Why study this course

Do you have a curious mind? Are you fascinated by how the Earth works? 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. You will develop advanced skills in mapping, research, analysis and problem-solving.

South Wales has a rich geological history and is ideal for teaching how geology impacts landscapes and industry. We take regular field trips to areas of natural beauty and old industrial and mining sites. There will be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past weve been to Tenerife and Cyprus.

On this four-year programme, you will have the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to spend one academic year studying at one of our partner universities abroad. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to experience other cultures and viewpoints, learning the different styles and approaches to your subject in another country and exploring new physical environments, landscapes and coastlines. You will get the chance to make new friends and contacts from around the world. Plus, you will have the opportunity to develop a wealth of life skills and strengths that will help you to compete in an increasingly global workplace, such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience.

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.

How you will be taught during your year of study abroad will depend on the host institution. All our overseas partners are of at least a comparable standard to Cardiff University and the partnership goes through a rigorous approval process. You will look in detail at teaching methods in your host institution and discuss these with the School Director of International as part of your application process and Study Abroad learning agreement.