Earth Sciences

The MSc in Earth Sciences at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous exploration of the Earth's physical properties, processes, and history. This programme is designed for students with a strong background in the sciences who wish to deepen their understanding of geophysical, geological, and environmental systems. Over the course of the programme, students will engage with advanced topics such as solid Earth geophysics, geomaterials, planetary processes, geodynamics, and Earth's evolution through geological time. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory work, field studies, and computational modeling, providing students with a well-rounded skill set applicable in research, academia, and industry. Students have the opportunity to learn from leading experts in the field, leading to a rich, collaborative learning environment. The programme emphasizes quantitative analysis, critical thinking, and independent research, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to explore a specialized area of Earth sciences in depth. The University’s facilities, including state-of-the-art laboratories and access to extensive geological collections and field sites, support hands-on learning experiences. Graduates of this MSc programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in research, environmental consultancy, resource exploration, or further academic study. The programme also prepares students for doctoral research and careers in science communication and policy related to Earth sciences. With a history of academic excellence and a vibrant scholarly community, the University of Oxford provides an ideal setting for aspiring Earth scientists to develop their expertise and contribute to our understanding of the planet.

The DPhil is an advanced degree by research that will take between three to four years to complete. You will have at least two (and sometimes more) supervisors, who are experts in their field, and who provide the project research framework, guidance and mentoring throughout the program. You will typically join a research group and work alongside other research students, postdoctoral researchers and academics in the same general research area – all of whom provide additional support and advice for DPhil students. Academic activity across research groups is also strongly encouraged.

While the focus of the DPhil is on your development to conduct independent research, there are formal courses available both within the Department of Earth Sciences and other departments in the Maths, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division. Formal courses are organised through the MPLS Graduate Academic Program and include generic skills such as advice on science writing, as well as subject specific specialist courses. These allow the structured course components to be tailored to your individual research project needs. 

There are also paid opportunities for you to gain teaching experience by demonstrating laboratory classes to undergraduates, assisting on undergraduate fieldtrips or in tutorial teaching. 

You will be encouraged to present your research at national and international meetings and publish in internationally-recognised science journals. You may also choose to take part in outreach activities, explaining to the public and schoolchildren the exciting science conducted in the department. Within the department you will be part of a community of seventy research students including students within the strands of the Environmental Research NERC Doctoral Training Partnership and the Oil and Gas NERC Centre for Doctoral Training.

Examination of the DPhil is in three stages. After the first year and between years two and three a formal report, presentation and interview are required to confirm your status as a DPhil candidate. At the end of the degree a written thesis is submitted and this is examined viva voce by an external expert in the field and moderated by an internal member of faculty.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in science or mathematics.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a minimum of an upper-second or first class degree or the equivalent. Most candidates have a master's degree or the equivalent.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Research proposal: One to two pages
• Written work: 500 words
• References/letters of recommendation: Three overall, all of which must be academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Standard level

The Earth Sciences program at the University of Oxford offers a range of financial support options to help students manage the costs associated with their studies. Tuition fees vary depending on whether the student is from the UK, the EU, or overseas. For UK students, the annual tuition fee typically ranges between £9,250 and £15,000, while international students can expect to pay between approximately £25,000 and £35,000 per year. These fees are subject to annual updates and can differ for different levels or specializations within the program.

In addition to tuition fees, students should consider living expenses, which include accommodation, food, travel, books, and personal costs. Oxford forecasts that living costs for students generally range from £12,000 to £15,000 per year, depending on lifestyle and accommodation choice. The university offers a variety of accommodation options on and off-campus, often at different price points, with some funding opportunities linked to residence arrangements.

Financial aid and scholarship opportunities are available for both undergraduate and graduate students in Earth Sciences. The university provides numerous scholarships, grants, and bursaries based on academic merit, financial need, or a combination of both. For example, the Clarendon Fund offers full scholarships covering tuition and living costs for outstanding graduate students. Other departmental-specific scholarships may be available, and prospective students are encouraged to explore these via the university’s official scholarships and funding pages.

Students are also encouraged to seek external funding sources, such as government-sponsored scholarships, research council awards, and private foundations. Many students secure funding from national agencies like UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) or other international scholarship bodies. The university’s financial aid office provides guidance and advice on applying for various funding sources, as well as information about work opportunities on campus, which can help supplement income during studies.

Furthermore, students can apply for part-time work opportunities available in and around Oxford, including tutoring, research assistant positions, or university support roles. These positions are typically subject to available hours and may help students cover some personal expenses.

Overall, funding for Earth Sciences studies at Oxford is comprehensive, combining tuition scholarships, living cost assistance, and employment opportunities. The university’s aim is to make its high-quality education accessible to students from diverse backgrounds by providing ample financial support options. Each student’s financial situation and eligibility criteria vary, so it is important to check the latest details directly through Oxford’s official admissions and funding pages to ensure up-to-date information and application deadlines.

The Earth Sciences program at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of the Earth's structure, composition, processes, and history. The program is highly interdisciplinary, integrating aspects of geology, geophysics, geochemistry, and environmental science to equip graduates with the skills needed to address complex Earth-related challenges. Students engage in both theoretical learning and practical laboratory and fieldwork, allowing them to apply scientific principles to real-world problems. The course covers fundamental topics such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, geochronology, and tectonics, as well as advanced areas like planetary science and climate change. Emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, data analysis, and research skills to prepare students for careers in academia, industry, government, or environmental consultancy. The university's well-equipped laboratories and extensive field stations provide an ideal environment for hands-on learning. Students have access to state-of-the-art instrumentation and computational tools to enhance their understanding and research capabilities. The program also offers opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations, internships, and participation in research projects, fostering a well-rounded academic experience. Graduates of the Earth Sciences program at Oxford are well-prepared to contribute to scientific understanding and sustainable management of the Earth's resources and environment.