BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Earth and Environmental Sciences. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. A placement year is available between the second and final stages of the programme. Students complete an independent research project in their final year on a topic of their choosing, subject to approval.
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
UCAS tariff: 72 A level: DDD (At least one of the following subjects Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, but will consider other sciences and mathematics (or equivalent qualification) T Level: Pass in Science BTEC: MMP GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however, if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21 English language: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)
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What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 91%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 74%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 81%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 80%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 65%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 35%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 155 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 19%
- East Midlands: 31%
- West Midlands: 14%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 5%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 4%
- Wales: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
- Other qualifications: 5%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement Learning and Professional Development
- Study Skills and Research
- Biomedical Science
- Cellular Biology
- Fundamentals of Chemistry
- Organisms and their Environments
- Introduction to Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Climate, Oceans and Atmosphere
- Critical Resources
- Earth Materials
- Earth Scientist’s Toolkit for Beginners
- Advanced Toolkit for Earth Scientists
- Evolving Earth
- Introduction to Remote Sensing and GIS
- Applied Sedimentology
- Structural Analysis
- Volcanic and Metamorphic Systems
- Energy Solutions
- Geo-Resources
- Modelling Earth Energy Systems
- Independent Studies for Environmental Sciences
- Imaging the Earth
- Climate Change
- Engineering Geology
- Geohazards
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Derby earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £23,500 after 3 years, £27,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,000 and £33,000. The £27,500 median after five years is £4,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Derby do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
91% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
The typical offer is DDD at A level. The average entrant had 97 UCAS points.
Does BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Derby include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Earth Sciences with Foundation Year at University of Derby?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.