Environmental Geoscience
Durham University
Student rating
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( 4.1) View reviews

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

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Location

Durham City

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-26

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Duration

3 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Durham City

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Durham City

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-26

Duration

3 Years

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Geography & Environmental Science
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Course info

Gain the knowledge you need to understand how to manage the Earth, her resources and the environment, and develop the skills to embark on a career in the environmental sector.,Environmental Geoscience is a topical and growing area of study as society increasingly acknowledges the risks of deteriorating environmental conditions to the planet and navigates solutions to protect its future. This BSc connects Earth’s resources with humanity’s response to some of today’s global challenges such as ...Read more

Gain the knowledge you need to understand how to manage the Earth, her resources and the environment, and develop the skills to embark on a career in the environmental sector.,Environmental Geoscience is a topical and growing area of study as society increasingly acknowledges the risks of deteriorating environmental conditions to the planet and navigates solutions to protect its future. This BSc connects Earth’s resources with humanity’s response to some of today’s global challenges such as climate change, sustainability and pollution. Our flexible degree puts you in control, giving you both the fundamentals and increased specialisation as you progress through the degree, allowing you to choose a pathway of most interest to you. Combining academic excellence, cutting-edge research and links to industry, the course will equip you with the tools needed for employment in a range of sectors, including environmental management, water management, energy, mining and geotechnics, or for further study or research. The course has a special emphasis on employability and benefits from consultations with experts from the industry, including Amec, Atkins, the Environment Agency, English Nature and Mott MacDonald. You may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year. The fourth year combines a bespoke research project in your specialism, with advanced modules designed to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications. You can also apply to add a placement year or a year abroad to your degree, increasing the course from three years to four.In the first year, you will develop a fundamental understanding of Earth sciences, mapping skills, remote sensing and data analysis. Year 2 specialises more in environmental aspects, during which you will develop your knowledge of laboratory techniques, sedimentology and climate. In Year 3, you will undertake a research dissertation and also experience working in small groups on an environmental management project of your choice.Course structureYear 1 modulesCore modules:Field Studies explores techniques for description and interpretation of natural geological features. This module also covers mapping skills, and the observation, recording and processing techniques needed for fieldwork and imagery.Understanding Earth Sciences covers an introduction to the areas of petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and palaeontology and relates the processes to the plate tectonic cycle.Environmental Earth Science coversthe Earth’s water cycle in terms of both quantity and quality. You will learn about the composition and materials of the Earth, the mode of formation, distribution and extraction of the Earth's resources and energy.Introductory Data Science introduces the fundamentals of data acquisition and analysis in a geoscientific context. You will learn how to apply computational tools to manipulate and visualise a range of scientific and geospatial data.Sustainability introduces global issues and concepts around sustainability, with an emphasis on aspects most relevant to Earth Sciences such as water, climate, energy and mineral resources, food resources, and natural hazards, and is thematically taught around the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Optional modules:In recent years, optional modules have included: Mathematical Methods in GeosciencesFurther Mathematics for Geoscientists.Year 2 modulesCore modules:Sedimentary Environments covers the processes involved in the formation of sedimentary rocks and application of the techniques used to analyse these processes and a variety of environments.Isotopes and Climate examineshowstable isotopes can be used in understanding modern environment and climate systems, and in describing major events in the Earth's climate evolution.

Key stats

  UCAS
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
2nd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2026
5th
What students say
SR
Student Reviewer
26 May 21

I really enjoyed my time at Durham before Covid, both socially and academically. Throughout the pandemic I could see the department efforts to switch to online teaching. Whilst..Read more

SR
Student Reviewer
26 May 21

While I’ve had some extremely stressful moments and I did contemplate dropping out especially due to my health and the lack of help or recognition from the university. I believe..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
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Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Domestic. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from England

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within England. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Scotland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Scotland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Wales

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Wales. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Northern Ireland

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Northern Ireland. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£9,535 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Channel Islands

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within Channel Islands. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£33,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you live within the European Union. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

£33,250 per year

This information comes from UCAS, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: fees do vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

This is the fee you pay if you are an International student. Please note, this fee has been confirmed.

UCAS/IDP Connect

Latest reviews

Latest Earth Sciences reviews

Earth Sciences
Earth Sciences
SR
Student Reviewer
26 May 21
Geography - BA (Hons)
I really enjoyed my time at Durham before Covid, both socially and academically. Throughout the pandemic I could see the department efforts to switch to online teaching. Whilst...
Read more
SR
Student Reviewer
26 May 21
Geography
While I’ve had some extremely stressful moments and I did contemplate dropping out especially due to my health and the lack of help or recognition from the university. I believe...
Read more
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How Earth Sciences students rated:

Student rating
( 4.0) 25 reviews
5 star
32%
4 stars
52%
3 stars
4%
2 stars
4%
1 star
8%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.1) 293 reviews
5 star
36%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
8%
2 stars
4%
1 star
2%
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Uni info

Durham University
Palatine Centre Durham DH1 3HP United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Durham  0.3 miles away
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