Environmental Geoscience (MSci)

Why study this course

This four year degree combines components of Geology and Physical Geography, with a focus on learning how to conduct your own research project.

Professionally accredited

Accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.

Fieldwork opportunities

We take regular field trips in the UK and overseas to help you develop strong fieldwork skills. The cost of compulsory field trips is included in the course fees.

Flexible course

In most cases, you may request a transfer to programmes with a professional placement year, with a year of study abroad, or to the MSci. You may also request a switch to another course in the School at the end of the first semester.

No prior knowledge needed

You don’t need to have studied Geology to take this course. We start with the basics to bring everyone to the same level.

Local connections

Based in the same building as the Welsh office of the British Geological Survey and next door to the National Museum of Wales.

An environmental geoscientist uses their understanding of the planet and its processes to predict hazards like floods and earthquakes, clean up dangerous waste, and help civil engineers plan the construction of new roads, tunnels or buildings.

On our Environmental Geoscience course, you will explore different processes that happen on our planet like acid rain and global warming and find solutions to geological problems in the UK and around the world. The MSci involves the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to do a fourth year of study where you work on an exciting research project with an academic from the School and their research staff. You will develop advanced skills in mapping, research, analysis and problem-solving, which will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry.

South Wales has a rich geological history and is ideal for teaching how geology impacts landscapes and industry. We make the most of our location and take regular field trips to natural beauty spots and old industrial and mining sites, as well as overseas trips to locations such as Tenerife and Cyprus.

We’ve worked with industry to design our degree so you graduate with the specialist skills needed to be a professional environmental geoscientist.

Accreditations

• Geological Society

Careers

Career prospects

With the planet facing increasing environmental threats and challenges, the knowledge and skills of an environmental geoscientist are in demand. Environmental geoscientists will play an important role in developing sustainable infrastructure, green energy projects and helping to manage and remove pollution left by former industries like mining and chemicals manufacturing.

You can choose to work in a variety of different industries and roles including conservation and environmental management, as an engineering geologist, a water engineer or an environmental consultant. You will also have essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education and planning are looking for.

The advanced research skills, innovation and initiative that you will gain during your degree will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry. Many senior positions in environmental geoscience-related careers ask for a minimum of a master's degree level qualification and it is often the entry-level qualification for PhD research programmes.

Some of our past students have gone on to work at the Environment Agency, BAM Construction, Atkins, Welsh Water, LCM Environmental Services, and Mott MacDonald.