Department of Earth Sciences | MSci Earth Sciences (with Placement Year)
60 monthsProgramme duration
SepStarting Month
Programme overview
Main Subject
Earth and Marine Sciences
Degree
MSci
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
This four-year Master’s degree has been designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education in all aspects of Earth Sciences along with the opportunity to interact with staff at the cutting-edge of scientific research.
Ideally suited to students with a strong interest in research, the course incorporates a substantial amount of independent (and group) project work which will involve you in high-level quantitative investigations, in addition to advanced key skills training.
If you have been accepted onto Geology, Geoscience, Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics or Climate Science you may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year. The fourth year combines a bespoke research project in your specialism, with advanced modules designed to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications.
This course prepares you for employment or PhD research. Graduates have secured positions with high-profile employers and PhD research positions at prestigious universities worldwide.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Additional pathway
Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway during the second year.
Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Programme overview
Main Subject
Earth and Marine Sciences
Degree
MSci
Study Level
Undergraduate
Study Mode
On Campus
This four-year Master’s degree has been designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education in all aspects of Earth Sciences along with the opportunity to interact with staff at the cutting-edge of scientific research.
Ideally suited to students with a strong interest in research, the course incorporates a substantial amount of independent (and group) project work which will involve you in high-level quantitative investigations, in addition to advanced key skills training.
If you have been accepted onto Geology, Geoscience, Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics or Climate Science you may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year. The fourth year combines a bespoke research project in your specialism, with advanced modules designed to integrate your Earth Science knowledge for vocational and/or research applications.
This course prepares you for employment or PhD research. Graduates have secured positions with high-profile employers and PhD research positions at prestigious universities worldwide.
Durham Education 2027
The University is committed to continuous improvement and is currently undertaking a review to enhance our courses. As we make updates, some details of courses advertised for 2027 entry may change. These enhancements are being developed in consultation with students and in response to student feedback. We will not be making changes to degree subjects, academic standards or the broad concepts that will be taught, but to how courses are organised. In some cases this may mean that the balance of compulsory and optional modules may change. Any updates will be communicated transparently and by the end of summer 2026, ensuring applicants know exactly what to expect from their chosen degree.
Additional pathway
Students can apply to be transferred onto either the with Year Abroad or with Placement pathway during the second year.
Places on these pathways are in high demand and if you are chosen your studies will extend from three years to four.
Admission Requirements
Scholarships
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