| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2025-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
The Environmental Geoscience BSc at Cardiff University is a three-year program that equips students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical and practical learning, including lectures, field trips, lab work, and independent research. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in environmental consulting, engineering, water management, and other related fields. The program is accredited by the Geological Society, UK's leading professional body for geosciences.
Program Outline
Environmental Geoscience (BSc) at Cardiff University: A Comprehensive Extraction
Degree Overview:
The Environmental Geoscience BSc at Cardiff University is a three-year full-time program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills to address environmental challenges related to topics like climate change, geohazards, and resource management. The program emphasizes a blend of theoretical and practical learning, including lectures, field trips, lab work, and independent research. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in environmental consulting, engineering, water management, and other related fields.
Outline:
Year 1:
- Provides a solid foundation in Earth sciences and geology, starting with fundamental principles and progressing to topics like Earth's plates, minerals, and evolution of life.
- Develops essential skills in mapping, surveying, microscopy, and data representation using GIS.
- Local field trips across South Wales, culminating in a residential field trip to Pembrokeshire.
- All students in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences study the same first semester, allowing for potential program changes later.
Year 2:
- Builds upon the knowledge gained in Year 1, exploring advanced concepts like geomorphology, hydrology, sedimentary processes, earthquake structures, and mountain building.
- Students gain experience in data sampling, collection, and analysis in preparation for their dissertation in Year 3.
- Residential field trips to Central and West Wales, alongside day trips exploring old mining sites and geohazards across South Wales.
- Summer between Years 2 and 3 involves a five-week independent project focused on applied environmental problems.
Year 3:
- Offers greater flexibility for students to shape their degree with optional modules aligning with their career ambitions.
- Includes a 40-credit dissertation project and 20-credit modules in Advanced Environmental Geology and Hazards, Risk and Resilience.
- Optional modules range from advanced geoscience and geography fieldwork to specialist subjects like petroleum geology, past climates, and geodynamics.
Assessment:
- Knowledge and understanding are assessed through a combination of assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.
- Students receive written and oral feedback on coursework and have opportunities for informal feedback throughout the program.
- Alternative assessment methods are explored for students with disabilities.
Teaching:
- Features a friendly and informal environment with expert faculty actively involved in cutting-edge research.
- A blended approach utilizes lectures, lab work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars, encouraging independent learning.
- Emphasis on developing critical thinking skills applicable to environmental challenges.
- Supervision is provided through regular tutorials with assigned personal tutors and dissertation supervisors.
Careers:
- Graduates are well-positioned to address pressing environmental concerns related to climate change, geohazards, and resource sustainability.
- Career opportunities are diverse, spanning environmental consulting, engineering, water management, insurance, infrastructure development, and urban planning.
- Students develop transferable skills applicable to sectors like finance, education, and planning.
- Past graduates have secured positions at organizations like the Environment Agency, Atkins, Welsh Water, and Mott MacDonald.
Other:
- The program boasts accreditation from the Geological Society, UK's leading professional body for geosciences.
- In most cases, students can transfer to programs with professional placements, study abroad options, or other program switches within the School.
- The School of Earth and Environmental Sciences prioritizes inclusivity and offers support for students with disabilities.
- Students have access to Learning Central, a resource platform with videos, presentations, handouts, and other learning materials.
- Learning Central also includes a personal development planning module to support progress and development needs.
Fees for home status
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.
Additional costs
The fieldwork costs for your core modules are included but you will need to contribute towards food if it is provided during the trip.
Course specific equipment
You will need suitable clothing including warm weather, wind and storm-proof jackets and walking boots. The school will provide all health and safety equipment as well as specialised field equipment.
Accommodation
We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.
Living costs
We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
