Earth Sciences

The Bachelor of Science in Earth Sciences at University College London offers a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to understanding the Earth’s processes, structure, and history. This program is designed to provide students with a thorough knowledge of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and environmental sciences, equipping them with the skills necessary to analyze the Earth's physical properties and dynamic systems. Throughout the course, students will explore topics such as plate tectonics, mineralogy, seismic activity, natural resource distribution, and climate change impacts, all within a global context. The program emphasizes practical laboratory experience, fieldwork, and data analysis, enabling students to develop essential research and problem-solving skills. Students will also have the opportunity to engage in cutting-edge research projects, work alongside renowned experts in the field, and utilize state-of-the-art facilities and laboratory equipment. UCL’s Earth Sciences programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in environmental consultancy, resource extraction industries, academic research, and scientific policy development. It fosters critical thinking, scientific communication, and innovative approaches to solving some of the most pressing environmental challenges facing our planet today. The curriculum balances foundational earth science concepts with opportunities for specialization in areas such as volcanology, paleontology, geodynamics, or environmental geology. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and the responsible management of Earth's resources, the program also addresses the societal impacts of geological processes and climate change. Graduates will be well-equipped to contribute to scientific understanding and sustainable solutions for the future of our planet.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 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 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

On entry to the programme, you will select a pathway through the subject (General, Palaeobiology, or Environment and Policy). The programme includes many optional modules across Earth Sciences.

Students should normally take at least five half-module credits in UCL Earth Sciences each year. Modules based in other departments may be chosen from those listed for the Environmental Geoscience, Geology and Geophysics degree programmes and the Palaeobiology and Environment and Policy pathways.

The third year has an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning.

Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.

A levels

Grades

AAA-ABB

Subjects

Two sciences preferred.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34-38

Subjects

A score of 16-18 points in three higher level subjects, preferably to include two sciences, with no score lower than 5.

The Earth Sciences programs at University College London offer a range of funding options for prospective students. Scholarships and bursaries are available to both domestic and international students, including university-specific awards, government-sponsored funding, and external grants. The UCL Global Undergraduate Scholarship, for example, provides financial support to outstanding international students, covering tuition fees and living costs. Additionally, the UCL Prospect Scholarship offers assistance to students demonstrating exceptional academic achievement and financial need. For UK students, the government’s Student Loan Company provides loans that cover tuition fees and offer maintenance support during the course duration. Many students also seek funding through external organizations such as the Geological Society, which offers grants and scholarships specifically for earth sciences students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Work-study opportunities and paid internships available through UCL’s careers service enable students to supplement their income while gaining practical experience in scientific research and fieldwork. Furthermore, some programmes may provide dedicated bursaries for field trip costs, research project funding, or equipment subsidies, ensuring students can fully participate in all aspects of their studies. International students are advised to explore additional funding options available through their home countries, as well as scholarships offered by external foundations and institutions. Entry scholarships are generally awarded based on academic excellence, and students are encouraged to apply early to be considered for multiple funding opportunities. UCL’s financial aid office provides detailed guidance and application support to help students identify suitable funding sources aligned with their study plans. Overall, the university’s comprehensive approach to financing studies aims to make earth sciences education accessible to talented students from diverse backgrounds, facilitating their academic and professional growth in the field of geology, geophysics, and environmental science.

The BSc Earth Sciences program at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive foundation in understanding the Earth's physical constitution, its processes, and its history. The program is designed to develop a deep knowledge of geosciences through a combination of theoretical coursework, practical laboratory work, and field studies, enabling students to explore the Earth's structure, composition, and the dynamic processes shaping our planet.

Students begin their studies with fundamental courses in geology, geophysics, mineralogy, and petrology, which provide essential insights into the Earth's materials and its internal and surface processes. As the program progresses, students have the opportunity to specialize in areas such as structural geology, volcanology, geomorphology, paleontology, and environmental geoscience, fostering a tailored educational experience aligned with their interests and career aspirations.

Practical skills are emphasized throughout, including fieldwork conducted both within the UK and internationally, as well as laboratory techniques such as microscopy, geophysical surveys, and data analysis. The program also incorporates modern computational tools and software used in Earth sciences research, preparing students for the technical demands of the field.

A distinctive feature of UCL’s Earth Sciences program is its focus on addressing real-world problems related to natural hazards, climate change, resource management, and sustainable development. Students are encouraged to engage with current scientific debates and research projects, often collaborating with leading experts in the field.

The program includes opportunities for independent research, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to investigate a geoscientific problem in depth. UCL’s central London location provides access to world-renowned geological collections, research centres, and partnerships with industry and governmental agencies, enriching the academic experience.

Graduates of the BSc Earth Sciences program are well-equipped to pursue careers in environmental consultancy, natural resource management, scientific research, archaeology, geotechnical engineering, and further postgraduate study. The program's rigorous training, combined with the university’s strong research links, ensure that students are prepared for both academic and professional success in the geosciences.