BSc Geoscience
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Geoscience, an undergraduate degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences studying the processes that shape the planet's surface, resources, hazards and water supplies. Core topics include Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork and Environmental Analysis. Optional modules in years two and three allow students to specialise in areas of interest, and they may transfer to the four-year MSci in Earth Sciences at the end of year two. The first year establishes foundations through Field Studies, covering mapping and fieldwork techniques, and Understanding Earth Sciences, which introduces petrology, sedimentology, structural geology and palaeontology in relation to plate tectonics. Earth Materials covers the identification of minerals and rocks, while Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists covers data acquisition and analysis with computational tools for scientific and geospatial data. Year two develops research capability through Research Skills for Geoscientists, covering how scientific theory applies to geoscientific reasoning and further geospatial data processing and visualisation. Second-year optional modules have included Lithospheric Structure and Imaging, Sedimentary Environments and Earth Systems Modelling and Analysis. The final year combines a compulsory independent Dissertation based on field, laboratory or computer datasets with optional modules including Volcanology and Magmatism, Environmental Geochemistry and Earth Structure and Dynamics.
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 and Marine Science, Economics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 with 665 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 100%: 10 offers from 10 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 62%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 94%
- Left higher education: 4%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 2%
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 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 80%
- Other qualifications: 20%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Field Studies
- Understanding Earth Sciences
- Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists
- A mathematics module
- Earth Materials
- Environment and Sustainability
- Research Skills for Geoscientists
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc 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 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 Geoscience at Durham University?
95% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geoscience at Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 158 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Geoscience at Durham University?
100% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 10 offers from 10 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BSc 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 Geoscience at Durham University?
94% of students continued into their second year, and 4% left higher education.