BSc Environmental Geoscience
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Environmental Geoscience, a degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences centred on Earth's resources, environmental risks such as pollution, and how they are managed. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork and Environmental Analysis. In later years students choose optional modules to specialise in areas of interest, and the final year includes a compulsory Dissertation. A placement year or year abroad can extend the course to four years, and transfer to the four-year MSci is possible at the end of the second year. The first year builds foundations through Field Studies, Understanding Earth Sciences and Earth Materials, alongside compulsory mathematics and Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists, which introduces computational handling of geoscientific and geospatial data. Field Studies covers mapping, observation and the recording and processing techniques needed in the field. The second year turns to sedimentary processes with Sedimentary Environments and to environmental and climate records via Isotopes in Environmental and Climate Sciences, alongside Environmental Geophysics, Research Skills for Geoscientists and Fieldwork (Environmental). Optional modules that year have included Igneous and Metamorphic Processes and Earth Systems Modelling and Analysis. The final year is built around Environmental Geochemistry, which applies chemical techniques to samples such as water for monitoring pollution, and a compulsory Dissertation worth one-third of final-year marks, based on a computing, field or laboratory project. Optional modules have included Environmental Management, Geohazards, and Earth Systems and Climate.
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 two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Marine Science, Economics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects from list above.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 94%: 80 offers from 85 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 85%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 60%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
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
- Field Studies
- Environment and Sustainability
- Understanding Earth Sciences
- Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists
- Earth Materials
- A mathematics module
- Sedimentary Environments
- Isotopes in Environmental and Climate Sciences
- Fieldwork (Environmental)
- Research Skills for Geoscientists
- Environmental Geophysics
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Environmental Geoscience 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 BSc Environmental Geoscience 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 BSc Environmental Geoscience at Durham University?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Environmental Geoscience at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Environmental Geoscience at Durham University?
94% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 80 offers from 85 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Environmental Geoscience at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does BSc Environmental Geoscience at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Environmental Geoscience at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.