Program Overview

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Earth Sciences BSc (Hons)

Course Description

The Earth Sciences are critical to the sustainable future of our planet and society, allowing us to develop deep understandings of natural hazards, climate change, Earth processes, green energy, sustainable development, natural resources, and more. By nature, our exciting Earth Sciences course is diverse, encompassing interdisciplinary knowledge from geology, geography, climatology, hydrology, chemistry, physics, alongside the natural, environmental, planetary, and social sciences.

Study Options

• Full-time: 3 years
• Part-time: 6 years

UK Fee

£9,535 per year (2025/26)

International Fee

£16,900 per year (2025/26)

UCAS Points

120 (September 2025 entry)

UCAS Code

F640

Start Date

September

Location

Kedleston Road, Derby Campus

Course Details

What You Will Study

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

Core Modules

• Climate, Oceans and Atmosphere
• Critical Resources
• Earth Materials
• Earth Scientist’s Toolkit for Beginners
• Advanced Toolkit for Earth Scientists
• Evolving Earth

Module Details

Climate, Oceans and Atmosphere

During this module, students will gain an understanding of the complex processes and interactions within and between Earth’s atmosphere and oceans.

• Credits: 20
• Type: Core
• Assessment: Coursework, Exam

How You Will Learn

You'll learn in our state-of-the-art facilities for lectures, lab practicals, tutorials, and computer classes training with powerful industry software. You will also learn in the field during day trips visiting regional industry collaborators and the fantastic local landscape across the Peak District. These are complemented by longer residential field camps - both in the UK and abroad.

How You Are Assessed

We use career relevant and widely varied assessment styles, which prepare you for the world of work, including presentations and report writing. Earth Scientists need to accurately record data, both in the field and in the laboratory, so we attentively guide you in developing keen observation and recording skills.

Careers

Alongside an impressive core knowledge and skillset in Earth Sciences, you’ll develop a range of transferable skills, including verbal and written communication, critical analysis, independent thought and problem solving. Your new, solution focused expertise will strongly position you to pursue a wide range of careers upon graduating.

Career Options

• Volcanology
• Hydrogeology
• Geophysics
• Science policy
• Responsible mining
• Palaeontology
• Climatology
• Offshore wind
• Carbon sequestration
• Erosion management
• Critical mineral exploration and extraction
• Water sector
• Oceanography
• Engineering geology
• Museum curation
• Geomorphology
• Offshore and onshore ground engineering
• Site remediation
• GIS analytics
• Research and development
• Flood management
• Energy Sector
• Teaching
• Offshore platforms
• Seismology
• Geohazards mitigation
• Environmental monitoring
• Geothermal
• Meteorology
• Site surveying
• Raw materials
• Glaciology
• Exploration geology
• Academia
• Planetary sciences
• Paleoclimatology

Entry Requirements

2025 Entry

• UCAS points: 120
• A Level: BBB - with at least a grade C in Geology, Geography, or Environmental Science, but sciences and mathematics (or equivalent qualifications) will be considered
• T Level: Merit in Science
• BTEC: DDM
• GCSE: GCSE Maths and English Grade 4/Grade C (or above) or equivalent qualification
• Access to HE: Pass Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15, Merit: 24, Pass: 6. Must include passes in compulsory Level 3 subjects
• English language requirements: IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

Fees and Funding

2025/26

• Full-time UK: £9,535 per year
• Part-time UK: £1,190 per 20 credit module
• Full-time International: £16,900 per year
• Part-time International: N/A

How to Apply

Please look at our application deadlines before you apply.

• UK students: Apply through UCAS or directly to the University
• International students: Apply through our online application portal or through one of our trusted local representatives

Additional Information

• Teaching hours: Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime 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.