Program Overview

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Environmental Geoscience (BSc)

Overview

The Environmental Geoscience (BSc) program is a three-year full-time degree that focuses on the application of geoscience principles to understand and manage the Earth's environment. The program is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in earth sciences and geology, as well as practical skills in fieldwork, data analysis, and problem-solving.

Subject Areas

• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geology and geoscience

Program Details

• UCAS code: F648
• Next intake: September 2026
• Duration: 3 years
• Mode: Full time

Why Study This Course

The program offers a unique opportunity to study environmental geoscience in a location with a rich geological history. Students will develop advanced skills in mapping, research, analysis, and problem-solving, and will have the opportunity to participate in regular field trips and an overseas trip.

Accreditations

• Accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.

Entry Requirements

We accept a combination of A-levels and other qualifications, as well as equivalent international qualifications subject to entry requirements. Typical offers are as follows:

• A level: ABB-BBC (with 1 science subject) or BBB-BCC (with 2 science subjects).
• International Baccalaureate: 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 1 HL science subject) or 31-29 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 2 HL science subjects).
• Baccalaureate Wales: From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3).
• GCSE and other essential requirements: You must have or be working towards English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent, and GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification.
• English language requirements: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language, or IELTS (academic) at least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

Tuition Fees

• Fees for home status:
  • Year one: ｣9,535
  • Year two: ｣9,535
  • Year three: ｣9,535
• Fees for overseas status:
  • Year one: ｣30,700
  • Year two: ｣30,700
  • Year three: ｣30,700

Additional Costs

• Fieldwork costs are included, but you may need to contribute towards food if it is provided during the trip.
• You will need suitable clothing, including all-over waterproofs and ankle supporting walking boots for field activities.

Course Structure

The program is a three-year full-time degree. In the first and second years, you will study core modules and get a strong foundation in environmental geoscience. In the third year, there are core and optional modules, allowing you to choose areas that interest you.

• Year one: Core modules include World of Dynamic Environments, Exploring Planet Earth, Earth Science Fieldwork, Earth Materials, Life and Earth History, and GIS and Geological Maps (Geoscience).
• Year two: Core modules include Applied Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills, Sedimentary facies and environments, Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation, Applied Environmental and Resource Geology, and Process Geomorphology & Hydrology.
• Year three: Core modules include Advanced Environmental Geology, Hazards, Risk and Resilience, and a dissertation. Optional modules include Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork, Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis, Geodynamics, and Environmental Geoscience Dissertation.

Learning and Assessment

We are a friendly and informal school, and you will be supported and taught by world-leading experts involved in cutting-edge international research. Our teaching approach is a mix of theory and practical and includes lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.

• Assessment: We will be assessing your level of knowledge and understanding in each module through a combination of assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.

Careers and Placements

With the planet facing increasing environmental threats and challenges, the knowledge and skills of an environmental geoscientist are in demand. You can choose to work in a variety of different industries and roles, including conservation and environmental management, as an engineering geologist, a water engineer, or an environmental consultant.

• Placements: Any student who can secure a suitable placement with a company or organisation may transfer to our four-year programme and graduate with a BSc with a Professional Placement Year.

Fieldwork

South Wales is one of the best locations in the UK to study environmental geoscience, having a wealth of local natural and manmade geoenvironmental case studies on our doorstep. We will also travel abroad for a residential fieldtrip.

• All of the travel and accommodation on our fieldtrips is covered by your fees. We will only ask you for a small contribution towards food and drink provided on trips.