MSci Geoscience
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
MSci in Geoscience, an earth sciences degree centred on the physical, chemical and historical processes shaping our planet and its environments. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Project Management, and Communication & Writing. Students have the option to undertake a professional placement year or spend a year studying abroad. The first year introduces fundamental principles through compulsory modules such as Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Earth Scientists Toolkit, Evolving Earth, Dynamic Planet, Human Interaction with the Earth, and Academic Integrity. The second year advances these foundations via Stratigraphy and Past Sedimentary Environments, Geological Evolution and Deep Time Synthesis, Igneous and Metamorphic Geology, Geochemistry, Earth Scientists Mapping Toolkit, Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit, and Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit, alongside optional choices like Sedimentary Basin Analysis, Geohazards, Applied Geophysics, Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing, and Topics in Palaeobiology. Third-year study comprises compulsory modules including Independent Geological Field Mapping, Techniques in Earth Sciences, and Earth Scientists Independent Project, complemented by optional topics such as Marine Geology, Advanced Topics in Sedimentology, Hydrogeology, Volcanology, Planetary Geology and Geophysics, Advanced Techniques in Tectonic and Structural Interpretation, Modern Climate Change, and Mineral Resources. The final year concludes with advanced compulsory coursework in Formation and Evolution of the Continents, Evolution of the Modern Earth, Field and Research Skills, and Research Proposal and Critical Review.
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%
- Skilled trades occupations: 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
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Geochemistry
- Earth Scientists Mapping Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit
- Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Geohazards
- Applied Geophysics
- Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing
- Topics in Palaeobiology
- Independent Geological Field Mapping
- Techniques in Earth Sciences
- Earth Scientists Independent Project
- Marine Geology
- Advanced Topics in Sedimentology
- Hydrogeology
- Volcanology
- Planetary Geology and Geophysics
- Advanced Techniques in Tectonic and Structural Interpretation
- Modern Climate Change
- Mineral Resources
- Formation and Evolution of the Continents
- Evolution of the Modern Earth
- Field and Research Skills
- Research Proposal and Critical Review
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 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 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 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 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 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 Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.