Earth Sciences,MSci

This four-year Master’s degree has been designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education in all aspects of Earth Sciences along with the opportunity to interact with staff at the cutting-edge of scientific research.

It provides you with the opportunity to follow the Geology, Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics with Geology or Geoscience pathway for the first three years and undertake a detailed independent research project in the area of your choice in the fourth year.

Ideally suited to students with a strong interest in research, the course incorporates a substantial amount of independent (and group) project work which will involve you in high-level quantitative investigations, in addition to advanced key skills training.

If you have been accepted onto Geology, Geoscience, Environmental Geosciences, or Geophysics you may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year. The fourth year combines a bespoke research project in your specialism, with advanced modules designed to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications.

This course prepares you for employment or PhD research. Graduates have secured positions with high-profile employers and PhD research positions at prestigious universities worldwide.

This Masters degree is ideal if you have a strong interest in Earth Science research. You'll gain knowledge at the cutting-edge of scientific research and be ready to take up a variety of roles or further study at international institutions.

A level offer – AAA including two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Marine Science, Economics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. For the Geophysics route, Mathematics or Further Mathematics is required.

Contextual offer – BBB including two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Marine Science, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. For the Geophysics route, Mathematics or Further Mathematics is required.

BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma – DDD plus grades AA at A level in two sciences from the list above.

IB Diploma score – 37 with 666 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects from the list above.

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• We also consider other level 3 qualifications, including T-levels.

• We welcome applications from those with other qualifications equivalent to our standard entry requirements and from mature students with non-standard qualifications or who may have had a break in their study.

• If you do not satisfy our general entry requirements, the Foundation Programme offers multidisciplinary degrees to prepare you for a range of specified degree courses.

• If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take an International Foundation Year pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre

• We are pleased to consider applications for deferred entry.

Science A levels

Applicants taking Science A levels that include a practical component will be required to take and pass this as a condition of entry. This applies only to applicants sitting A levels with an English examination board.

Alternative qualifications

• Other UK qualifications

• EU qualifications

• International qualifications

International students who do not meet direct entry requirements for this degree might have the option to complete an International Foundation Year.

English language requirements

Country specific information

Our flexible courses have been developed to meet the needs of industry and provide you with the skills you need to succeed. You will graduate with the scientific foundations and transferable skills to move directly into the workplace or to progress to a more specialised postgraduate qualification.

Career prospects for Durham graduates are excellent. Geology and Earth Sciences graduates are highly valued by employers and go on to a wide range of highly successful careers in the sector and beyond, working in industry and research, including environmental management, water management, energy and engineering geology. Some of the high-profile employers our graduates have gone on to work for include ATKINS, ARUP, Centrica and the Environment Agency.

Of those students who graduated in 2020-21:

• 91% are in paid employment or further study 15 months after graduation across all our programmes

Of those in employment:

• 100% are in high skilled employment
• With an average salary of £26,825

(Source: HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey. The survey asks leavers from higher education what they are doing 15 months after graduation. Further information about the Graduate Outcomes survey can be found here www.graduateoutcomes.ac.uk)