Why study this course

An environmental geoscientist uses their understanding of the planet and its processes to predict hazards like floods and earthquakes, clean up dangerous waste, and help civil engineers plan the construction of new roads, tunnels or buildings.

On our Environmental Geoscience course, you will explore different processes that happen on our planet like acid rain and global warming and find solutions to geological problems in the UK and around the world. The MSci involves the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to do a fourth year of study where you work on an exciting research project with an academic from the School and their research staff. You will develop advanced skills in mapping, research, analysis and problem-solving, which will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry.

South Wales has a rich geological history and is ideal for teaching how geology impacts landscapes and industry. We make the most of our location and take regular field trips to natural beauty spots and old industrial and mining sites, as well as overseas trips to locations such as Tenerife and Cyprus.

We’ve worked with industry to design our degree so you graduate with the specialist skills needed to be a professional environmental geoscientist.

Learning and assessment

We are a friendly and informal school and you will be supported and taught by world-leading experts involved in cutting-edge international research.

Our teaching approach is a mix of theory and practical and includes: lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops and seminars. You will also be encouraged to learn independently throughout the course. We encourage you to think logically and apply this to environmental problems. The skills you will gain are in demand in sectors like civil and environmental engineering, insurance, water supply and consulting.