Environmental Geoscience MSci

Environmental Geoscience is concerned with the interaction between Earth sciences and human activity. We explore evolution of the Earth and its internal workings, development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasising natural and human-induced development. This allows examination of environmental issues, such as natural resources, their use to society, disposal of waste, geohazards, sustainability and risk assessment.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

The programme offers an integrated study of the Earth, encompassing the evolution of the planet and its internal workings, the development of its biosphere and atmosphere, and its surface processes, emphasising natural and man-induced development of the terrestrial environment.

You will gain a scientific training which allows an examination of environmental issues related to the Earth sciences, such as those concerned with natural resources, their use to society, the disposal of wastes and the understanding and minimisation of geohazards.

The first and second years provide core skills and knowledge in the subject. The third year provides opportunities for specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. The strong emphasis on fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills, and problem-solving abilities.

The first three years of the MSci programme are identical to the BSc programme. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced options, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.

Upon successful completion of 480 credits, you will be awarded an MSci in Environmental Geoscience.