Environmental Earth Science

Program Overview

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Environmental Earth Science

Course Overview

The BSc in Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University provides a detailed insight into Geological and Environmental Earth Science topics. The Department of Geography & Earth Sciences is one of the most established and experienced departments of its kind.

Key Facts

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 96
• Course duration: 3 years
• Available for September start 2025

Course Description

You will study the core skills in geology and apply these to a wide range of environmental problems including climate change, living with geohazards, and the energy transition. You will study how the Earth works, the processes that shape its surface, and how our planet has changed over geological time. You will be taught field and laboratory skills that can be applied to solving some of the big issues facing our society, such as sustainable resource extraction and environmental pollution and remediation.

Why Study Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University?

• Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study Environmental Earth Science in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe.
• You will explore and receive a detailed insight into geological and environmental Earth science topics from leading researchers in these fields.
• You will have field courses in each of the three years of your degree, enabling you to apply the knowledge you have developed in the classroom to real-world examples.
• This course will help you develop a deeper understanding of climate change with a focus on the scientific knowledge underpinning it, and its context in the history of the planet.
• You will understand the impacts of volcanic eruptions on people and the environment and learn about future adaptations to environmental and anthropogenic hazards and issues.
• Your tutors and lecturers will provide training in using remote sensing and GIS tools, and their professional application.
• You will develop a solid understanding of contemporary environmental issues such as pollution and waste disposal and be trained in the cutting-edge laboratory skills used to monitor and remediate environmental contamination.

Modules

Year 1

• An introduction to Earth Materials (GS12520)
• Earth Surface Environments (GS10520)
• Fieldwork Skills (GS11320)
• How to Build a Planet (GS11520)
• Life on Earth (GS10720)
• Researching the World: data collection and analysis (GS13020)

Year 2

• Chemical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS21010)
• Environmental Geochemistry (GS20720)
• Fundamentals of Geochemistry (GS22720)
• Geography Research Design and Fieldwork Skills (GS20020)
• Geoscience Laboratory Techniques (GS20120)
• Geoscience for a Sustainable World (GS22620)
• Quantitative Data Analysis (GS23810)
• Visualisation and Analysis of Geographical Data (GS23620)
• Environmental Earth Science Research Design and Fieldwork Skills (GS21420)
• Geographical Information Systems (GS23710)

Year 3

• Advanced Fieldwork Skills (GS35320)
• Environmental Earth Science Dissertation (GS35140)
• Geography Dissertation (GS34040)

Options

• Glacial and Fluvial Processes (GS25520)
• How to Build a Sustainable Society (GS27920)
• Quaternary Environmental Change (GS23920)
• Catchment Systems (GS25210)
• Physical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS22010)
• Reconstructing Past Environments (GS21910)
• The Frozen Planet (GS23510)
• Applied Environmental Management (GS31120)
• Debates in Climate Science (GS30520)
• Environmental Regulation and Consultancy (BR35620)
• Environmental geochemistry and biogeochemistry (GS30320)
• Glaciers and Ice Sheets (GS33420)
• Monitoring our Planet's Health from Space (GS32020)
• Volcanic Activity: Hazards and Environmental Change (GS30420)

Careers

Our graduates have, for example, found employment in environmental consultancy, geotechnical engineering, civil service, technology, and in geological and environmental surveys amongst many other things.

Teaching & Learning

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory and computer practical classes, small group tutorials, field courses and individual supervision of project work.

Assessment

We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but most have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require you to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums.

Student Testimonials

Environmental Earth Science offers a unique look at the environmental geology of the universe, with topics ranging from planetary formation to hydrochemistry to lab techniques. You can be sure of never being bored! - Pendle Hill

Environmental Earth Science is a course that gives you all that you need to have a great time at university. The lectures are amazing, the lecturers are awesome and the work is engaging. From the first day you are made to feel that you are valued as a student and as an Earth Scientist. The work, while hard, is always interesting and you get the chance to meet some amazing people along the way. The course fully stands up to the expectations I had when I applied. - Sebastian Charles Taylor

I chose to study Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University because of the multidisciplinary approach of this degree, which incorporates aspects of geography, geology, geochemistry and environmental science. I wanted to focus more on the environmental aspects of resource exploitation and other human activities rather than just understanding the fundamentals of geology. I love being outside and it was important to me to do a practical degree where I could learn more about adapting to reduce our environmental impact. - Catherine Fletcher

Great facilities, great lecturers, great course all round! - Ben Auton

Typical Entry Requirements

• UCAS Tariff: 120 - 96
• A Levels: BBB-CCC to include a science subject
• GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4): English or Welsh and Mathematics
• BTEC National Diploma: DDM-MMM with a specified subject
• International Baccalaureate: 30-26 with 5 points in a science subject at Higher Level
• European Baccalaureate: 75%-65% overall with 7 in a science subject
• English Language Requirements: See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements

International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.

Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

Program Outline

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Environmental Earth Science BSc (F640) at Aberystwyth University

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Degree Overview:

The BSc in Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University provides a comprehensive understanding of geological and environmental Earth science topics. The program is designed to equip students with the core skills in geology and apply them to a wide range of environmental problems, including climate change, geohazards, and the energy transition. Students will learn about the Earth's processes, its surface formation, and its geological history. The program emphasizes practical skills like fieldwork and laboratory techniques, which are essential for addressing critical societal issues such as sustainable resource extraction, environmental pollution, and remediation. This degree aims to train students to become active participants in solving the planet's most significant challenges.

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Outline:

The program is structured over three years, with a combination of core and optional modules.

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Year 1:

• Core Modules:
• An introduction to Earth Materials (GS12520):
20 credits
• Earth Surface Environments (GS10520):
20 credits
• Fieldwork Skills (GS11320):
20 credits
• How to Build a Planet (GS11520):
20 credits
• Life on Earth (GS10720):
20 credits
• Researching the World: data collection and analysis (GS13020):
20 credits

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Year 2:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Earth Materials (GS22620):
20 credits
• Chemical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS21010):
10 credits
• Environmental Earth Science Research Design and Fieldwork Skills (GS21420):
20 credits
• Fundamentals of Geochemistry (GS22720):
20 credits
• Geographical Information Systems (GS23710):
10 credits
• Quantitative Data Analysis (GS23810):
10 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Catchment Systems (GS25210):
10 credits
• Physical Analysis of Natural Materials (GS22010):
10 credits
• Reconstructing Past Environments (GS21910):
10 credits
• The Frozen Planet (GS23510):
10 credits

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Year 3:

• Core Modules:
• Advanced Fieldwork Skills (GS35320):
20 credits
• Environmental Earth Science Dissertation (GS35140):
40 credits
• Optional Modules:
• Applied Environmental Management (GS31120):
20 credits
• Environmental Regulation and Consultancy (BR35620):
20 credits
• People, Climate and Environment: a Palaeoenvironmental Perspective (GS33720):
20 credits
• Volcanic Activity: Hazards and Environmental Change (GS30420):
20 credits

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Assessment:

Assessment methods vary across modules and may include:

• Traditional exams
• Coursework
• Practical reports
• Oral presentations
• Web page design
• Short films
• Online discussion forum contributions
• Tutorials
• Field courses

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Teaching:

• Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory and computer practical classes, small group tutorials, field courses, and individual supervision of project work.
• Lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

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Careers:

Graduates from this program are well-prepared for a variety of careers in:

• Environmental consultancy
• Geotechnical engineering
• Civil service
• Technology
• Geological and environmental surveys
The program emphasizes employability and provides students with a solid foundation for careers in environmental sectors and beyond. Graduates develop transferable skills such as:
• Practical laboratory and fieldwork skills
• Enhanced mathematical and computational skills
• Effective problem-solving and creative thinking skills
• Ability to work across a range of spatial and temporal scales
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Time-management and organizational skills
• Communication skills (written and oral)
• Self-motivation and self-reliance
• Ability to work across multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary topics

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Other:

• The program offers opportunities for a Year in Industry (F643) and an integrated year studying abroad (F642).
• The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is located in a picturesque setting on the coast of Cardigan Bay, providing students with diverse fieldwork and recreational opportunities.
• The program emphasizes the scientific knowledge underpinning climate change and its context in the planet's history.
• Students will learn about the impacts of volcanic eruptions and future adaptations to environmental and anthropogenic hazards.
• The program includes training in using remote sensing and GIS tools and their professional application.
• Students will gain a solid understanding of contemporary environmental issues such as pollution and waste disposal.
• The program utilizes world-class facilities recognized by NERC (Natural Environment Research Council).
• Students can choose to study some of their degree through the medium of Welsh.