BSc

Environmental Earth Science

Environmental Earth Science Code F64F Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

F64F

  • UCAS Tariff

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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BSc Environmental Earth Science with integrated Foundation Year, at Aberystwyth University, will provide you with a detailed insight into Geological and Environmental Earth Science topics. The Department of Geography & Earth Sciences is one of the most established and experienced departments of its kind.

You will study the core skills in geology and apply these to a wide range of environmental problems. You will be taught field skills which can be applied to solving some of the big issues facing our society such as pollution from human activities like mining and power production or understanding volcanic eruptions and how hazard maps are created. The degree will train you to solve problems and contribute to society. We run field courses in each of the three years of your degree. Our facilities are recognised by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC). The integrated foundation year - designed for prospective students who do not have a sufficient or relevant academic background - is the perfect option to access this highly-sort scheme. In the Foundation Year, you will learn about key concepts for Environmental Earth Science from an inter-disciplinary angle, giving you a unique experience and critical perspective to make the most of the full undergraduate degree.

Course Overview

Following the foundation year, the syllabus of this course is identical to its sister course [Environmental Earth Science, F640].

Why study Environmental Earth Science at Aberystwyth University?

  • Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study geography in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe.  Set on the coast of Cardigan Bay and surrounded by a great diversity of beautiful environments, including marine, moorland, mountain and grassland, our department is uniquely placed to make the most of the stunning landscapes that surround it, providing you with a fabulous variety of fieldwork and recreational opportunities;
  • You will explore and receive a detailed insight into Geological and Environmental Earth Sciences topics;
  • This course will enable you to develop a deeper understanding of climate change;
  • You will understand the impacts of volcanic eruptions on the environment and insights into mass extinction events;
  • Your mentors and lecturers will inform you of the current trends in Geohazards and provide training in engineering Geology and Hydrology;
  • You will develop a solid understanding of contemporary environmental issues: pollution, climate change, waste disposal among many others;
  • Our facilities are recognised by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC)
  • We offer fieldwork opportunities in each of the three years of your degree;
  • For those who would like to study through the medium of Welsh, there are a number of modules available to those who have an interest. Check out the module tab below for more information.
Our Staff

Department of Geography and Earth Science: lecturers are all qualified to PhD level or working towards a PhD.

Modules September start - 2025

Please note: The modules listed below are those currently intended for delivery during the next academic year and may be subject to change. They are included here to give an indication of how the course is structured.

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Environmental Management GS00420 20
How to be a Student 1 GS09520 20
How to be a Student 2 GS09320 20
Information in a Post-Truth World GS01120 20
Understanding Change - Environment, People, Places GS00820 20

Options

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
Representing the Other: Cultures and Clashes GS09820 20
The "Othered" Migrant: Social Science Perspectives GS09620 20

Core

Module Name Module Code Credit Value
An introduction to Earth Materials GS12520 20
Earth Surface Environments GS10520 20
Fieldwork Skills GS11320 20
How to Build a Planet * GS11520 20
Life on Earth GS10720 20
Researching the World: data collection and analysis * GS13020 20

* Also available partially or entirely through the medium of Welsh

Careers

What can I do with a degree in Environmental Earth Sciences?

Our graduates have, for example, found employment as environmental consultants, planners, civil servants, surveyors, and in education amongst man other things.

Employability is embedded within all courses provided by us. Our degrees provide a solid foundation for a vast array of careers across a range of sectors. In a rapidly shifting global economy, our graduates are adaptable and able to draw on a range of transferable skills, ensuring that they are always in demand.

The skill sets include:

  • Enhanced mathematical and computational skills;
  • Effective problem solving and creative thinking skills;
  • Information technology skills;
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
  • Time-management, organisational skills;
  • Communication skills both written and oral;
  • Self-motivation and self-reliance.

Teaching & Learning

What will I learn?

The breakdown below will provide you with an illustration of what you may study during the four-year degree scheme.

In the first foundation year, you will be introduced to core components of Environmental Earth Science.

In your second year, you will be introduced to:

  • Primary (solid earth) and secondary (surface processes) environments;
  • Past and present Environmental changes;
  • Potential for predicting future changes in our climate and environment;
  • Field and laboratory skills spanning geology and physical geography.

In your third year you will discover;

  • Geochemistry;
  • The methods of chemical analysis of natural materials;
  • How to apply geophysical and geographical techniques used in site investigations;
  • Quantitative and qualitative data sets.

In your final year you will undertake:

  • An independent research project or dissertation;
  • Optional modules including engineering geology, process glaciology, volcanic activity among many others.

How will I be taught?

Our courses are taught through lectures, seminars, laboratory and computer practical classes, small group tutorials, field courses and individual supervision of project work.

How will I be assessed?

We assess our students through a different range of methods. Some modules are assessed in part through traditional exams, but some have elements of coursework. We also have some modules that may require the student to produce practical reports, oral presentations, the design of web pages, production of short films, or contribution to online discussion forums. Some modules, notably the tutorials and field courses are assessed entirely through coursework. 

Typical Entry Requirements

UCAS Tariff

A Levels Available to those who are studying for, or have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC), to include a relevant science subject (geology, geography or science), and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, work experience in the relevant sector and motivation for study.

GCSE requirements (minimum grade C/4):
English or Welsh and Mathematics

BTEC National Diploma:
Available to those who are studying for, or have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC), to include a relevant science subject (geology, geography or science), and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, work experience in the relevant sector and motivation for study.

International Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC), to include a relevant science subject (geology, geography or science), and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, work experience in the relevant sector and motivation for study.

European Baccalaureate:
Available to those who are studying for, or have completed Level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels or BTEC), to include a relevant science subject (geology, geography or science), and to mature-aged candidates without formal qualifications who have suitable background education, work experience in the relevant sector and motivation for study.

English Language Requirements:
See our Undergraduate English Language Requirements for this course. Pre-sessional English Programmes are also available for students who do not meet our English Language Requirements.

Country Specific Entry Requirements:
International students whose qualification is not listed on this page, can check our Country Specific Entry Requirements for further information.

The University welcomes undergraduate applications from students studying the Access to Higher Education Diploma or T-level qualifications, provided that relevant subject content and learning outcomes are met. We are not able to accept Access to Higher Education Diplomas or T-levels as a general qualification for every undergraduate degree course.
Our inclusive admissions policy values breadth as well as depth of study. Applicants are selected on their own individual merits and offers can vary. If you would like to check the eligibility of your qualifications before submitting an application, please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for advice and guidance.

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