Close
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:
On 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.
The first two years of the BSc and MSci programmes will be the same. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge. We recommend you apply for an MSci initially, as this keeps more options open.
Modules:
- Year 1
On entry to the programme, students select one of the following streams through the programme: General, Palaeobiology or Environment & Policy.
Please note that places may be limited on GEOG* courses. However, you are requested to submit your choices on Portico and await approval from the Geography department.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0001 15 Earth Materials GEOL0007 15 The Earth GEOL0008 15 Geochemistry
GEOL0058 pass/fail Matlab Options: GEOL0005 15 Foundations of Physical Geoscience (normally compulsory for students without A-Level Mathematics) MATH0049 15 Mathematics for Engineers I (students must have A-Level Mathematics) GEOG0005 * 15 Earth: An Integrated System BIOL0001 15 Quantitative Biology BIOL0004 15 Life On Earth HPSC0009 15 Introduction to History, Philosophy and Social Studies of Science
Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0002 15 From Petrology to Petrogenesis GEOL0003 15 History of Life GEOL0004 15 Dynamic Earth GEOL0006 15 Surface Processes Fieldwork: Dorset/Devon Coast Part of GEOL0006 Surface Processes(takes place in the Easter Vacation) Cornwall/Devon Coast Part of GEOL0002 From Petrology to Petrogenesis - Year 2
Students may take 15 credits of a language in either Year 2 or Year 3.Please note that places may be limited on GEOG* courses. You are requested to submit your choices on Portico and await approval from the Geography department.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0015 15 Maps, Images & Structures GEOL0016 15 Structural Geology & Tectonics Options: GEOL0009 15 Vertebrate Palaeontology & Evolution GEOL0012 15 Global Geophysics GEOG0019 15 Geomorphology GEOG0020 15 Ecological Patterns and Processes GEOG0026 15 Surface & Groundwater Hydrology HPSC0013 15 Science in Popular Culture Fieldwork: Scotland Part of GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures (taken at the end of the preceding summer vacation) Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Options GEOL0010 15 Sedimentology and Stratigraphy GEOL0011 15 Igneous Petrology GEOL0013 15 Principles of Climate GEOL0017 15 Isotope Geology GEOG0021 15 Reconstructing Past Environments GEOG0027 15 Environmental Remote Sensing HPSC0036 15 Engaging the Public with Science Fieldwork: Pyrenees Part of of GEOL0010 - Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (taught in the Easter vacation) - Year 3
Students may take 15 credits of a language in either Year 2 or Year 3.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Unit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0021 15 Biodiversity & Macroevolutionary Patterns GEOL0022 15 Ocean Physics & Climate Change GEOL0024 30 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project GEOL0028 NOT RUNNING 2022/23 15 Marine Geology GEOL0029 15 Seismology I GEOL0032 15 Metamorphism and Metamorphic Processes GEOL0043 15 Tectonic Geomorphology Fieldwork: Part of GEOL0024 Mapping Part of GEOL0024 Geological/Environmental Mapping Project Term 1 & 2
Module Code Unit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0014 15 Geosciences Report Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Unit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0023 15 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution (fieldtrip only see below; no classroom element) GEOL0025 15 Earth Resources & Sustainability GEOL0057 15 Geodynamics and Global Tectonics GEOL0027 15 Groundwater Science GEOL0030 15 Seismology II GEOL0031 Advanced Geochemistry GEOL0061 15 Statistics for Geoscientists GEOG0170 15 Environmental Consequences of Human Activity Fieldwork: SE Spain GEOL0023 Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building & Basin Evolution - Year 4
MSci Co-ordinator: Prof. Ian Wood
To progress to year 4 of the MSci programme, you must have a 3rd year average of 60% or better and a nominal BSc award of an upper second, or better. Students who do not fulfil the required criteria to proceed at the end of the 3rd year may be considered for graduation with the award of a BSc Honours degree.
Term 1 - Autumn Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0022 15 Ocean Physics and Climate Change (if not already taken in Year 3) GEOL0026 15 Earth & Planetary Materials GEOL0041 15 Physical Volcanology & Volcanic Hazard GEOL0043 15 Tectonic Geomorphology GEOL0044 15 Palaeoceanography GEOL0035 15 Sustainable Management of the Environment GEOL0059 15 Origin of Life and Exobiology GEOL0060 15 Numerical Modelling of Mantle Dynamics for Earth and Planetary Sciences Term 1 & 2
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Compulsory: GEOL0072 45 Independent MSci Project GEOL0039 15 Earth & Planetary System Science Term 2 - Spring Term
Module Code Credit Value Module Title Options: GEOL0031 15 Advanced Geochemsitry (if not already taken in Year 3) GEOL0042 15 Earthquake Seismology & Earthquake Hazards GEOL0045 NOT RUNNING 2022/23 15 Palaeoclimatology GEOL0040 NOT RUNNING 2022/23 15 Melting and Volcanism GEOL0046 15 Deep Earth & Planetary Modelling GEOL0036 15 Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Studies GEOL0061 15 Statistics for Geoscientists (if not already taken in Year 3) Fieldwork: Germany Part of GEOL0039 Earth & Planetary System Science
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.