Environmental Geoscience (MSci) at University of Southampton

About

Explore the evolving Earth system through the lens of sustainable environmental management. This environmental geoscience MSci combines geology, geography, oceanography and environmental science, giving you the freedom to specialise in subjects ranging from environmental law to marine pollution.

As an environmental geoscientist, you'll be able to assess the impact of human activity on the planet and society whilst working to mitigate this impact and find solutions for our future. You'll graduate with practical and transferable skills that are sought after across environmental science industries and other sectors.

This 4-year course will develop and enhance your knowledge beyond the BSc, and provide a greater emphasis on individual research skills and project work.

You'll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for research and technology development in ocean and Earth science. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on research projects with NOCS scientists, whilst also having access to specialist facilities.

You'll develop your practical and professional skills by:

participating in marine and terrestrial field trips and residential field courses
boosting your career prospects with our industry links in geological and marine companies
building your data collection, interpretation and digital skill set, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS)
accessing our range of facilities, including over 150 laboratories and the National Oceanographic Library

On this integrated master's degree in Environmental Geoscience, you’ll study topics like:

terrestrial and marine pollution and environmental impact
environmental law and science policy
Earth resource management
natural hazards

This programme will also allow you to specialise in terrestrial, or marine sciences, giving you the freedom to explore the elements of the programme that interest you most.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Requirements

Entry Requirements

For Academic year 202526

A-levels

AAB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B)

OR

ABB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B)

A-levels additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical is required.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including two accepted science subject and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 in two Higher Level acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level preferred science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Environmental Science and Geography

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subject.

We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two accepted science A Levels

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable A Level science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Preferred A level Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical is required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subjects.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Show more entry requirements

Access to HE Diploma

Irish Leaving Certificate

Scottish Qualification offers

Cambridge Pre-U

Welsh Baccalaureate

T Level

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit.

Access to HE additional information

A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include two accepted/preferred science subjects.

OR

H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to include two preferred science subjects.

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)

AAAABB to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects

OR

AAABBB to include two preferred science subjects.

Irish certificate additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical.

Scottish Qualification

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.

Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, D3, M2 to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects

OR

D3, M2, M2 to include two preferred science subjects.

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AA from two acceptable/preferred science A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

OR

AB from two preferred science A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical.

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

T-Level

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year

English Program Requirements

Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.

English language requirements

If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:

IELTS score requirements

overall score: 6.5
reading: 6.0
writing: 6.0
speaking: 6.0
listening: 6.0

We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.

Career

Careers

As an Environmental Geoscience master's degree graduate you'll have the opportunity to work across a number of industries; whether you're locating and managing natural resources, developing new technologies, or working to protect the planet's natural systems from disaster.

The skills you'll gain on this programme will prepare you for employment in areas like:

environmental surveying, research and consultancy
renewable energy development
environmental planning and monitoring
education
engineering geology
construction industry
geotechnical surveying

This degree is also a good basis for further study at postgraduate level.

We host an annual careers fair at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton - an event attended by over 25 employers that look to hire Southampton graduates.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fee Information

Tuition Fee

GBP 30,300

Application Fee

GBP

Environmental Geoscience (MSci)

University of Southampton

University of Southampton

Key Facts

Start & Deadlines