Program Overview

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Environmental Geoscience (MSci)

Overview

The Environmental Geoscience (MSci) course is a four-year full-time program that combines components of Geology and Physical Geography, with a focus on learning how to conduct research projects. This professionally accredited course is recognized by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.

Why Study This Course

This course allows students to explore different processes that happen on our planet, such as acid rain and global warming, and find solutions to geological problems in the UK and around the world. The MSci involves the opportunity to work on an exciting research project with an academic from the School and their research staff.

Subject Areas

• Earth and environmental sciences
• Geology and geoscience

Course Details

• UCAS code: F649
• Next intake: September 2026
• Duration: 4 years
• Mode: Full time

Accreditations

• Geological Society

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
• Baccalaureate Wales: Accepted in lieu of one A-Level
• GCSE and other essential requirements: English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4, GCSE Maths grade C/4
• English language requirements: IELTS (academic) at least 6.5 overall, TOEFL iBT at least 90 overall, PTE Academic at least 69 overall

Tuition Fees for 2026 Entry

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status.

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

Additional Costs

• Fieldwork costs are included, but you may need to contribute towards food
• Course-specific equipment: Suitable clothing, including all-over waterproofs and ankle-supporting walking boots

Course Structure

This is a four-year full-time course, and you study for your bachelor's and master's degree at the same time. The first three years are structured in the same way as the BSc course, and then in year four, you will complete your master's qualification.

• Year one: Core modules designed to give you a strong foundation in Earth sciences and geology
• Year two: Build on the knowledge from year one, exploring more advanced concepts
• Year three: More freedom to shape your degree, choosing modules that fit with your career ambitions
• Year four: Focus on a major independent research dissertation

Year One Modules

• World of Dynamic Environments
• Exploring Planet Earth
• Earth Science Fieldwork
• Earth Materials
• Life and Earth History
• GIS and Geological Maps (Geoscience)

Year Two Modules

• Applied Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills
• Sedimentary facies and environments
• Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation
• Applied Environmental and Resource Geology
• Process Geomorphology & Hydrology

Year Three Modules

• Advanced Environmental Geology
• Hazards, Risk and Resilience
• Optional modules: Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork, Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis, Geodynamics, Environmental Geoscience Dissertation

Year Four Modules

• MSci Environmental Geoscience Research Dissertation
• Advanced Research Field Course
• Optional modules: Scanning the Research Horizon, Business and the Environment, Earth and Environmental System Modelling and Applications

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, including lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.

Careers

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.

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 field trip. All of the travel and accommodation on our field trips is covered by your fees.