Our students are greatly sought after. Over the last five years 25% of our 80 PhD graduates have gone into the oil and other industries; 25% to research fellowships; 29% to work on research grants and contracts; 10% directly into university teaching posts and 11% into non-scientific posts including the civil service. Many of the research fellows have also subsequently gone into industry, university and research institute posts.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the programme, students will have:

• a comprehensive understanding of techniques, and a thorough knowledge of the literature, applicable to their own research;
• demonstrated originality in the application of knowledge, together with a practical understanding of how research and enquiry are used to create and interpret knowledge in their field;
• shown abilities in the critical evaluation of current research and research techniques and methodologies;
• demonstrated self-direction and originality in tackling and solving problems, and acted autonomously in the planning and implementation of research;
• produced a dissertation for examination.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive an online feedback report each term.

Assessment

Thesis

The thesis is not to exceed, without the prior permission of the Degree Committee, 275 numbered pages of which not more than 225 pages are text, appendices, illustrations and bibliography. A page of text is A4 one-and-a-half-spaced normal size type. The additional 50 pages may comprise tables of data and/or computer programmes reduced in size.

The examination shall include an oral examination on the thesis and on the general field of knowledge within which it falls.

Other

All PhD students will be expected to submit a short report within 8 months of starting. The report will be up to 2,000 words maximum (plus figures). It should summarize the aims of the project within its wider research area, the students activities and results so far, and outline plans for the next stages of work. Progess will be determined by assessment of this report.

Students will also be expected to complete transferable skills training during the PhD.

• Magistr (Master's Degree) at Pass level. Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of good or 4/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 4/5 Bologna Bachelor's from other institutions with an overall grade of 5/5, Excellent
• Diploma Specialista (completed post-1991) with a minimum overall grade of Excellent or 5/5 Bachelor's from Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology and other prestigious institutions with an overall grade of 5/5
• IELTS (Academic) 7.0
• TOEFL Internet Score 100
• £50 application fee
• First Academic Reference
• Second Academic Reference
• Transcript
• CV/Resumé
• Personal Reference

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Earth Sciences program at the University of Cambridge offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Undergraduate students pursuing this program can benefit from various funding sources, including government grants, scholarships, bursaries, and loans. The UK government provides maintenance loans to eligible students to help cover living costs, which are available regardless of nationality for those meeting residency requirements. Additionally, the university offers dedicated scholarships for Earth Sciences students based on academic merit and financial need. These scholarships can cover full or partial tuition fees, and some include stipends for living expenses. International students may also have access to external funding opportunities, including international scholarships and grants provided by their home countries or other organizations. Cambridge also participates in various research council funding schemes, which support postgraduate students through doctoral training partnerships and research grants. Prospective postgraduate students can apply for university-funded scholarships, such as the Cambridge Diamond, Harding, or Gates Scholars, which are highly competitive. Furthermore, many students pursue part-time work or research assistantships to supplement their income during the course. The university’s careers service provides guidance on work opportunities, internships, and other financial planning resources. Overall, students enrolled in the Earth Sciences program are encouraged to explore multiple avenues of financial aid, including scholarships, government support, and employment, to make their studies more affordable and accessible.

The University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive and highly regarded program in Earth Sciences, designed to provide students with a broad understanding of the physical, chemical, and biological processes that shape our planet. This undergraduate degree aims to equip students with essential skills in critical thinking, scientific investigation, and data analysis, which are vital for careers in research, environmental consultancy, resource management, and policymaking. The program combines theoretical coursework with practical laboratory sessions, fieldwork, and research projects, enabling students to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Students begin their studies with foundational courses covering geology, mineralogy, and physical geography, alongside introductory physics, chemistry, and mathematics. As they progress, the curriculum delves into more specialized topics such as petrology, geophysics, palaeontology, climate science, and hydrogeology. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, encouraging students to integrate data and methods from different scientific areas to develop a holistic understanding of Earth's systems.

The program includes opportunities for field trips and practical data collection, providing firsthand experience of geological formations, landscapes, and environmental monitoring techniques. Students are encouraged to participate in research projects, often involving collaborations with government agencies, academic institutions, and industry partners, to gain valuable insights and practical skills.

Graduates from the Earth Sciences program at Cambridge are well-prepared for further study at the postgraduate level or for careers in sectors such as environmental consultancy, oil and gas exploration, mineral resource development, natural hazard assessment, and scientific research. The department boasts world-class faculty, state-of-the-art laboratories, and extensive library resources, ensuring students receive a rigorous and enriching educational experience. The program's reputation for academic excellence and its strong emphasis on research and practical training make it one of the leading Earth Sciences courses in the UK and worldwide.