Program Overview

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Environmental Geoscience BSc

The Environmental Geoscience BSc programme is concerned with the interaction between Earth sciences and human activity. It explores the evolution of the Earth and its internal workings, the development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, particularly emphasizing natural and human-induced development.

Programme Overview

The programme offers an integrated study of the Earth, encompassing the evolution of the planet and its internal workings, the development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasizing natural and human-induced development of the terrestrial environment. Students will gain a scientific training that allows an examination of environmental issues related to the Earth sciences, such as those concerned with natural resources, their use to society, the disposal of waste outputs, and the understanding and minimization of geohazards.

Study Mode and Duration

• The programme is available on a full-time basis.
• The duration of the programme is 3 academic years.

Tuition Fees

• UK tuition fees (2026/27): Ł9,790
• Overseas tuition fees (2026/27): Ł42,700

Programme Starts and Application Deadline

• The programme starts in September 2026.
• The application deadline is 14 January 2026.

UCAS Course Code

• The UCAS course code for this programme is F644.

Entry Requirements

A Levels

• Grades: AAB
• Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, or Physics preferred
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4

IB Diploma

• Points: 36
• Subjects: 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

Contextual Offer Information

• Grades: BBB (more information about contextual offers)
• Subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Geology/Geography, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, or Physics preferred
• GCSEs: English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4
• Points: 32 (more information about contextual offers)
• Subjects: A total of 15 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

UK Applicants Qualifications

For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, the following are considered:

• Access to HE Diploma
• BTEC National Diploma
• Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects
• Scottish Advanced Highers
• T Levels
• UAL Extended Diploma

Equivalent Qualifications

• Pass in Access to HE Diploma with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction and 15 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Science subject units preferred.
• BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (RQF - teaching from 2016) with Distinction, Distinction, Distinction. Science subject units preferred.
• D3, D3, M1 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects. Two sciences preferred.
• AAB at Advanced Highers (or AA at Advanced Higher and BBB at Higher). Two sciences preferred at Advanced Higher.

Course Overview

The BSc Environmental Geoscience programme provides a complete education and training that will qualify students for a wide range of professional employment within and outside the subject area. The programme assumes no previous knowledge of the Earth sciences but builds on a firm foundation of basic science acquired during the first two years. The third year of teaching is research-led, based around the department's research strengths and research grouping, and can include a field-based independent mapping project.

What This Course Will Give You

• Benefit from up to three months of field classes in the UK and continental Europe, and an independent field mapping project, with financial support from the department.
• Be taught by lecturers who are active researchers within their fields, ensuring everything you learn is up to date and providing you with opportunities to take part in cutting-edge research activities.

Teaching and Learning

In each year of your degree, you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken.

Modules

The list of modules given here is indicative and may include:

Compulsory Modules

• Earth Materials
• History of Life
• Dynamic Earth
• Surface Processes
• The Earth
• Geochemistry
• Maps, Images and Structures
• Earth Sciences Matlab

Optional Modules

• Foundations of Physical Geoscience
• Mathematical Methods for Geoscience
• Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution
• Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
• Principles of Climate
• Structural Geology and Tectonics
• Numerical Methods for Earth Sciences
• Geomorphology

Employability

You will develop a number of skills, including the ability to gather and evaluate data, assess geo-environmental issues from a scientific standpoint, prepare written reports, lead discussion groups, and use computational methods. Fieldwork provides a natural laboratory where you can develop rock identification, fabric recognition, and map-making skills.

Accreditation

This programme is accredited by the Geological Society. Undergraduate students may join the Geological Society as a Candidate Fellow and can become a Fellow of the Society upon graduation. A Fellow of the Society with relevant postgraduate experience in the practice of geology has the opportunity to apply for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status.

Fees and Funding

Fees for This Course

• UK students: Ł9,790 (2026/27)
• International students: Ł42,700 (2026/27)

Additional Costs

The only extra costs above and beyond what is normally expected (i.e., computer, pens, papers, and books) are for fieldwork. However, the Department makes a substantial contribution towards these costs (ranging between Ł150-Ł800 per student, per trip, dependent on the location and duration of the trip), covering accommodation and in-field transportation for all the fieldwork organized by the Department.

Funding Your Studies

Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships, and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships.

Next Steps

Your Application

We are looking for students with a broad interest in science. Previous knowledge or experience in the Earth Sciences is not needed, but you should know why you wish to take our degrees. Students will need to be hard-working, self-motivated, bright, and able to work independently but also as part of a team.

How to Apply

Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.