MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences with International Study

• 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.
• Spend the third year of your degree studying at one of our worldwide partner universities.
• Study at a UK top 10 university for Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences. (THE World Rankings 2024)

Our MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences course is a 4 year degree programme that will allow you to study at one of our worldwide partner universities whilst completing the third year of your degree. This experience can boost your prospects in the job market and give you a new perspective on your subject area.

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 sciences through one of four pathways:

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

Your third year is spent studying at one of our worldwide partner universities. These currently include universities in Europe, USA, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The placement year is fully assessed by the host university and will involve coursework, laboratory classes and examinations. Your study abroad academic tutor will be in contact with you during your stay and will provide help and support when necessary.

Students also benefit from significantly reduced fees in the third year of the programme.

After your year at an international university, you will return to Manchester and take Year 4 courses, including an independent research project.

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 for 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