Program Overview

MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences with a Research Placement

Overview

The MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences with a Research Placement course is a 4-year degree programme that will give you significant research experience by allowing you to spend a year outside Manchester working full-time in one of the world's leading research labs.

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.
• GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.

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.

Deferrals

• Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.
• Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.

Course Details

Course Description

• Our MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences with Research Placement course is a 4-year degree programme that will give you significant research experience by allowing you to spend a year outside Manchester working full-time in one of the world's leading research labs.

Special Features

• Work full-time in one of the world's leading labs alongside world-leading scientists and produce original results at the forefront of your chosen field in the third year of your degree.
• An integrated natural science first year, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, allows you to discover where your interests lie.
• Our flexible course structure allows you to customise your studies to your interests, following one of four pathways after Year 1, providing an ideal gateway to your career.
• Field trips are a key component of our undergraduate degrees, providing you the opportunity to travel to fascinating locations in the UK and abroad in every year. Fees include all compulsory, taught field courses.
• Undertake a final-year research project of your choice working alongside world-leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities.

Teaching and Learning

• We take pride in our excellent teaching standards, our distinguished lecturers and research staff ensure that you have all the support available to develop your learning, skills and employability prospects.
• You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit, including formal lectures, laboratory classes, field classes, and small-group tutorials.

Coursework and Assessment

• This course is assessed by a variety of methods, including exams, essays and written assignments, projects, oral and written presentations, and field assessment.
• We place a strong emphasis on practical skills and project work. Around one-third of your assessment in Year 3 and half in Year 4 will be based on independent research projects.

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.
• Our graduates have secured roles with prestigious employers including Atkins, KPMG, RSK, the Met Office, United Utilities, and the Environment Agency.

Accrediting Organisations

• This course is accredited by the Community for Environmental Disciplines in Higher Education (CEDHE), the education committee of the Institution of Environmental Sciences (IES).
• A course accredited by CEDHE is assured to meet high standards, contain a strong component of practical, field and theoretical activities, and has excellent opportunities for training, work experience and links to the professional environmental sector.