BSc Earth Sciences
About this course
BSc in Earth Sciences, an earth and environmental sciences degree combining geology, geophysics, and planetary processes. Core topics include Statistics and Mathematical Modelling. Students may follow the General stream or the Palaeobiology stream. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Earth Materials, History of Life, Dynamic Earth, and Surface Processes. The second year progresses to global and spatial analysis via compulsory study in Global Geophysics and Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing. Optional choices across the course span topics like Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Groundwater Science, and Ocean Physics and Climate Change. Third-year studies feature compulsory work in Statistics for Geoscientists alongside further optional modules and an independent Geosciences Report.
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: AAB (Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred.) IB: 36 points (A total of 17 points in three higher level subjects to preferably include two sciences, with no higher level score below 5. Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics or Physics preferred)
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 13 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 86%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 78%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Process, plant and machine operatives: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 55%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 45%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 45%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 180 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 6%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 8%
- London: 53%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 6%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 1%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- A degree: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth Materials
- History of Life
- Dynamic Earth
- Surface Processes
- The Earth
- Geochemistry
- Maps, Images and Structures
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Mathematical Methods for Geoscience
- Global Geophysics
- Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
- Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Principles of Climate
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Isotope Geology
- Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
- Introduction to Environmental Geoscience
- Introduction to Mineral Resources
- Mathematical Methods for Geoscience
- Statistics for Geoscientists
- Geosciences Report
- Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Patterns A
- Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building and Basin Evolution
- Geological and Environmental Mapping
- Earth and Planetary Materials
- Groundwater Science
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Tectonic Geomorphology
- Paleoclimate and Paleoenvironmental Change
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences at University College London earn?
The median salary is £35,000 after 15 months, £30,000 after 3 years, £41,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £32,500 and £57,500. The £41,000 median after five years is £9,000 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Earth Sciences at University College London 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 College London?
97% 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 College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 133 UCAS points.
How many students continue on BSc Earth Sciences at University College London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.