Program Overview

Earth Sciences with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)

Course Description

Earth Sciences are critical to the sustainable future of our planet and society by developing our understanding of natural hazards, sustainable development, climate change, energy, and natural resources. By nature, this exciting geoscience course covers multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary subject areas. It combines science with humanity-based disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geography, geology, informatics, natural and environmental sciences, geological sciences and physics.

Study Options

• Full-time: 4 years
• UK fee: £9,535 per year (2025/26)
• International fee: £16,900 per year (2025/26)
• UCAS points: 80 (September 2025 entry)
• Start date: September
• Location: Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

What You Will Study

• Foundation Year
• Year 1
• Year 2
• Optional Placement Year
• Year 3

Core Modules

• Introduction to Environmental Science
• Academic and Practical Skills in Environmental Sciences
• Principles of Chemistry
• Foundations in Geoscience

Optional Modules

• English
• Mathematics
• Organisms and their Environments
• Fundamentals of Human Behaviour
• Sociology

Careers

Careers in the Earth Sciences cover a wide range of industry sectors including:

• Volcanology
• Geomorphology
• Hydropower
• Geophysics
• Science policy
• Palaeontology
• Carbon capture
• Erosion management
• Oceanography
• Engineering geology
• Critical minerals
• Museum curation
• Geoscience research
• Hydrocarbons
• Teaching
• Seismology
• Geohazards mitigation
• Glaciology paleoclimatology

Entry Requirements

• UCAS points: 80
• A Level: DDD (At least one of the following subjects Geology, Geography, Environmental Science, but will consider other sciences and mathematics (or equivalent qualification))
• T Level: Pass in Science
• BTEC: MMP
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English are preferred, however, if you don't have these qualifications you will be able to undertake Maths and English at Level 2 as part of your course of study
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 0, Merit: 24, Pass: 21
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

• Full-time UK: £9,535 per year
• Full-time International: £16,900 per year
• Part-time UK: N/A
• Part-time International: N/A

How to Apply

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through the online application portal or through a trusted local representative

Additional Information

• Teaching hours: Extended teaching hours, with contact time with lecturers and tutors between 9am and 9pm
• Course updates: The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible
• Discover Uni: This is a new course so the data displayed via Discover Uni is for students studying in another subject area.