BSc

Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year studying abroad)

Environmental Earth Science (with integrated year studying abroad) Code F642 Attend an Open Day Attend an Open Day

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Key Facts

F642

  • UCAS Tariff

    120 - 96

  • Course duration

    4 years

Available for September start 2025

Further details on entry requirements

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The BSc in Environmental Earth Science with integrated year studying abroad at Aberystwyth University offers you the unique opportunity to study Environmental Earth Science in one of the most picturesque locations in Europe and undertake a year studying with one of our International or European partners.

Aberystwyth University’s Department of Geography and Earth Sciences is the most established and experienced department 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. Our facilities are recognised by Natural Environment Research Council (NERC).



Course Overview

Why study Environmental Science with integrated year studying abroad at Aberystwyth University?

  • Become a student in a University where the student experience is exceptional and memorable
  • Immerse yourself in a department that informs all students of the innovating research that has impact locally, nationally and internationally
  • Gain a detailed insight into key themes in geography, geology and environmental studies
  • Develop a deeper understanding of the most significant environmental challenges of our time, including climate change and biodiversity loss
  • Gain insight into mass extinctions and what they can tell us about human environment relations today
  • Explore a diverse range of modules which include sustainable development policy, geohazards, wildlife management, and marine biology
  • The course offers flexibility in the modules you choose and the themes that you specialise in
  • Enjoy a diverse range of fieldwork opportunities
  • Benefit from facilities that are recognised by NERC (Natural Environment Research Council)
  • Gain valuable experience of how different countries approach environmental issues with the integrated year studying abroad

Want to study in Welsh?

The Department offers a number of modules taught through the medium of Welsh. Check out the module tab 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
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 found employment as environmental consultants, planners, civil servants, surveyors, and in education, amongst many other things.

Employability is embedded within all our courses. 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
  • the 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

International Opportunities:

Alongside employment experience, independent travel is also acknowledged as a key ingredient in student development. To support this, we offer bursaries to support undergraduate travel. Recent destinations have included Uganda, Madagascar, Peru, Mount Etna and the United States.

Environmental and Earth Sciences students has also established partnerships with European Universities including: the University of Bergen, the University of Oulu, Finland, and the University Centre in Svalbard, giving students the unique experience of studying in one of the world’s most extreme environments.

We also have strong links with a number of universities in North America. In recent years, our Exchange Co-ordinator has overseen placements at Purdue University (Indiana), the University of Alabama, the University of Georgia, the University of Montana and the University of Ottawa in Canada, giving you numerous options for your year studying abroad.

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 your first 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 second 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

During your third year, you will undertake your year studying abroad in one of our European or international partnered universities. 

In your final year you will undertake

  • 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 120 - 96

A Levels BBB-CCC to include a science related subject

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

BTEC National Diploma:
DDM-MMM with a specified subject

International Baccalaureate:
30-28 points with 5 points in a science subject at Higher Level

European Baccalaureate:
75%-65% overall with 7 in a science subject

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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