BSc Environmental Geoscience
About this course
BSc (Hons) in Environmental Geoscience, an earth sciences degree examining geological processes, environmental management, and sustainability. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Environmental Analysis, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can optionally undertake a placement year or a foundation year before graduation. The first year covers foundational concepts through Sustainable Geoscience, Earth Materials and Resources, Climate, Tectonics and Hazards, Our Ecological Planet: Biodiversity and Ecological Change, and The Environmental Manager's Toolbox. The second year progresses to Placement Preparation, The Earth Surface and Critical Zone, The Earth's Interior and Resources, Environmental Management and Sustainability, and Environmental Issues and Communication. The final year involves core study via Professional Field and Core Analysis, Environmental and Resource Geoscience, and an Independent Project. Optional modules allow specialisation in areas such as Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential, Tectonics and Geohazards, Environmental Change Through Earth History, Global Environmental Solutions, and Climate Change Action.
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
GCSE: All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above. A level: 112 points including a minimum of 2 A levels including one science subject (see subject list below). We accept the following A level subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology. BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DMM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria. If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. Access courses: Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria. T Level: Merit overall from any science pathway. International Baccalaureate: 26 points overall to include science related subjects.
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What students say
Based on about 95 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 39 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 68%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 8%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 43%
- Wales: 7%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement
- Sustainable Geoscience
- Earth Materials and Resources
- Climate, Tectonics and Hazards
- Our Ecological Planet: Biodiversity and Ecological Change
- The Environmental Manager's Toolbox
- Placement Preparation
- The Earth Surface and Critical Zone
- The Earth's Interior and Resources
- Environmental Management and Sustainability
- Environmental Issues and Communication
- Professional Field and Core Analysis
- Environmental and Resource Geoscience
- Independent Project
- Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential
- Tectonics and Geohazards
- Environmental Change Through Earth History
- Global Environmental Solutions
- Climate Change Action
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Environmental Geoscience at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £36,500. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Environmental Geoscience at University of Plymouth do next?
86% 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 University of Plymouth?
92% 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 University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 26 points in the IB. The average entrant had 119 UCAS points.
Is BSc Environmental Geoscience at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does BSc Environmental Geoscience at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BSc Environmental Geoscience at University of Plymouth?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.