BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BSc in Geosciences & Sustainable Energy, an undergraduate degree examining Earth systems alongside renewable resources, environmental change, and subsurface technology. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Communication & Writing, and Critical & Analytical Thinking. Students can choose to undertake an optional placement year or a year abroad. The first year introduces foundational principles through Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Earth Scientists Toolkit, Evolving Earth, Dynamic Planet, and Human Interaction with the Earth. The second year expands into specialized applications with Applied Geophysics, Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing, Geothermal Energy, and Sustainable Energy, alongside practical and digital toolkits. Students can select optional modules in areas such as Geohazards, Geochemistry, and Groundwater hydrology. The final year centers on advanced topics and an Independent Project, alongside compulsory study in Subsurface storage of CO2 and Energy, Further Applied Geophysics, and The Geology of Petroleum. Further optional choices cover subjects like Modern Climate Change, Volcanology, and Marine Geology.
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
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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
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
- Applied Geophysics
- Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing
- Geothermal Energy
- Earth Scientists Mapping Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit
- Sustainable Energy
- Geohazards
- Geochemistry
- Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Stratigraphy and the History of Life
- Geological Evolution and Deep Time Synthesis
- Practical Meteorology – An introduction
- Groundwater hydrology
- Oceanography
- Subsurface storage of CO2 and Energy
- Independent Project
- Further Applied Geophysics
- The Geology of Petroleum
- Earth Scientists Independent Project
- Modern Climate Change
- Hydrogeology
- Planetary Geology and Geophysics
- Volcanology
- Advanced Techniques in Tectonic and Structural Interpretation
- Marine Geology
- Advanced Topics in Sedimentology
- Methods of Environmental Investigation
- Advanced Palaeoclimate
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy 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 BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy 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 BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy 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 BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy 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.
Does BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy 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 BSc Geosciences & Sustainable Energy at Royal Holloway, University of London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.