MSci Environmental Geoscience
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
MSci in Environmental Geoscience, an earth sciences degree centred on the physical and chemical processes shaping the Earth alongside human interactions with the natural environment. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. Students may choose to undertake an optional placement year or spend a year abroad as part of their studies. The first year covers foundational concepts through Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Earth Scientists Toolkit, Evolving Earth, and Dynamic Planet. The second year builds advanced skills with Stratigraphy and Past Sedimentary Environments, Geohazards, Geochemistry, and Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit, while offering optional modules such as Applied Geophysics and Topics in Palaeobiology. In the third year, students undertake GIS and Remote Sensing and Environmental Geology Independent Project, with further study available through optional choices like Hydrogeology and Modern Climate Change. The final fourth year focuses on advanced professional practice through Water Quality, Diagnosis and Management, Air Pollution, Monitoring Impacts and Management, and an Independent Geoscience Project.
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-BBC (Required subjects: A-level including B in a science subject We require English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4 (C)) IB: 6,5,5 at Higher level or 32 points overall. Including a 5 HL in an acceptable Science subject
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 94%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Information Technology Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 19%
- South East: 32%
- South West: 11%
- Wales: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
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, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
- Earth Scientists Toolkit
- Evolving Earth
- Dynamic Planet
- Human Interaction with the Earth
- Academic Integrity
- Stratigraphy and Past Sedimentary Environments
- Geological Evolution and Deep Time Synthesis
- Geohazards
- Geochemistry
- Geological field skills for Environmental students
- Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit
- Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Applied Geophysics
- Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing
- Topics in Palaeobiology
- GIS and Remote Sensing
- Environmental Geology Independent Project
- Advanced Geohazards
- Techniques in Earth Sciences
- Earth Scientists Independent Project
- Extended Essay (Dissertation)
- Advanced Topics in Sedimentology
- Hydrogeology
- Volcanology
- Modern Climate Change
- Mineral Resources
- Independent Geoscience Project
- Water Quality, Diagnosis and Management
- Air Pollution, Monitoring Impacts and Management
- Environmental Inorganic Analysis
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £42,500. The £31,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 116 UCAS points.
Is MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Environmental Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.