activity
Fieldwork:
- South-East Spain
Your Learning
We use a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials to enable you to gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme, as well as to develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working and organisational skills.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports and an oral examination.
You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports and an oral examination.