Earth Science
University of Portsmouth
UCAS Code: F643 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
A level
112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, with 32 points from a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics).
112-122 Tariff points from the Access to HE Diploma (Science or Engineering).
Cambridge Pre-U score of 46-50, to include a Principal Subject in Science (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) M3.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade C or above, or equivalent/GCSE English, Mathematics and Science at grade 4 or above, or equivalent.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
25 points from the IB Diploma, to include 3 Higher Level subjects, with 5 points from a Higher Level in a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics). 4 points from Standard Level English and Mathematics (if not passed at GCSE grade C or above).
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H3,H3,H3,H3,H4-H3,H3,H3,H3,H3
To include a Higher Level Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at H3.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a Science based subject.
112-120 Tariff points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers, to include a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics) at grade D.
Acceptable when combined with other qualifications.
T Level
Acceptable T Level Subjects: T Level in Health, T Level in Healthcare Science, T Level in Science
UCAS Tariff
112-120 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent, with 32 points from a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics).
112-120 points from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate including 1 A level, with 32 points from a Science subject (Applied Science, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics), plus the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
**This is a Connected Degree**
Portsmouth is the only University in the UK with the flexibility to choose when to do an optional paid placement or self-employed year. Either take a placement in your third year, or finish your studies first and complete a placement in your fourth year. You can decide if and when to take a placement after you've started your course.
Earth science is critical for understanding how our planet works, and how we can use its resources responsibly to ensure a sustainable future. It underpins current efforts to move to greener energy, understand and tackle the impacts of climate change, predict and plan against natural hazards, and to build safe, sustainable and resilient cities.
**On this Earth science degree course, you'll follow one of three pathways at the end of your first year**
These pathways will provide you with the skills for a career across the diverse Earth science space, either by direct entry to the workplace or by taking one of our applied Earth science Master's degrees.
**BSc (Hons) Geology pathway**
Geology is the study of the earth beneath our feet – 4.5 billion years of rich and fascinating history. On this pathway, you’ll examine the immense natural processes that have shaped our planet's evolution through geological time, including tectonics, climate change and natural hazards.
Geologists work to understand, locate and sustainably manage the earth's resources. By learning how the earth's natural resources were formed, you'll develop skills essential to addressing global challenges and transitioning towards a green economy.
**BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology pathway**
As the only engineering degree taught in science anywhere in the UK, this course will enable you to apply geoscience to the built environments of the future.
On this pathway, you’ll learn the fundamentals of geological science and develop the technical expertise to work on the design and construction of tunnels, roads, dams, and surface and underground mine excavations, at a university where engineering geology and geotechnics have been taught for more than 50 years.
**BSc (Hons) Environmental Geology pathway**
Environmental geologists investigate the interface between the solid earth and the environment, understanding the fundamentals of geological sciences and focusing on how Earth’s climate has evolved through geological time.
On this pathway you will learn a unique and diverse set of skills critical to many modern day environmental issues, including renewable energies, the shift to a low carbon economy, water resource management and environmental mitigation and remediation of industrial land.
**Careers and opportunities**
Careers in geology, engineering geology and environmental geology are particularly buoyant at present with demand being driven by large infrastructure projects (HS2), offshore wind projects, and nuclear power station construction. This means geologists are in high demand – in 2020, the role of geologist was added to the UK shortage occupation list.
**Graduate roles**
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- mining geologist
- well-site geologist
- geotechnical engineer
- geographical information system (GIS) mapper
- offshore geophysicist
- engineering geologist
- mineral exploration geologist
- geo-environmental engineer
**Graduate destinations**
They've gone on to work for organisations such as:
- GEA
- Gardline
- Global Map Aid
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
- Land Referencing Services (LRS)
- Hydrock
- Ordnance Survey
- Aggregate Industries UK
- Leap Environmental
- Hummingbird Resources
**Placement year**
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
Modules
All 3 pathways share a common first year
Core modules
Engineering Geology and Geohazards – 20 credits
How the Earth Works – 20 credits
Earth Materials – 20 credits
Sedimentology and Palaeontology – 20 credits
Global Environmental Challenges – 20 credits
Analysis of the Earth and Environment – 20 credits
Optional modules
There are no optional modules in this year.
BSc (Hons) Geology pathway (Year 2)
Core modules
Dynamic Earth – 20 credits
GIS and Remote Sensing – 20 credits
Professional Skills and Careers – 20 credits
Structural Geology – 20 credits
Sedimentary Processes and Facies Analysis – 20 credits
Optional modules
Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow – 20 credits
Volcanoes – 20 credits
BSc (Hons) Geology pathway (placement year)
An optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years will give you valuable experience of working in industry. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
BSc (Hons) Geology pathway (Year 3)
Core modules
Earth Science Project – 40 credits
Earth Science in the Workplace – 20 credits
Mineral Resources and Exploration – 20 credits
Optional modules
Analytical Methods For Earth and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits
Applications of Palaeontology and Sedimentology – 20 credits
Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics – 20 credits
Geohazard Risk Management – 20 credits
Hazardscapes – 20 credits
Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
Oceans, Climates and Environments – 20 credits
Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology – 20 credits
BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology pathway (Year 2)
Core modules
Engineering Geology of Soil and Rocks – 20 credits
GIS and Remote Sensing – 20 credits
Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow – 20 credits
Professional Skills and Careers – 20 credits
Structural Geology – 20 credits
Terrain Evaluation – 20 credits
Optional modules
There are no optional modules in this year.
BSc (Hons) Engineering Geology pathway (placement year)
An optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years will give you valuable experience of working in industry. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology pathway (Year 3)
Core modules
Earth Science Project – 40 credits
Earth Science in the Workplace – 20 credits
Geohazard Risk Management – 20 credits
Ground Engineering – 20 credits
Optional modules
Hazardscapes – 20 credits
Quaternary Geology and Geomorphology – 20 credits
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geology pathway (Year 2)
Core modules
Professional Skills and Careers – 20 credits
GIS and Remote Sensing – 20 credits
Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow – 20 credits
Terrain Evaluation – 20 credits
Energy Resources and the Science of Zero Carbon – 20 credits
Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring – 20 credits
Optional modules
There are no optional modules in this year.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geology pathway (placement year)
An optional work placement year between your 2nd and 3rd years will give you valuable experience of working in industry. We’ll help you secure a work placement that fits your situation and ambitions. You’ll get mentoring and support throughout the year.
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geology pathway (Year 3)
Core modules
Earth Science Project – 40 credits
Earth Science in the Workplace – 20 credits
Environmental Assessment and Management – 20 credits
Optional modules
Analytical Methods For Earth and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits
Climate Change – 20 credits
Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics – 20 credits
Environmental Pollution and Waste Management – 20 credits
European Study Tour – 20 credits
Geohazard Risk Management – 20 credits
Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
Oceans, Climates and Environments – 20 credits
The Green Economy – 20 credits
Tropical Study Tour – 20 credits
Assessment methods
You’ll be assessed through:
- laboratory reports
- oral and poster presentations
- reports on field-based projects
- computer-based assessment
You’ll be able to test your skills and knowledge informally before you do assessments that count towards your final mark.
You can get feedback on all practice and formal assessments so you can improve in the future.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Portsmouth
Faculty of Science and Health
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Civil engineering
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
Sciences (non-specific)
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Civil engineering
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
Do you want to be in demand? This might be the degree for you! We are officially short of civil engineers, and so around two thirds of civil engineering graduates start jobs specifically as civil engineers, and starting salaries are well over £25k last year. Demand for civil engineers and related jobs - we're short of all of them - means that good graduates have plenty of options directly related to their degree when they graduate. This is a subject where work experience can be very helpful in getting a job and many students do work for engineering companies while they take their degrees.
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Earth sciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£19k
£24k
£28k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Civil engineering
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£27k
£31k
£38k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
Sorry, no information to show
This is usually because there were too few respondents in the data we receive to be able to provide results about the subject at this university.
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You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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