BSc Earth Sciences
About this course
Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences, an Earth Sciences degree focused on planetary systems and environmental processes. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning. Instruction primarily takes place at a specialist waterfront campus providing access to a leading research centre, and includes practical fieldwork opportunities in the UK and abroad. The first year covers core foundations through Dynamic Earth, Earth and Ocean System, Fieldwork for Geoscientists, and How to be Scientifically Literate. The second year introduces specialized concepts with Geochemistry of the Ocean and Earth System, Geohazards, Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists, and Sediment in the Environment. Optional modules allow students to explore topics such as Exploration Geophysics and Remote Sensing, Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, and Quantitative Skills in Earth System Science. The final year includes core study in Earth Resources for the Green Transition, alongside further optional modules such as Coastal Sediment Dynamics, Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists, and Earthquake and Volcano Seismology. Students also complete an independent research project or dissertation in their final year.
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 including two accepted sciences (minimum of grade B) IB: Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level accepted science subjects.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 57 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 75%
- Learning resources: 92%
- Student voice: 76%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 60 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 89%
- Left higher education: 8%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 26 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 80%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 80%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 245 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 15%
- London: 16%
- South East: 34%
- South West: 16%
- Wales: 4%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 65 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 83%
- Baccalaureate: 6%
- Foundation course: 6%
- Other HE qualification: 2%
- Other qualifications: 2%
- No formal qualifications: 2%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Coevolution of Life and Earth
- Dynamic Earth
- Earth and Ocean System
- Fieldwork for Geoscientists
- How to be Scientifically Literate
- Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry
- Geochemistry of the Ocean and Earth System
- Geohazards
- Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists
- Sediment in the Environment
- Exploration Geophysics and Remote Sensing
- Global Climate Change: Science, Impacts and Policy
- Global Sustainability Challenges
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Monitoring Coastal and Estuarine Environments
- Ocean Data Analysis and Modelling
- Palaeobiology
- Physics of the Ocean
- Quantitative Skills in Earth System Science
- Structural Geology and GIS
- The Oceans in a Changing Climate
- Earth Resources for the Green Transition
- Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
- Coastal Sediment Dynamics
- Computational Data Analysis for Ocean and Earth Scientists
- Earthquake and Volcano Seismology
- Environmental Radioactivity and Radiochemistry
- Environmental and Engineering Geology
- Geophysical Field Methods
- Human and Social Adaptation to Climate and Weather Hazards
- Independent Mapping Project
- Independent Research Project
- Industry-Partnered Research Project
- Large Scale Ocean Processes and Climate
- Palaeoclimate Change
- Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
- Sustainable Resource Management
- The Evolving Earth
- Volcanic and Mantle Processes
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences at University of Southampton earn?
The median salary is £29,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £34,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £28,000 and £41,500. The £34,500 median after five years is £2,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences at University of Southampton do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Earth Sciences at University of Southampton?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Earth Sciences at University of Southampton?
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 BSc Earth Sciences at University of Southampton?
89% of students continued into their second year, and 8% left higher education.