MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year
About this course
Master in Science in Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year MSci, a geography and earth and environmental sciences degree covering natural processes and environmental challenges. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Project Management. The curriculum combines intensive fieldwork with an international year spent studying at partner institutions abroad during the third year. The first year establishes fundamentals through modules such as Applied GIS and Data Science, Building the Earth: from Minerals to Mountains, Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change, and Earth History and Life. The second year progresses to advanced topics via Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability, Sedimentology, Geological Natural Hazards, and Structural Geology and Geophysics. The third year involves studying abroad through modules like Year Abroad Module 1, Year Abroad Module 2, and Year Abroad Module 3. The final stage culminates in the Earth Sciences Research Project.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A Level: AAB Including 1 Required Science. IB: 6,6,5 32 points overall.. BTEC: We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. Please contact us for further guidance.
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What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 85%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 27 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 75%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 5%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Conservation and environment professionals: 19%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 14%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 7%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 7%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 36%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 7%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 95%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- LC Applied GIS and Data Science
- LC Building the Earth: from Minerals to Mountains
- LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change
- LC Discover Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES): Academic and Professional Futures
- LC Earth History and Life
- LC Earth Science Field and Research Skills
- LI Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
- LI Field Skills and Research Project Planning
- LI Sedimentology
- LI Digital data capture and analysis
- LI Geological Natural Hazards
- LI Palaeoecology
- LI Structural Geology and Geophysics
- LH Earth Sciences Research Project
- LH Year Abroad Module 1
- LH Year Abroad Module 2
- LH Year Abroad Module 3
- LH Year Abroad Module 4
- LH Year Abroad Module 5
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £41,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Physical geographical sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 140 UCAS points.
Is MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year at University of Birmingham?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.