MSci Earth and Environmental Science
About this course
MSci Hons in Earth and Environmental Science, an environmental science degree focused on geological, atmospheric, and ecological systems. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Laboratory Techniques, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Entrepreneurship. This four-year undergraduate programme culminates in an advanced Master's research project alongside independent dissertation work. The first year covers foundational principles through compulsory modules such as Atmosphere, Weather and Climate, Biodiversity and Global Change, Introduction to Practical Environmental Science, Foundation Skills for LEC, Geology, and Catchment Science. Year 2 advances technical capabilities through core studies like Environmental Data Analysis and Visualisation, Environmental Field Skills, Geologic Mapping, and Geoscience in Practice, while offering optional modules including Atmospheric Science, Glaciology, Hydrology and Water Quality, and Soil Science. Year 3 incorporates core research via Dissertation and Environmental Geophysics, alongside optional choices such as Climate Change, Cryosphere in a Changing Climate, Geological Hazards, Managing the Energy Transition, Sustainable Agriculture, Water Resources Management, and Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement. The final fourth year centers on advanced study and research through compulsory modules including MSci Dissertation and Physical Volcanology, complemented by optional subjects such as Environmental Impact Assessment, Geoinformatics, Eco-innovation for Sustainable Development, Local Environmental Challenges and Initiatives, and Sustaining Soil Health.
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: ABB. This should include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology. IB: 32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including one HL science subject at grade 6
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
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: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 95%
- Organisation and management: 89%
- Learning resources: 89%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 25%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 20%
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 100%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 30 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 30%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 5%
- London: 10%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 15%
- Wales: 5%
- Northern Ireland: 5%
Who gets in
Based on about 50 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 85%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Atmosphere, Weather and Climate
- Biodiversity and Global Change
- Introduction to Practical Environmental Science
- Foundation Skills for LEC
- Geology
- Catchment Science
- Environmental Data Analysis and Visualisation
- Environmental Field Skills
- Geologic Mapping
- Geoscience in Practice
- Atmospheric Science
- Glaciology
- Hydrology and Water Quality
- Soil Science
- Dissertation
- Environmental Geophysics
- Climate Change
- Cryosphere in a Changing Climate
- Geological Hazards
- Managing the Energy Transition
- Sustainable Agriculture
- Water Resources Management
- Teaching, Outreach and Public Engagement
- MSci Dissertation
- Physical Volcanology
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Geoinformatics
- Eco-innovation for Sustainable Development
- Local Environmental Challenges and Initiatives
- Sustaining Soil Health
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £26,000 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,000 and £40,000. The £32,000 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Environmental sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 140 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Earth and Environmental Science at Lancaster University?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.