Program Overview

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Environmental Geoscience with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Overview

The Environmental Geoscience with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc) program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the Earth's systems and processes, as well as the skills and knowledge necessary to address environmental challenges. The program includes a year of study abroad, which provides students with the opportunity to experience different cultures and learning environments.

Subject Areas

• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geology and geoscience

Program Details

UCAS Code

F643

Next Intake

September 2026

Duration

4 years

Mode

Full time with year abroad

Why Study This Course

The Environmental Geoscience with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc) program is professionally accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK. The program includes a year of study abroad, which provides students with the opportunity to learn while traveling and experiencing the landscapes, education, and culture of a different country. No prior knowledge of geology is required, and the program is flexible, allowing students to request a transfer to a program with a professional placement year or to the MSci at the end of the first year.

Entry Requirements

A Level

ABB-BBC (with 1 science subject) or BBB-BCC (with 2 science subjects). Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, ICT, Maths, Physics, Psychology, and Statistics.

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). Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Physics, and Psychology.

Baccalaureate Wales

From September 2023, there will be a new qualification called the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (level 3). This qualification will replace the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (Welsh Baccalaureate). The qualification will continue to be accepted in lieu of one A-Level (at the grades listed above), excluding any specified subjects.

GCSE and Other Essential Requirements

Students must have or be working towards:

• English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels).
• GCSE Maths grade C/4 or equivalent qualification (subject and grade). If students are taking A-level Maths (or equivalent), GCSE Maths is not required. Core Maths may also be accepted in place of GCSE Maths.

English Language Requirements

• GCSE: Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.
• IELTS (academic): At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.
• TOEFL iBT: At least 90 overall with a minimum of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading, and 20 for speaking.
• PTE Academic: At least 69 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.
• Trinity ISE II/III: II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits. III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Fees for Home Status

Year	Tuition Fee	Deposit
Year one	Ł9,535	None
Year two	Ł9,535	None
Year three (sandwich year)	Ł1,430	None
Year four	Ł9,535	None

Fees for Overseas Status

Year	Tuition Fee	Deposit
Year one	Ł30,700	None
Year two	Ł30,700	None
Year three (sandwich year)	Ł4,605	None
Year four	Ł30,700	None

Additional Costs

Fieldwork costs are included, but students may need to contribute towards food if it is provided during the trip. Students will pay 15% of the usual Cardiff University fees during their year of study abroad and will also need to pay for their living costs while abroad, which may include health insurance costs.

Course Structure

This is a four-year full-time degree. In the first and second years, students will study core modules and get a strong foundation in environmental geoscience. In year four, there are core and optional modules, allowing students some flexibility to choose areas of interest. Year three is spent studying at one of the partner institutions in another country.

Year One

In the first year, students will study core modules designed to give them a strong foundation in Earth sciences and geology. Core modules include:

• World of Dynamic Environments (EA1300, 20 credits)
• Exploring Planet Earth (EA1301, 20 credits)
• Earth Science Fieldwork (EA1304, 20 credits)
• Earth Materials (EA1306, 20 credits)
• Life and Earth History (EA1307, 20 credits)
• GIS and Geological Maps (Geoscience) (EA1333, 20 credits)

Year Two

In the second year, students will build on the knowledge from year one and start exploring more advanced concepts. Core modules include:

• Applied Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills (EA2302, 40 credits)
• Sedimentary facies and environments (EA2303, 20 credits)
• Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation (EA2305, 20 credits)
• Applied Environmental and Resource Geology (EA2306, 20 credits)
• Process Geomorphology & Hydrology (EA2312, 20 credits)

Year Three: Sandwich Year

• Year of Study Abroad (EA3300, 120 credits)

Year Four

In the final year, students will have more freedom to shape their degree and choose modules that fit with their career ambitions. Core modules include:

• Advanced Environmental Geology (EA3306, 20 credits)
• Hazards, Risk and Resilience (EA3317, 20 credits) Optional modules include:
• Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork (EA3305, 20 credits)
• Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis (EA3308, 20 credits)
• Geodynamics (EA3309, 20 credits)
• Environmental Geoscience Dissertation (EA3303, 40 credits)
• Environmental Geoscience Dissertation and Journal (Virtual) (EA3393, 40 credits)

Learning and Assessment

The teaching approach is a mix of theory and practical and includes lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars. Students will be supported and taught by world-leading experts involved in cutting-edge international research.

How Will I Be Supported?

At the start of the course, students will be allocated a Personal Tutor who they will meet with regularly for tutorials. Academic support for the year of study abroad will be provided by the Director of International for the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences and planning advice by colleagues at the Global Opportunities Centre.

How Will I Be Assessed?

Students will be assessed through a combination of assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation. The marks gained from all credits at the host institution will be reviewed by the Chair of the Exam Board and the Director of International in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

Careers and Placements

With the planet facing increasing environmental threats and challenges, the knowledge and skills of an environmental geoscientist are in demand. Environmental geoscientists will play an important role in developing sustainable infrastructure, green energy projects, and helping to manage and remove pollution left by former industries like mining and chemicals manufacturing.

Career Prospects

Students 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

The opportunity to undertake a study placement in year three at a partner institution in another country. In recent years, study has been available at universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Sweden, and the Netherlands.

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 its doorstep. The program includes compulsory field trips, and all travel and accommodation costs are covered by the tuition fees. Students will only be asked to contribute a small amount towards food and drink provided on trips.