MSci Earth Sciences
About this course
MSci in Earth Sciences, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree examining the processes that shape our planet. Core topics include Statistics and Mathematical Modelling. Students may select either a General stream or a Palaeobiology stream. The first year covers core foundations through Earth Materials, History of Life, Dynamic Earth and Surface Processes. Year two introduces Global Geophysics and Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing alongside various optional subjects. Year three features Statistics for Geoscientists and a broad range of advanced optional modules spanning mapping, georesources and environmental science. The final year centres on Earth and Planetary System Science and an Independent MSci 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: 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 45 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 94%
- Learning opportunities: 90%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 88%
- Student voice: 82%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 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 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- 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
- 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
- Earth and Planetary System Science
- Independent MSci Project
- Seismic Risk Assessment
- Mining and Mineral Processing
- Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Studies
- Physical Volcanology and Volcanic Hazard
- Palaeoceanography
- Geological, Geotechnical and Hydro-meteorological Hazards
- Meteorological and Hydrogeological Hazards
- The Science Policy and Ethics of Climate Intervention
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci 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 MSci Earth Sciences at University College London?
94% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Earth Sciences at University College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 134 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MSci Earth Sciences at University College London?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.