Program Overview

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BSc Earth and Planetary Sciences

Overview

Course overview

Gain a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence our future.

• Learn to read the 4.5 billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our solar system, and the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earth's energy and resources.
• Head to geologically and environmentally fascinating locations in the UK and abroad on cv-enhancing field trips that will equip you with transferable skills.
• Study at a UK top 10 university for Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences. (THE World Rankings 2024)

A study experience that makes a difference

We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.

• Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
• Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
• Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.

Entry requirements

A-level

• AAB, including at least one science subject.
• Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.
• If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.

A-level contextual offer

• ABB, including at least one science subject.
• Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.
• If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.

UK refugee/care-experienced offer

• BBB/ABC, including at least one science subject.
• Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.
• If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.

International Baccalaureate

• 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.
• We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

GCSE/IGCSE

• Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.

Other entry requirements

• Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
• Select other entry requirements Scottish requirements Welsh Baccalaureate Foundation year Pearson BTEC qualifications OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications Access to HE Diploma T Level Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

Fees and funding

Fees

• Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.

Policy on additional costs

• All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme.
• Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application.

Scholarships/sponsorships

• The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students.
• We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

Application and selection

How to apply

• Apply through UCAS.

Advice to applicants

• You should not normally apply for more than one first year undergraduate course offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester.
• Applicants to this course can change to any one of the courses offered within the Department at any time before the start of the academic year.

How your application is considered

• All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations).

Course details

Course description

• We are one of the largest Earth and Environmental Sciences departments in the UK, with global reach.
• This creates excellent learning, research and employment opportunities for our students.

Course structure

• Our BSc in Earth and planetary sciences is a three year degree which offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in Earth and planetary science in one of five pathways:
  • Geology;
  • Geochemistry;
  • Planetary science;
  • Energy and resources;
  • Palaeobiology.

Teaching and learning

• We take pride in our excellent teaching standards, and our distinguished lecturers and research staff will ensure that you have all the support available to develop your learning, skills and employability prospects.

Field work

• Field work is a key component of our undergraduate degrees and is an essential part of all our courses and provides a unique learning experience.

Facilities

• We teach our practical sessions in custom-designed, well-equipped laboratories with enough space for you to have your own microscope and work comfortably on your own or in a group.

Careers

Career opportunities

• Study at one of the most targeted universities in the UK for top graduate employers* and enrich your employability with a degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

Accrediting organisations

• This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London, the UK’s national society for geoscience and the professional body for Earth scientists, with over 12,000 members worldwide.