MSci Earth Sciences with Study Abroad
About this course
MSci in Earth Sciences with Study Abroad, an earth and environmental sciences degree focused on geological and planetary processes. Core topics include Mathematical Modelling. The fourth year includes an Independent MSci Project, and the third year involves studying abroad at an approved international university. The first year introduces foundational concepts through compulsory modules such as Earth Materials, Surface Processes, The Earth, and Maps, Images and Structures, alongside a selection of optional choices. The second year continues with Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing as a compulsory module, complemented by various optional subjects spanning petrology, geophysics, and ecology. The third year is spent abroad completing designated study modules at an international institution. The final year comprises compulsory advanced study in Earth and Planetary System Science and the Independent MSci Project, with optional modules allowing further specialisation in areas such as Seismic Risk Assessment, Ocean Physics and Climate Change, and Earth Resources and Sustainability.
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 20 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 10%
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 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 85%
- Baccalaureate: 10%
- No formal qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth Materials
- Surface Processes
- The Earth
- Maps, Images and Structures
- Quantitative Biology
- Introduction to Genetics
- Life on Earth
- Methods in Ecology and Evolution
- History of Life
- Dynamic Earth
- Foundations of Physical Geoscience
- Geochemistry
- Mathematical Methods for Geoscience
- Classical Mechanics
- Geographical Information Systems and Remote Sensing
- Fundamentals of Molecular Biology
- Evolutionary Genetics
- Animal Biodiversity
- Fundamentals of Ecology
- Geomorphology
- Ecological Patterns and Processes
- Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Global Geophysics
- MAPS Study Abroad Module D
- MAPS Study Abroad Module G
- MAPS Study Abroad Module A
- MAPS Study Abroad Module B
- MAPS Study Abroad Module F
- Earth and Planetary System Science
- Independent MSci Project
- Vertebrate Life and Evolution
- Seismic Risk Assessment
- Mining and Mineral Processing
- Prevention and Remediation of Environmental Contamination
- Ocean Physics and Climate Change
- Crustal Dynamics, Mountain Building and Basin Evolution
- Earth Resources and Sustainability
- Earth and Planetary Materials
- Environmental Geochemistry
- Advanced Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Studies
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Earth Sciences with Study Abroad 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 with Study Abroad 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 with Study Abroad 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 with Study Abroad at University College London?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 36 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Does MSci Earth Sciences with Study Abroad at University College London include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has a compulsory year abroad.
How many students continue on MSci Earth Sciences with Study Abroad at University College London?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.