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Earth and Marine Sciences, Geology & Geophysics

QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
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Study at UCL Earth Sciences

Study with us

Earth Sciences combines biology, chemistry, physics, maths and geography to explore how our planet works, from deep within the Earth to its surface.

Research
Research

Research

We study Earth and planetary processes, their materials, life’s evolution, surface changes, and applied geosciences like pollution, natural hazards and resources.

Watch Exploring UCL Earth Sciences on YouTube.
Exploring Earth Sciences
Watch UCL Week in the Life: MSc Environmental Geoscience on YouTube.
UCL Week in the Life: MSc Environmental Geoscience

News

A global dataset of fossil foraminifera to examine how marine ecosystems changed
A global dataset of fossil foraminifera to examine how marine ecosystems changed

A global dataset of fossil foraminifera to examine how marine ecosystems changed

Global fossil foraminifera data reveal the Eocene–Oligocene transition reshaped marine ecosystems through complex, multi-stage changes driven by cooling, ice-sheet growth, and ocean circulation.

11 May 2026

A celebration of Professor Kathleen Lonsdale
A celebration of Professor Kathleen Lonsdale

A celebration of Professor Kathleen Lonsdale

Stephen Lonsdale joined us for a special WiES event celebrating UCL’s first female professor, Kathleen Lonsdale.

17 Feb 2026

Baby dinosaurs a common prey for Late Jurassic predators
Baby dinosaurs a common prey for Late Jurassic predators

Baby dinosaurs a common prey for Late Jurassic predators

Babies and very young sauropods – the long-necked, long-tailed plant-eaters that in adulthood were the largest animals to have ever walked on land – were a key food sustaining predators.

30 Jan 2026

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Alumni
RDR Alumnus, Harry Watts

Alumni

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Earth Sciences Intranet

Click through here for the Departmental SharePoint

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