MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences

• Gain a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence our future in this 4-year, integrated master's (MEarthSci) degree.
• Learn to read the 4.5 billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our solar system, and the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earth's energy and resources.
• Head to geologically and environmentally fascinating locations in the UK and abroad on cv-enhancing field trips that will equip you with transferable skills.
• Study at a UK top 10 university for Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences. (THE World Rankings 2024)

Our 4 year integrated master's degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences will give you significant research experience, a highly desirable skillset for future employers in both academia and industry; and invaluable if you wish to go on and study for a PhD.

Focused on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. As Earth science is at the crossroads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single honours degree in subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, geography or biology, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.

On our course you will learn to read the 4.5 billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our solar system, the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earth's energy and resources. And on your doorstep will be some of the UK's wildest settings, ideal for outdoor learning.

During your time with us you will be a part of a dynamic community trying to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could make a contribution to solving some of the world's greatest challenges.

Course structure

The course offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in Earth and planetary science through one of five pathways :

• Geology;
• Geochemistry;
• Planetary Science;
• Energy and Resources;
• Palaeobiology.

The degree includes extensive field and practical training, with UK and overseas field courses in every year of study. There is also the option to transfer to a related degree during your second year to incorporate industrial experience , a research placement or international study .

The department

We are a department of environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, mathematicians, biologists, physicists and computer scientists, who work together to study the Earth and planets. Our degrees cover the full breadth of earth and environmental sciences, reflecting the main research themes that are fundamental to the work we do in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Our reputation in earth and planetary sciences rests on our world-leading interdisciplinary research into processes operating on, within and beyond the Earth. This research incorporates biological, chemical, physical and environmental aspects of the world and solar system we live in. The close alignment between our teaching and research ensures that units are delivered by scholars who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

Skills

Our course will equip you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.

35 points overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. 

The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:  

• GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C 

• IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-skill below 6.0

• TOEFL iBT 90 overall with no subscore below 20. We do not accept TOEFL iBT Special Home Edition.

• An acceptable equivalent qualification  

Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the iGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification.

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

Career opportunities

Accrediting organisations