Program Overview

Introduction to Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences

The Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences program is a 4-year route that includes a Foundation Year at Carmel College. This program provides a pathway into various Earth and Ocean Sciences BSc (Hons) degrees, making it ideal for mature students who have been out of formal education for some time or have taken non-traditional qualifications.

About the Course

Studying this program offers a route into several BSc (Hons) degrees in Earth or Ocean Sciences. It is particularly suitable for students without a strong background in science. The foundation year is undertaken at Carmel College, St Helens, where class sizes are small, and academic achievement standards are high.

What You'll Learn

• Skills needed for independent study at the undergraduate degree level
• Undertaking a variety of learning methods and assessment tasks
• A strong knowledge of science
• Laboratory and field work
• Skills to tackle global environmental challenges

Routes

The program leads to several degree pathways, including:

• Geography and Oceanography BSc (Hons)
• Geology BSc (Hons)
• Geology with Physical Geography BSc (Hons)
• Marine Biology BSc (Hons)
• Marine Biology with Oceanography BSc (Hons)
• Mathematics with Ocean and Climate Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Ocean Sciences BSc (Hons)
• Physics with Geophysics BSc (Hons)

Course Content

The course content is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth, Environmental, and Marine Sciences. During the foundation year, students follow three foundation modules chosen from Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Biology, or Geography, depending on the program they wish to follow after their foundation year.

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching takes place through lectures, practicals, workshops, seminars, tutorials, and computer-based learning, with an emphasis on learning through doing. Assessment is mainly by examination and coursework, including project work, presentations, and specific tests or tasks focused on solidifying learning outcomes.

Course Options

The University of Liverpool offers various options to tailor your degree, including:

• Global opportunities: Study placements at partner universities worldwide.
• Year in China: An optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University.
• Year abroad: Spend an additional year of study at a partner university abroad.
• Summer abroad: Spend a summer on a study placement or research project at one of the worldwide partner institutions.
• Year in industry: Gain in-depth workplace experience.
• Language study: Every student can study a language as part of or alongside their degree.

Your Experience

At Liverpool, there is a great emphasis on learning through experience. Students are taught in advanced teaching laboratories and participate in a strong fieldwork program. Resources include research-level analytical equipment and computing facilities, with training in industry-standard methods.

Careers and Employability

The program is designed to provide students with the skills to tackle global environmental challenges. Employability options are extensive and include government agencies, environmental consultancy and management, climate research, and more.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for the academic year 2026/27 are as follows:

• UK fees: £9,790 for a full-time place per year, with a foundation year fee of £9,790.
• International fees: Year in industry fee - £1,955, Year abroad fee - £16,000.

Scholarships and Bursaries

The University offers a range of scholarships and bursaries, including The Liverpool Bursary, Asylum Seekers Scholarship, Care Leavers' Opportunity Bursary, and more.

Entry Requirements

Qualifications and exam results required for this course include:

• A levels: A typical offer is likely to be CDD at A level, in related subjects.
• T levels: Considered in a relevant subject and specialism.
• GCSE: Minimum of five GCSEs at grade C/4 or above, including English Language, Mathematics, and two Sciences.
• International qualifications: Select your country or region to view specific entry requirements.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Applications from mature students are welcome. If your qualification isn't listed, contact the university for advice.

English Language Requirements

Competence in the use of English language is required, unless you're from a majority English speaking country. Accepted international language tests include IELTS, TOEFL iBT, Duolingo English Test, Pearson PTE Academic, and LanguageCert Academic.

Conclusion

The Earth, Environmental and Marine Sciences program at the University of Liverpool offers a comprehensive pathway into various Earth and Ocean Sciences degrees. With its strong focus on practical learning, global opportunities, and extensive career options, this program is ideal for students looking to make a difference in tackling global environmental challenges.