Our planet is changing. More than ever, we need to understand how the oceans, atmosphere and biosphere interact: today, in the geological past, and into the future. A degree in Earth Science gives you the tools to address the key environmental challenges of today through a range of career pathways.
Study with us: Our degrees address the fundamental questions about the origin of our dynamic planet, the processes that shape it, and the history of the life it sustains. Our flexible programmes combine ideas and principles from Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geology and Geophysics. We explore how our planet works at depth and at the surface, the biological processes that build diversity and cause extinction, the ocean and atmospheric processes shaping climate, and issues relating to resources, geohazards and climate change. Learn more about what we offer
How we teach: We use a mixture of lectures, practical classes, field courses, directed reading, problem-orientated learning, private study and tutorials to enable you gain the theoretical knowledge and practical skills demanded by the programme. You will develop key transferable skills such as critical analysis, report writing, team working and organisational skills.
We emphasise the benefits of field-based training in all Earth Science degree programmes, offering up to three months of field classes in the UK and continental Europe and independent field mapping projects in Scotland, Southern France and Spain, with financial support from the department.
However, we promote inclusion and accessibility in all our programmes and offer virtual and lab-based alternatives to field-taught materials. Third year teaching is predominantly research-led and in the fourth year you will undertake an independent research project in an active field of research.
Our Facilities:
We have recently moved into the renovated Kathleen Lonsdale Building with world-class facilities including bespoke teaching laboratories, new microscope facilities and student study areas, all in the heart of the department, next to staff offices and research laboratories.
Have a look around our department Official Opening with Sir David Attenborough | New Home for Earth Sciences @UCL
We offer both 3-year BSc and 4-year MSci programmes.
Earth Sciences emphasises the holistic nature of the subject. This flexible programme allows you to select from a wide range of module options offered across environmental geoscience, geology and geophysics. We offer the flexibility to specialise and graduate with a degree in Earth Sciences (Palaeobiology) or Earth Sciences (Environment and Policy). We also offer the four-year International option of this programme, with the opportunity to spend your third year of study at a university abroad. Entry details: BSc | MSci | MSci International
Geology focuses on fundamental geological processes that shape the Earth. The course explores the nature of rocks and minerals, their mode of origin and environment of formation; the study of past life and palaeoenvironments; the physics and chemistry of the Earth and major Earth processes such as plate tectonics and mountain building (tectonics). You will study the biological processes that build diversity and trigger extinctions, ocean and atmospheric processes that shape climate, and issues relating to resources, geohazards and climate change. Entry details: BSc | MSci
Geophysics provides a complete study of the physics of the solid Earth and its constituent materials, and of its the atmosphere, oceans and ice sheets. This broadly-based programme provides a firm foundation in geology, geological fieldwork, physics, mathematics and computing. This programme is accredited by the Geological Society. Entry details: BSc | MSci
Environmental Geoscience is concerned with the interaction between the Earth and human activity, providing a sound topical background in the environmental aspects of the Earth sciences. You will examine environmental issues, such as natural resource management, global environmental change, and the mitigation of geohazards. This programme is accredited by the Geological Society. Entry details: BSc | MSci
Looking to get in contact?
Address: UCL, Earth Sciences | 5 Gower Place | London WC1E 6BS
General Enquiries: earthsci@ucl.ac.uk
Undergraduate Admissions: es-ugadmissions@ucl.ac.uk
Undergraduate Admissions Tutor: Prof Dario Alfe
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