Program Overview
Environmental Geoscience (MSci)
Award: Integrated Masters degree in Science
Typical Offer: AAB-ABB
Duration: 4 years
Course Type: Full-time
Campus: Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield
UCAS Course code: F651
About this course
Explore the evolving Earth system through the lens of sustainable environmental management. This environmental geoscience MSci combines geology, geography, oceanography and environmental science, giving you the freedom to specialise in subjects ranging from environmental law to marine pollution.
As an environmental geoscientist, you'll be able to assess the impact of human activity on the planet and society whilst working to mitigate this impact and find solutions for our future. You'll graduate with practical and transferable skills that are sought after across environmental science industries and other sectors.
This 4-year course will develop and enhance your knowledge beyond the BSc, and provide a greater emphasis on individual research skills and project work.
You'll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for research and technology development in ocean and Earth science. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on research projects with NOCS scientists, whilst also having access to specialist facilities.
You'll develop your practical and professional skills by:
- participating in marine and terrestrial field trips and residential field courses
- boosting your career prospects with our industry links in geological and marine companies
- building your data collection, interpretation and digital skill set, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS)
- accessing our range of facilities, including over 150 laboratories and the National Oceanographic Library
On this integrated master's degree in Environmental Geoscience, you’ll study topics like:
- terrestrial and marine pollution and environmental impact
- environmental law and science policy
- Earth resource management
- natural hazards
This programme will also allow you to specialise in terrestrial, or marine sciences, giving you the freedom to explore the elements of the programme that interest you most.
Entry requirements
- AAB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B)
- ABB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B)
Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.
Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.
Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical is required.
Course structure
All modules are compulsory in the first year to build the foundations for the rest of the course to come. As you progress towards year 3, the focus will shift towards research and exposure to the latest thinking within Earth sciences.
This will culminate in year 4, with your own independent research project.
Your academic tutor will help guide you in the customisation of your course.
Year 1 overview
You'll begin with a broad grounding in geoscience, oceanography and environmental science theories and research techniques.
All modules in year 1 are compulsory.
Year 2 overview
Explore a greater range of topics on the interactions between the Earth system and human activity.
You'll explore subjects like:
- environmental impact assessments
- Earth resource management
- geographic information systems (GIS)
Year 2 will expand your skills with fieldwork, laboratory sessions and opportunities to specialise with your module choices.
Year 3 overview
Hone your skills by specialising in modules relating to terrestrial sciences (geoscience pathway) or marine sciences (marine pathway).
Both choices are accompanied by fieldwork tailored to your chosen path.
On the geoscience pathway you'll study topics such as:
- the volcanic mantle
- geology and mineral resources
On the marine pathway you'll explore things like:
- seafloor exploration and surveying
- coastal sediment dynamics
During this year you'll have the opportunity to conduct supervised, original research.
Year 4 overview
You'll embark on a major research project while gaining an advanced understanding of current research areas within the geological and environmental sciences.
Your original research will be supervised and guided by our team of researchers and scientists - with a greater emphasis placed on fieldwork and lab-based research skills this year.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Richard Stockey is the course leader.
Careers and employability
This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.
The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:
- Research
- Critical thinking
- Commercial awareness
- Self-management
- Communication
- Teamwork
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Career pathways
Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:
- The Environment Agency
- Renewable energy companies
- Research institutes
- Engineering companies
Careers directly related to this course:
- Environmental geologist
- Hydrologist
- Geoscientist
- Geographic information systems analyst
- Remote sensing specialist
- Petroleum geologist
- Minerals surveyor
- Palaeontologist
Wider career opportunities:
- Environmental engineer
- Energy engineer
- Quarry manager
- Horticultural consultant
- Toxicologist
- Sustainability consultant
- Water quality scientist
Fees, costs and funding
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535.
- EU and international students pay £28,800.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
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