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Earth Sciences MSci

London, Bloomsbury

Earth sciences is the study of our home planet. Our flexible programme combines ideas and principles of Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology and Geophysics. We explore how our planet works at depth and at the surface, the biological processes that build diversity and cause extinction, the ocean and atmospheric processes shaping climate, and issues relating to resources, geohazards and climate change. As well as a highly flexible General stream, students may choose to follow a Palaeobiology stream within this degree programme. This allows students to take a range of modules in other departments which are not normally available to other students.

UK students International students
Study mode
Full-time
Duration
4 academic years
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£9,535
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£39,800
Programme starts
September 2026
Application deadline
14 Jan 2026
UCAS course code
F604
Apply via UCAS

Entry requirements

A levels IB Diploma Other qualifications
Grades
AAB
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.

Contextual offer information

Grades
BBB more about contextual offers
Subjects
Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred.
GCSEs
English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Points
36
Subjects
A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects to preferably include two sciences, with no higher level score below 5. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred

Contextual offer

Points
32 more about contextual offers
Subjects
A total of 15 points in three higher level subjects to preferably include two sciences, with no higher level score below 5. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred

UK applicants qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:

Equivalent qualification

Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Science subject units preferred. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction. Science subject units preferred. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred

D3,D3,M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Two sciences preferred. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred.

AAB at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher). Two sciences preferred at Advanced Higher. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.

International applications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

Access and widening participation

UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.
Check your Access UCL Scheme eligibility

Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates

The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.

Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.

For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.

English language requirements

The English language level for this programme is: Level 1

Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.

A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.

Course overview



On entry to the programme, you will select one of two a pathways through the subject. These are either the General Earth Science stream, which allows the most flexibility in your choice of modules, or the Palaeobiology stream, which allows a range of more focussed modules, some not normally available to other students. The programme includes many optional modules across Earth Sciences.

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 three years of the MSci programme are almost identical to the BSc programme. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced optional modules, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.

What this course will give you

Our department delivers world-leading research embracing the origins and history of life, Earth’s composition and structure, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and past and present climate change, and these are fully integrated within our taught programme.

Our department delivers world-leading teaching (ranked 3rd in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024: Earth and Marine Sciences) embracing the origins and history of life, Earth's composition and structure, earthquake and volcanic hazards, and past and present climate change, and these are fully integrated within our taught programme.

You will be taught by lecturers who are active researchers within their fields, ensuring everything you learn is up to date and providing you with opportunities to take part in cutting-edge research activities. 

MSci students carry out a major fourth year research project within one of our research groups, with research often leading to student-led publications and conference presentations.

We are located in the Kathleen Lonsdale Building at the Bloomsbury campus, providing you with access to world-class facilities including bespoke teaching laboratories, microscope facilities and student hub spaces, all in the heart of the department, next to staff offices and our research laboratories.

Teaching and learning

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded a MSci (Hons) in Earth Sciences.

Modules

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

The MSci Earth Sciences programme is intended to provide a complete education and training that will qualify students for a wide range of high-level professional employment or postgraduate education and research within and outside the subject area. We also offer an International programme variant incorporating a year abroad (see separate programme summary).

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules (usually 8 per year), normally valued at 15 credits. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from year-to-year.

In Year 1, for the general Earth Science degree you will follow a set of mandatory modules which are similar to our other degree programmes. In this year you will develop a fundamental knowledge base in both practical, theoretical and field-based skills. A Mathematics module is taken appropriate to A level background.

The Palaeobiology stream has a somewhat different set of modules which can be seen on our web site.

In Year 2, you will be able to take a wide range of optional modules, depending on your interests. You will develop specific skills used in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of data and take modules which build on the first year programme.

In Year 3, you again will be able to take a wide range of optional modules depending on your interests and career place, and will have considerable scope to develop an individual portfolio of interests through a range of advanced, research-based optional modules. The modules include research-based activities and independent projects that match students to researchers one-to-one.

In Year 4, you will gain specific training in research skills in preparation for postgraduate education or a professional career in Earth sciences. You will further develop your interests by choosing from a range of level 7 optional module, usually aligned with their chosen research project.

A major independent research project provides a focal point for the year and students are involved in project choice and design, perform the work within major research teams, and produce outputs that frequently lead to professional presentations and publications. The year closes with an Undergraduate Research Conference attended by students, staff and alumni.

Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4

Compulsory modules





In year one, those taking the General Strem will take a set of compulsory modules in the Earth Science department. These are similar to our other degrees and provide the background and fundamentals required for further years.  

Those on the Palaeobiology Stream will have a somewhat difference set of modules and will take two compulsory modules in the Biology Department (Quantitative Biology and Introduction fo Genetics) and Geochemistry, Earth Materials and Dynamic Earth will become optional modules.

Earth Sciences General Pathway:

As well as the three compulsory modules, you will also take GEOL0001 Earth Materials,  GEOL0003 History of Life, GEOL0004 Dynamic Earth, GEOL0008 Geochemistry, GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures and EITHER GEOL0005 Foundations of Physical Geoscience is compulsory for students who do not have A-Level Maths or equivalent OR GEOL0078 Mathematical Methods for Geoscience is compulsory for students who have A-Level Maths or equivalent.

Earth Sciences Palaeobiology Pathway:

As well as the three compulsory modules, you will also take GEOL0003 History of Life, GEOL0015 Maps, Images & Structures,  BIOL0001 Quantitative Biology, BIOL0003 Introduction to Genetics. (60 credits) and select a further 30 credits from GEOL0001 Earth Materials, GEOL0008 Geochemistry, BIOL0004 Life on Earth, BIOL0006 Methods in Ecology and Evolution.

Optional modules














In year two, both stream have a considerable number of optional modules. Those listed in this prospectus are for the General Stream. Those on the Palaeobiology Stream will have additional options available in the Biology Department too. These are listed on our departmental web pages. 

Optional modules














There is considerable choice for both stream. Above are those available to the General Stream. Those for the Palaeobiology stream can be viewed on our web pages. 

Compulsory modules




Both Streams take the same two compulsory modules (Independent MSci Project and Earth and Planetary System Science) with the rest of the modules as options.  

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.

Typical weekly contact hours in the first three years will be 8 hours of lectures and 8 hours of practicals. Lecturers are also available for help outside these formal hours, as well regular tutorial sessions. During field trips, student will have constant contact with several members of staff (except for the independent mapping). Students are also expected to do an additional 15 to 20 hours per week independent study.

Assessment

You will be assessed by a combination of written examinations, practical examinations, coursework, independent project reports and sometimes an oral examination.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Mathematical and Physical Sciences student Q&A (AM)

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This event is a great chance to hear from current students from the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. You'll have the opportunity to ask them about studying in the Faculty, student life in London and why they chose to study at UCL.

Online - Open day

Virtual Open Event: Mathematical and Physical Sciences student Q&A (PM)

—

This event is a great chance to hear from current students from the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences. You'll have the opportunity to ask them about studying in the Faculty, student life in London and why they chose to study at UCL.

Online - Open day

Earth Sciences information video

Watch this video to find out more about Earth Sciences at UCL, including entry requirements, course structure and other helpful information. Recorded Spring 2024.

Watch on demand event

The foundation of your career

All our students are encouraged and helped towards making informed career choices. We have excellent relationships with many employers in diverse aspects of the Earth sciences, and students are actively guided towards achieving their potential at UCL in preparation for their future careers.

In addition to further study, recent graduates from the Earth Sciences department have been employed in exploration and production for mining, oil and engineering companies; groundwater resources management; investigating ground conditions associated with land use, such as planning, construction and waste disposal; geological surveying, and collecting geological information for maps and databases.

UCL Earth Sciences graduates have gone on to work for employers like AIR Worldwide, OPC, Thames Water, Bulb Energy, the United Nations and the Environment Agency.* 

*Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017/2018-2021/22 cohorts.

Employability

You will develop both discipline-based and highly sought after analytical skills, together with practical skills such as planning, conducting and reporting on investigations, collecting, recording and analysing data and the ability to undertake field and laboratory research.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £9,535
Tuition fees (2025/26) £39,800

Fees are for Undergraduate 2025/26 entry and are for the first year only. Fees for subsequent years may be subject to increase: Student Terms and Conditions. UK fees are in line with the Government announcement on fee cap increases and are subject to the passing of secondary legislation. Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2025/26 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.

Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.

Additional costs

The only extra costs above and beyond what is normally expected (i.e. computer, pens, papers and books) is for fieldwork. However, the Department makes a substantial contribution towards these costs (ranging between £150-£800 per student, per trip, dependent on the location and duration of the trip), covering accommodation and in-field transportation for all the fieldwork organised by the Department. 

Students are expected to cover their transportation (flight/train/bus) to and from the beginning of the field location for the 2nd and 3rd year field trips at an estimated cost of £200, depending on the exact location. Some fieldtrips include meals or are self-catered. But where they are not, the additional cost of food should be around £200 per trip. Students are expected to provide appropriate field clothing (boots and waterproofs). Although we encourage students to buy their own compass-clinometer, these can be borrowed from the Department. 

Students on the Environmental Geosciences MSci programme have three compulsory fieldtrip modules and so will need to budget ~£800 over the four years for these.  The other fieldtrips are optional and so a student who plans to take those options should budget accordingly. 

In the third year, there is an optional fieldtrip for 30 days of independent mapping. For this fieldtrip, the department provides ~£800 to each student. Extra costs will depend on where the student chooses to do their mapping and type of accommodation.

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).

Funding your studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Scholarships

The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.

Next steps

Your application

We are looking for students with a broad interest in science. Previous knowledge or experience in the Earth Sciences is not needed, but you should know why you wish to take our degrees. Students will need to be hard-working, self-motivated, bright and able to work independently but as well as part of a team.

How to apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.

Selection

For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.

We normally reach a decision on making an offer on the basis of the application alone. If you have an offer and would like to visit the department in person, please email the Admissions Tutor to arrange this.

Apply via UCAS
Application guidelines
Download prospectus

Got questions? Get in touch

Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences

es-admissions@ucl.ac.uk

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