MSci Earth Sciences
About this course
MSci (Hons) in Earth Sciences, an earth and environmental sciences degree. Core topics include research methods. For their first three years, students follow one of five named BSc pathways: Geology (F600), Environmental Geosciences (F630), Geophysics (F665), Geoscience (F643) or Climate Science (F645). The fourth year centres on a compulsory 60-credit Research Project, and students on the BSc routes may transfer onto the MSci at the end of their second year. For the first three years, students follow the compulsory pathway of one of five BSc routes: Geology (F600), Environmental Geosciences (F630), Geophysics (F665), Geoscience (F643) or Climate Science (F645). Individual module titles for those years are not listed, but each route carries its own compulsory and optional content. In the fourth year the compulsory component is Research Project, a 60-credit piece of individual research that demonstrates advanced research skills in Earth Sciences. Optional modules at that stage have in recent years included Science Communication, Earth Science Field Seminar and Earth Sciences into Industry. The fourth year therefore pairs the research project with optional study in science communication, fieldwork and the application of Earth Sciences in industry.
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: AAA including two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Marine Science, Economics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. For the Geophysics route, Mathematics or Further Mathematics is required. IB: 36 with 666 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects from the list above.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 89%: 40 offers from 45 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 74%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 24 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Engineering professionals: 5%
- Finance Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 9%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 33%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 11%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 100%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Years 1 to 3
- Years 1 to 3
- Years 1 to 3
- Research Project - 60 credits
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £31,500 after 3 years, £41,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £52,500. The £41,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAA at A level. The average entrant had 172 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University?
89% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 40 offers from 45 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
How many students continue on MSci Earth Sciences at Durham University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.