Check upcoming open days and book your place arrow
Subject Guides

Studying earth sciences degree guide

The earth sciences subject group covers a few really interesting degrees, like geology, oceanography and conservation. So if you want to learn about the structure, science and history of our earth and seas then a degree in this subject may be your calling.

Eleanor Foulds
by Eleanor Foulds
Last Updated:
03 Nov 2022

With the conservation of our planet so high on the agenda these days, a degree in earth sciences has never been more relevant or important. More and more jobs will keep cropping up within the field and you’ll be at the front of the queue to help study and preserve our wonderful planet.

Find earth sciences courses

What do you need to get on an earth sciences degree?
 

Average entry requirements for earth sciences are:

  • UCAS points: 136 
  • A-levels: AAB 
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAB
  • BTEC Nationals: DDD
  • International Baccalaureate: 34 

Please be aware that these are average entry requirements and may change depending on the course and institution you select. Always confirm this for the particular university/course you're interested in.

A lot of earth sciences courses will want at least one science A-level (or equivalent). This often includes subjects like maths and geography, as well as the classic sciences like chemistry, physics and biology. 

What earth sciences degrees can you study?
 

Degrees in earth sciences include:

  • BSc Geology
  • BSc Geology and Geophysics
  • BSc Ocean Science 
  • BA Natural Sciences

Often you can study an earth sciences degree alongside another subject, like geography, economics or international studies.

Learn about the different types of undergraduate courses.

What topics does an earth sciences degree cover?
 

Common modules for earth sciences include:

  • Earth materials
  • Geochemistry
  • Maps, imagery and structures
  • Plate tectonics
  • Sedimentology
  • Earth history
  • Geological processes

“Geology is a multi-disciplinary subject and therefore the first-year curriculum is broad, covering principles of geochemistry, foundations of mineralogy, earth history, palaeontology, and an overview of geological processes and field-based mapping.” –  Steve Hirons, geology lecturer at Birkbeck

What do you learn studying an earth sciences degree?
 

Studying an earth sciences degree will help you gain industry-specific skills like:

  • Scientific literacy and understanding  
  • Interpreting chemical and mathematical data  
  • Writing scientific reports 

More general, transferable skills you’ll pick up include:

  • Critical analysis
  • Independent thinking and reasoning 
  • Research
  • Communication
  • IT
  • Problem-solving
  • Project management

What professional accreditations can you get with an earth sciences degree?


Some earth sciences degrees are accredited by the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES). They work closely with unis to provide career advice and opportunities to earth sciences students and graduates.

What can you do with an earth sciences degree?
 

A degree in earth sciences means you can work in a variety of industries. Some examples of different jobs you can do are:

Where to study earth sciences?  
 

Check the latest Complete University Guide rankings of unis offering: 

How long is an earth sciences degree?
 

An earth sciences degree usually takes three years to study. However, many unis will give the option of a sandwich year (a placement year), which will increase your course to four years.

How will you be assessed?


Earth sciences courses usually involve assessment through:

  • Exams 
  • Coursework 
  • Fieldwork  
  • Final year dissertation 

What are the postgraduate opportunities?
 

Some examples of master’s courses you can do are:

  • MSc Earth and Energy Resources 
  • MSc Geology and Geophysics  
  • MSc Earth Sciences  
  • MSc Coastal and Marine Resource 

What alternatives are there to an earth sciences degree?
 

Not sure if an earth sciences degree is right for you? Check out these related subjects:

Zoology