School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience

UCAS tariff 112 - 120 Contextual offers
A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes personal circumstances that may affect grades into account.
UCAS course code F643
Institution code P60
Duration

3 years

(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time

Study location Plymouth

Interdisciplinary scientists play a vital role in addressing critical environmental challenges such as climate change and environmental degradation. This degree combines an understanding of earth materials and planetary change on geological timescales, with environmental science concepts. You will explore complex issues around the transition to a low carbon economy, zero waste construction, carbon capture and storage, and sustainable development.

Innovative Earth Science courses

Our Earth Science courses are designed around a core which provides students with the skills and expertise that are critical to tackle today’s challenges of global environmental change. Ranging from locating and extracting the raw materials needed for a green energy transition to understanding climate history through time, the Earth Sciences play an active role and provide crucial perspectives on our planet's future.

Careers with this subject

Our Earth science students have tremendous opportunities to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment in a variety of work settings. Our hands-on approach to teaching and learning throughout the course will provide you with the topical skills and experience that you can apply to the wide range of career options as graduates.

Key features

  • Develop a range of knowledge and skills essential to a range of careers in the Earth and environmental sectors.
  • Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.
  • Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme uses the unrivalled local range of geological and geographical locations. Residential overseas fieldwork visits regions of active tectonics such as Death Valley, Italy and Sicily.
  • All students have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
  • Students can undertake a placement year, between the second and final year, working full time for a geological employer.
  • Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus .
  • Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree.
  • Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
  • Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.
  • Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.
  • A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. Find out more about equality, diversity and inclusion in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Science .
  • Please note that no Discover Uni results are available yet as this course started in 2021 with the first students graduating from this course in 2024.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Laying the foundations with modules that build core knowledge, your first year provides you with an introduction to essential laboratory and field skills. You'll learn about key Earth processes, take a practical approach to the study of minerals and rocks, develop your understanding of core concepts in sustainable geoscience. Our tutorials will help you gain effective study techniques and computing skills with a personal tutor, providing you with weekly guidance throughout your first year.
    Graphical overview of our course structure.

    Core modules

    ENVS1003
    The Biosphere 20 credits

    This module will describe, illustrate and explain principles, processes and concepts relevant to understanding life on Earth and human impacts upon it.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    ENVS1008
    Environmental Management and Protection 20 credits

    Introductory aspects of environmental sustainability. Critical evaluation of social, environmental and economic aspects of the environmental issues faced by our planet and how they may be solved by using regulation, the law, corporate social responsibility, specific European Union directives, impact assessments and environmental management systems.

    70% Coursework

    30% Tests

    GEOL1008
    Sustainable Geoscience 20 credits

    An introduction to sustainable geoscience and the role of geoscientists in the solution of global challenges and UN sustainable development goals. Introduction to good, professional and ethical scientific practice. The module also introduces the Earth as a system of interlinked spheres (geosphere, hydrosphere, biosphere, atmosphere), and the unifying paradigms associated with geological time and plate tectonics.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    GEOL1009
    Earth Materials and Resources 20 credits

    An introduction to Earth materials (minerals, rocks and resources) and geological structures, focussing on their formation, composition and properties from a theoretical and practical perspective, supported by case study(ies). The environmental and ethical issues associated with resource exploitation will be introduced. Students will be introduced to safe and professional field practice.

    70% Coursework

    30% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEOL1010
    Climate Tectonics and Hazards 40 credits

    This module provides an introduction to Earth Surface processes and their interactions with plate tectonics, at present and in the geological past. Participants learn how an understanding of Earth surface processes and environments can be used in determining the cause and nature of past and future climate and oceanographic change, and in the understanding, prediction and mitigation of a range of geological hazards.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Tests

  • Year 2

  • Year 2 consolidates the knowledge and skills developed in year one, with an emphasis on practical skills. You'll develop observational, analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to use them to answer fundamental questions. You'll also learn how to use a GIS and develop new field skills during a field course in the UK. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes.

    Core modules

    GEES2000
    Placement Preparation 0 credits

    This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

    100% Assessments

    ENVS2003
    Environmental Management and Sustainability 20 credits

    The module covers areas of knowledge essential for all environmental science graduates: ecological economics, life supporting resources and environmental law.

    60% Coursework

    40% Practicals

    ENVS2004
    Environmental Issues and Communication 20 credits

    Through immersion in contemporary environmental issues, this module develops the knowledge and skills necessary to locate, analyse, evaluate and communicate scientific information in a range of contexts and to a range of audiences. Students develop their professional skills, as well as the skills to engage with a wide range of stakeholders and decision makers, from scientific experts to the general public.

    100% Coursework

    GEOL2014
    The Earth Surface and Critical Zone 40 credits

    This module provides a practical and theoretical understanding to the analysis of the Earth surface and near surface (the Critical Zone), integrating a range of data and analytical methods to explore present and ancient environments.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Remotely delivered assessments

    GEOL2015
    The Earth's Interior and Resources 40 credits

    This module provides a theoretical and practical understanding of the analysis of the Earth’s subsurface. Students learn how to analyse and interpret subsurface data (including geophysical techniques) and geological materials formed in the subsurface, applications of these techniques and knowledge in resource exploration and production, and the impacts of subsurface investigations.

    50% Coursework

    25% Practicals

    25% Remotely delivered assessments

  • Optional placement year

  • Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills in the workplace gaining valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry.

    Core modules

    GEES3000
    Placement 0 credits

    This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

    100% Coursework

  • Final year

  • Your third year gives you the opportunity to develop specialised knowledge and skills through selecting optional modules from the Earth and environmental science courses. Optional modules include engineering geology, global environmental solutions, climate change: adaptation and mitigation. You may also undertake advanced fieldwork and will complete an independent research project, which will develop your professional skills.

    Core modules

    GEOL3016
    Geoscience Research Project 40 credits

    This module involves the planning, data collection, data analysis and manipulation, interpretation and presentation of a substantive piece of original geological research, based around primary data collection by the student. The project may involve field, laboratory, desk-based or combination study.

    85% Coursework

    15% Practicals

    GEOL3020
    Professional Field and Core Analysis 20 credits

    Students undertake two applied geological projects, gathering, integrating, analysing, and interpreting structural and stratigraphic data for an applied geological mapping project and an analysis of rock core material, integrating analysis of a range of associated samples and data. Students are trained in a professional methodology to safe and ethical practice and presentation of the work to a range of audiences.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

    GEOL3022
    Environmental and Resource Geoscience 20 credits

    This module investigates the interactions between humans and the subsurface, from the impact of industrial legacies on land quality and water resources, to the role that the subsurface plays in renewable energy storage. Students learn to use industry standard software and workflows to evaluate subsurface sites for energy resources, safe subsurface storage of resources, carbon dioxide or hazardous waste.

    50% Coursework

    50% Practicals

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Entry requirements

UCAS tariff

112 - 120

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

IB
28 - 30 points overall to include science related subjects.
A level
112 points including a minimum of 2 A Levels in a science subject (see subject list below) or 120 points including 1 A Level in a science subject (see subject list below).
We accept the following A Level subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology.
T Level
Merit overall from any science pathway.
BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma
DMM to DDM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukif you do not meet this criteria.
BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.
Access
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.ukif you do not meet this criteria.
GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.
We welcome applicants with international qualifications. To view other accepted qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary .

Fees, costs and funding

New student 2024-2025 2025-2026 *
Home £9,250 £9,535
International £18,100 £18,650
Part time (Home) £770 £795
Full time fees shown are per annum. Part time fees shown are per 10 credits. Please note that fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them shown in the prospectus are correct at the time of going to print. Fees shown on the web are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

Undergraduate scholarships for international students

To reward outstanding achievement the University of Plymouth offers scholarship schemes to help towards funding your studies.

Additional costs

This course is delivered by the Faculty of Science and Engineering and more details of any additional costs associated with the faculty's courses are listed on the following page: Additional fieldwork and equipment costs .

Tuition fees for optional placement years

The fee for all undergraduate students completing any part of their placement year in the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,850.
The fee for all undergraduate students completing their whole placement year outside the UK in 2024/2025 is £1,385.
Learn more about placement year tuition fees

How to apply

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.
Support is also available to overseas students applying to the University from our International Office via our how to apply webpage or email admissions@plymouth.ac.uk.

Adrienne, BSc (Hons) Geology student, shares her experience of a course field trip in Italy.

Our suite of courses offer opportunities for overseas fieldwork.

Discover facilities in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences

As student in the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences you will have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities.
These will support your learning in the field and in the laboratory – whether in traditional chemistry lab or a high-performance computing room. Many are solely for the use of our students and researchers and you will also have access to LABplus Resource Centre and the Marine Station.
Students using a petrographic microscope

Complete University Guide 2025

Our Earth Sciences degrees were ranked overall fifth in UK for overall student satisfaction by the Complete University Guide 2025

Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2025

89.3% of Earth and marine sciences students were satisfied with teaching according to the Guardian Best UK Universities guide 2025

QS World University Rankings 2023

In top 15 UK universities for earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics - QS World University Rankings by subject 2023

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2022*

The University of Plymouth has been named among the top 5% of universities globally in 2022 for its contribution to the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals*, in particular, work on marine issues and on climate change. In the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences, sustainability is at the heart of our research and teaching. From sustainable cities, affordable and clean energy, to climate policy, biodiversity, and natural hazards, our academic staff work with partners locally and overseas to help understand, communicate and solve fundamental and pressing sustainability challenges.
Find out more in our press release

People

 

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