Earth Sciences BSc
Study of the planet’s structure, history, and processes - from rocks and volcanoes to oceans, fossils, and climate.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
Analytically minded
Physically adventurous
Spatially aware
Inquisitive explorer
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Oil & Gas Industry
Environmental Consultancy
Research & Academia
Mining & Minerals
Is this for you?
Earth Sciences BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of the planet’s structure, history, and processes - from rocks and volcanoes to oceans, fossils, and climate.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What Is an Earth Sciences Degree?
Earth Sciences explores how the Earth formed, how it changes, and how humans interact with it. You’ll study geology, chemistry, physics, and biology to understand natural systems such as volcanoes, earthquakes, oceans, and the atmosphere.
Why Study Earth Sciences?
This degree is perfect if you’re curious about how the planet works and want to help address challenges like resource use, natural hazards, and climate change. .
Most Earth Sciences degrees cover:
Geology and geophysics
Earth materials: rocks, minerals, and fossils
Plate tectonics and Earth structure
Climate systems and oceanography
Geochemistry and geobiology
Field mapping and data analysis
Natural resources and environmental change
Later in your course, you can often specialise, for example, in volcanology, palaeontology, environmental geoscience, or planetary science.
Degree Type
BSc (Bachelor of Science): Focuses on the physical, chemical, and environmental processes shaping the Earth.
Some universities also offer an MSci option, which includes an extra year of advanced research.
Geological Analysis – interpreting rocks, minerals, fossils, and Earth materials to understand geological processes.
Fieldwork Techniques – mapping landscapes, collecting samples, and conducting outdoor geological surveys.
Laboratory Skills – analysing samples using microscopy, geochemistry, and geophysical instruments.
Earth System Understanding – studying plate tectonics, volcanology, oceans, climate, and planetary processes.
Data Interpretation – evaluating geological, environmental, and geophysical datasets for scientific conclusions.
A-levels or equivalent typically including two Science subjects (such as Geology, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, or Maths).
Show your interest in how the Earth works — mention any relevant field trips, geology clubs, or documentaries.
Highlight your strengths in Science and Geography.
Reflect on why understanding the planet matters for sustainability and resource management.
Include examples like research projects, outdoor activities, or environmental volunteering.
The Planet in a Pebble by Jan Zalasiewicz – How the story of Earth’s history can be found in a single rock.
A Short History of Nearly Everything by Bill Bryson – A lively look at science and Earth’s formation.
The Story of Earth by Robert Hazen – How the planet evolved from stardust to a living world.
Why Geology Matters by Doug MacDougall – Understanding how geology shapes our future.
Compare courses to see how much they focus on geology, environment, or planetary science.
Attend open days or virtual sessions to explore labs and fieldwork opportunities.
Read about current geological research or environmental issues.
Visit local geological sites, coastlines, or science museums for inspiration.
Geology - Geologist, field geologist, geological surveyor, structural geologist
Environmental Consultancy - Environmental consultant, contaminated land specialist, geoenvironmental engineer, environmental impact assessor
Geotechnical Engineering - Geotechnical engineer, ground investigation engineer, site investigation engineer, engineering geologist
Mining & Extraction - Mining geologist, exploration geologist, quarry manager, mineral resources specialist
Oil & Gas Industry - Petroleum geologist, reservoir geologist, mudlogger, wellsite geologist
Water Resources - Hydrogeologist, water resource consultant, groundwater specialist, water quality scientist
Natural Hazards - Natural hazards specialist, geohazard consultant, seismic risk assessor, landslide specialist
Education & Museums - Geology teacher (with PGCE), museum curator (geology), geoscience educator, heritage interpretation officer
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want geoscience consultancy, oil & gas roles, geological surveying, or research careers.
No, if you're going into environmental consultancy, teaching, some engineering geology roles, or switching careers.
Popular Masters Options
Petroleum Geoscience (MSc) – 1 year Oil & gas exploration, reservoir characterization. High salaries (£28,000-£45,000 starting) but volatile industry.
Engineering Geology (MSc) – 1 year Ground investigation, geotechnical engineering, infrastructure projects. £26,000-£35,000 starting.
Hydrogeology/Groundwater (MSc) – 1 year Water resources, contamination, environmental consultancy. £24,000-£32,000 starting.
Geophysics (MSc) – 1 year Seismic surveys, resource exploration, subsurface imaging.
Environmental Geoscience (MSc) – 1 year Contaminated land, geological hazards, climate change impacts.
Palaeontology (MSc) – 1 year Fossil research, museums, academic careers (limited job market).
Volcanology/Natural Hazards (MSc) – 1 year Risk assessment, monitoring, disaster management. Research-focused.
Conversion Masters
Renewable Energy/Geothermal Energy (MSc) – 1 year Growing sector, good salaries.
Professional Qualifications
Chartered Geologist (CGeol) – Through experience + professional development Industry recognition, higher salaries.
Without a Masters
Good careers available:
Environmental Consultant (£22,000-£28,000)
Engineering Geologist (£24,000-£30,000, many train on job)
Geotechnical Engineer (£25,000-£32,000)
Hydrologist (£23,000-£30,000)
Science Teacher (PGCE, £30,000-£40,000)
Mining/Quarrying roles
GIS Analyst
Money Talk
Masters: £9,000-£18,000. Petroleum geoscience more expensive (£15,000-£25,000) but leads to highest salaries. For most environmental consultancy work, employers prefer hiring graduates and training them.
Related Courses
Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations communicate with the public, combining creativity, strategy, and communication skills to prepare you for roles in PR, media, branding, and corporate communication.
Film Production BA
Study of how films are planned, shot, edited, and produced - combining creativity, technical skills, and storytelling to prepare you for work in the film, TV, and digital media industries.
Digital Media BA
Explore how digital content is made, designed, and shared, developing creative, technical, and communication skills for careers in media, design, and online storytelling.
Sports Journalism BA
Study of how to report, write, and create stories about sport - combining journalism, media production, and communication to prepare for an exciting career in sports media and broadcasting.
Advertising BA
Study of how brands create messages, design campaigns, and communicate with audiences, combining creativity, strategy, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in advertising, media, and creative industries.
Media, Culture & Communication BA
Study of how media shapes culture, identity, and communication, combining analysis, research, and creative thinking to prepare you for careers in media, communications, journalism, culture industries, and public engagement.
Communications BA
Study of how people communicate in society, organisations, and media, combining writing, analysis, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in communications, media, marketing, public relations, and cultural industries.
Audio Production BA
Study of how audio is recorded, edited, and produced, combining creativity, technical skill, and storytelling to prepare you for careers in music, podcasting, radio, film, and digital media.
Film and Television Studies BA
Study of film, television, and screen cultures - combining analysis, research, and creative practice to understand how visual media shapes stories, society, and audiences.
Media and Communications BA
Study of how media shapes communication, culture, and society, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills.
Marketing & Public Relations BA
Study of how organisations build their brand, communicate with audiences, and promote products or messages, combining marketing strategy with public relations skills for careers in media, business, and creative industries.
English & Journalism BA
Study of writing, storytelling, language, and news reporting, combining literary analysis with practical journalism skills to prepare you for careers in media, publishing, writing, and communication.
Broadcast Journalism BA
Study of how to produce and present stories for television, radio, and digital platforms - combining communication, creativity, and technical skills for a fast-paced career in modern media.
Social Media Management BA/BSc
Study of how social media platforms are used to create content, build brands, and engage audiences, combining creativity, analytics, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in digital marketing, content creation, and online communication.
Media Studies BA
Study of how media shapes culture, society, and communication, combining analysis, creativity, and research to prepare you for roles in media, content creation, journalism, marketing, and cultural industries.
Media Production BA
Study of how media content is planned, created, and produced, combining creativity, technology, and communication to prepare you for modern roles in film, television, audio, and digital media.
Digital Media and Communications BA
Study of how digital platforms shape communication and creativity, combining media analysis, digital production, and communication skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, media, marketing, and online communication.
Communications and Media BA
Study of how communication works across society and how media shapes culture, combining analysis, creativity, and digital skills to prepare you for careers in media, communications, marketing, and public relations.
Photojournalism and Documentary Photography BA
Study of how to tell real stories through images - combining photography, journalism, and visual communication to capture moments that inform, inspire, or create change.
Digital Content Creation BA
Study of how digital content is planned, produced, and delivered across online platforms, combining creativity, storytelling, and technical skills to prepare you for careers in content creation, social media, digital media, and creative industries.
Multimedia Journalism BA
Study of how to tell stories across multiple media platforms - combining writing, video, audio, and digital production for a career in journalism, broadcasting, or content creation.
Journalism BA
Study of how to find, tell, and share stories - combining writing, research, and digital media to prepare for a fast-moving career in news, broadcasting, and content creation.
