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School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience

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UCAS tariff 112 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F643
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location Plymouth

Interdisciplinary scientists play a vital role in addressing critical environmental challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. This degree combines an understanding of earth materials and planetary change on geological timescales, with environmental science concepts. You will explore complex issues around the transition to a low carbon economy, zero waste construction, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable development.

Innovative Earth Science courses

Our Earth Science courses are designed to equip you with the essential skills and expertise needed to confront today’s global challenges. From discovering and extracting the raw materials vital for a green energy revolution to understanding the complexities of climate history, Earth Sciences are at the heart of shaping a sustainable future. You'll gain the knowledge and perspectives that are crucial for addressing the planet’s future, making a real impact on the world around you!

Careers with this subject
Our Earth science students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates.

Key features
  • Develop a range of knowledge and skills essential to a range of careers in the Earth and environmental sectors.
  • Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.
  • Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme uses the unrivalled local range of geological and geographical locations. Residential overseas fieldwork visits regions of active tectonics such as Death Valley, Italy and Sicily.
  • All students have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
  • Students can undertake a placement year, between the second and final year, working full time for a geological employer.
  • Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus .
  • Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree.
  • Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
  • Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.
  • Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .
  • Please note that no Discover Uni results are available yet as this course started in 2021 with the first students graduating from this course in 2024.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • From day one you’ll dive into the world of Earth Sciences, laying the foundations of geological and environmental knowledge that will set you up for success throughout your university journey. Your first year will equip you with essential Earth Science skills and core knowledge, empowering you to tackle sustainable development challenges alongside developing an understanding of topics such as plate tectonics, climate change, and the challenges faced by modern environments and biodiversity. Hands-on learning will be a key part of your experience, as you study minerals, rocks, fossils, and geological structures in our cutting-edge 5G microscope laboratories. Plus, get ready for exciting fieldwork in the stunning landscapes of the UK’s Southwest and Southern Italy, where you'll explore the real-world impact of geohazards.

    Core modules

    GEES1201
    Sustainable Geoscience 20 credits

    Kick off your degree by gaining an understanding of the important role of geoscientists in solving today’s biggest environmental issues (e.g. the energy transition, sustainable development) alongside exploring the fundamentals of Earth history and structure (e.g. plate tectonics, climate change, evolution of life). Through field, tutorial and lecture-based teaching this module will support your transition to university.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES1202
    Earth Materials and Resources 20 credits

    Discover Earth’s building blocks and how dynamic Earth processes shape geologic materials. You will gain the observational skills needed to unravel how the Earth works, including getting hands on using our 5G-enabled microscope lab. You will learn to read geological maps and use them to decipher the sequence of geological events that have shaped our planet’s history. See the Earth in a whole new light!

    70% Coursework

    30% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES1203
    Climate, Tectonics and Hazards 40 credits

    Develop your knowledge of climate and hazards. Through hands on practicals, field work and lectures learn how sedimentary rocks and fossils illuminate past, present and future climatic and oceanographic changes, and use maps and GIS to explore landscapes, earthquakes and volcanoes. Consolidate knowledge in the field, putting into practice new skills and seeing hands on the effects of geohazards on people and places.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Tests

    GEES1303
    Our Ecological Planet: Biodiversity and Ecological Change 20 credits

    Explore Earth's ecosystems in this hands-on, interdisciplinary module! Dive into ecology, biodiversity, and conservation through fieldwork and case studies. Learn taxa identification, habitat dynamics, and key ecological processes. Build real-world skills to tackle global challenges and kickstart your career in environmental science and management.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEES1305
    The Environmental Manager's Toolbox 20 credits

    Discover the essential tools, strategies and concepts you’ll need to tackle the biggest environmental challenges. Learn from industry experts and explore how our modern economy drives these challenges. Study how laws, governance, corporate responsibility, and sustainable practices are being used in imaginative ways to protect our planet. This module will equip you with the knowledge and skills to be a future-fit leader.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

  • Year 2

  • Year 2 takes you on a journey from the Earth’s surface to its core, exploring key environmental issues and their possible solutions. You'll sharpen your observational, analytical and interpretive skills, using them to tackle some of the most exciting geological and most important environmental questions. You'll also gain hands-on experience with field techniques, including geophysical equipment. For those looking to broaden their horizon even further, you can seize the opportunity to study your second year abroad in incredible locations like Canada, USA or Europe.

    Core modules

    GEES2000
    Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

    100% Assessments

    GEES2201
    The Earth Surface and Critical Zone 40 credits

    Explore the Earth’s surface and shallow subsurface now and through Deep Time. Develop the skills and knowledge used by geoscientists to find and manage resources like groundwater or geothermal energy, store energy or hazardous fluids, build safe infrastructure and understand hazardous phenomena and climate impacts. Work on real-world projects that integrate remote sensing, geophysics, field and lab-based investigations.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2202
    The Earth's Interior and Resources 40 credits

    Investigate the Earth’s Interior to understand how magmatism, tectonics and fluid flow control the development of sustainable resources. Through a case-study approach you will combine state-of-the-art rock microscopy, structural geology and geophysics to evaluate the Earths internal processes. Fieldwork and seismic imaging with industry software will allow you to apply this knowledge to real-world situations.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEES2303
    Environmental Management and Sustainability 20 credits

    Expand your knowledge and critical thinking skills in key areas of environmental science and management, using insights from ecological economics and environmental governance to explore solutions to real life problems affecting life supporting resources. Learn and apply problem-based learning techniques and team-working skills to address issues related to water, energy security and food, supported by module tutors.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEES2304
    Environmental Issues and Communication 20 credits

    Science isn’t finished until it’s communicated. Learn about some of the crucial challenges we face in communicating scientific data and ideas to create change in society. You will not just discover how to communicate to different groups - including policymakers, children, media organisations and science deniers - but you will also produce innovative multimedia communication pieces too.

    100% Coursework

  • Optional placement year

  • Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in the workplace gaining valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry.

    Core modules

    GEES3000
    Placement 0 credits

    This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • In your third year you will elevate your data analysis skills to a professional level. Your dissertation project will be an exciting opportunity to collect and analyse data independently, whether in the field or the lab. Alongside core modules that deepen your professional geological expertise, you’ll have the chance to choose from a range of sustainability-focused optional modules from environmental science and geology, allowing you to tailor your final year to your passions and interests. For those craving adventure, you can take your learning beyond the classroom with advanced fieldwork opportunities in incredible locations like Namibia or Death Valley, USA, where you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience and refine your professional field skills.

    Core modules

    GEES3201
    Geoscience Research Project 40 credits

    Realise your passion for Earth science by conducting a research project on an exciting scientific question. Choose a project from a wide range of Earth Science topics (e.g. volcanology, palaeontology, remote sensing, structural geology). Use cutting-edge fieldwork, lab techniques, or digital tools to explore your chosen area, gaining hands-on experience and developing valuable subject specific and transferable skills.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEES3202
    Professional Field and Core Analysis 20 credits

    Ready to rock the world of geology? Get set to apply your skills in the field and the lab, working solo and within a dynamic team. You'll dive into geological mapping and rock core analysis, using top-notch industry tools. A hands-on experience will help you master job tendering, data analysis, and reporting for real commercial clients. It's not just learning, it's about becoming a pro and preparing for an awesome career!

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3204
    Environmental and Resource Geoscience 20 credits

    Sharpen your skills ready for industry, tackling some of the most urgent environmental issues facing the world today, from pervasive mining pollution in post-industrial catchments to the role of the subsurface in decarbonisation. You will engage in hands-on workshops, solving problems associated with past industry, as well as getting to grips with state-of-the-art software and real-world datasets.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    Optional modules

    GEES3002
    Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential 20 credits

    Embark on exploration of critical, real-world challenges in an exciting field context. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of your own creation. Sharpen your existing expertise and develop important transdisciplinary skills that prepare you to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3205
    Tectonics and Geohazards 20 credits

    Explore one of the World’s most tectonically active and hazardous regions to understand the cause and impact of tectonics on hazards (earthquakes, volcanics, landslides, tsunami, floods) and resources (water, minerals, energy). Develop skills to evaluate the influence of active tectonics on these hazards, either through an overseas field trip (e.g. California) or through application of GIS and remote sensing.

    100% Coursework

    GEES3206
    Environmental Change Through Earth History 20 credits

    The Earth’s environments are changing fast. Learn how studying past environmental change helps us understand the impacts of current and future human induced environmental change. Using advanced techniques in geochemistry and palaeontology, you’ll explore past events to predict future impacts, equipping you with the skills to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3308
    Global Environmental Solutions 20 credits

    Explore interdisciplinary approaches to addressing contemporary global environmental challenges and enhance your skills in critically evaluating environmental policies and political frameworks affecting how environmental problems are managed. Apply ecological economics and sustainability principles to selected environmental issues and examine how research data informs complex environmental decision-making.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEES3310
    Climate Change Action 20 credits

    The time to act is now! Never has there been a more relevant time to equip yourself for the drive to deliver climate action. Here you will be immersed in the most up-to-date understanding of the science and policy, trained in climate risk analysis and shown how to be a valuable agent of climate change action in the professional workplace.

    50% Coursework

    50% Remotely delivered assessments

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

IB
28 - 30 points overall to include science related subjects.
A level
112 points including a minimum of 2 A Levels in a science subject (see subject list below) or 120 points including 1 A Level in a science subject (see subject list below).
We accept the following A Level subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology.
T Level
Merit overall from any science pathway.
BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma
DMM to DDM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukif you do not meet this criteria.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukif you do not meet this criteria.
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding
2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

*UK Government announcement on tuition fees

Following an announcement in November, the government has confirmed its intention to increase undergraduate tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year.

Subject to final Parliamentary approval (expected in early March 2025), the tuition fee for UK students is increasing to a maximum of £9,535 from 1 August 2025. This change applies to current and new students at the University of Plymouth. The Student Loans Company (SLC) has confirmed loans for tuition fees will be increased accordingly.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for home undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,905.
The fee for home undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2025/2026 is £1,430.
 Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Adrienne, BSc (Hons) Geology student, shares her experience of a course field trip in Italy.

Our suite of courses offer opportunities for overseas fieldwork.

Field courses

The field is the best natural laboratory for developing a real understanding of all aspects of geology.
‘We got to go to Sicily and see volcanoes erupting’
Sophie, BSc (Hons) Geology

Discover facilities in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

As student in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences you will have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities.
These will support your learning in the field and in the laboratory – whether in traditional chemistry lab or a high-performance computing room. Many are solely for the use of our students and researchers and you will also have access to LABplus Resource Centre and the Marine Station.
Students using a petrographic microscope
Why study Earth sciences?
Earth Sciences Geology Students on fieldtrip to Kilve on the north Somerset Coast.
Careers in Earth sciences

Complete University Guide 2025

Our Earth Sciences degrees were ranked overall fifth in UK for overall student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025

Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2025

89.3% of Earth and marine sciences students were satisfied with teaching according to the Guardian Best UK Universities guide 2025

QS World University Rankings 2023

In top 15 UK universities for earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics - QS World University Rankings by subject 2023

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022*

The University of Plymouth has been named among the top 5% of universities globally in 2022 for its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals*, in particular, work on marine issues and on climate change. In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. From sustainable cities, affordable and clean energy, to climate policy, biodiversity, and natural hazards, our academic staff work with partners locally and overseas to help understand, communicate and solve fundamental and pressing sustainability challenges.
Find out more in our press release

People

 

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