Earth Science
University of Portsmouth
UCAS Code: F643 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
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 and mathematics at grade C/4 or above.
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:
- Analysis of the Earth and Environment (20 credits)
- Earth Materials (20 credits)
- Engineering Geology and Geohazards (20 credits)
- Global Environmental Challenges (20 credits)
- How the Earth Works (20 credits)
- Sedimentology and Palaeontology (20 credits)
BSc (Hons) Geology pathway (Year 2):
Core modules:
- Dynamic Earth (20 credits)
- Gis and Remote Sensing (20 credits)
- Professional Skills and Careers (20 credits)
- Sedimentary Processes and Facies Analysis (20 credits)
- Structural Geology (20 credits)
Optional modules:
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow (20 credits)
- Volcanoes (20 credits)
BSc (Hons) Geology pathway (Year 3)
Core modules:
- Earth Science in the Workplace (20 credits)
- Mineral Resources & Exploration (20 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
Optional modules:
- Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Sciences (20 credits)
- Applications of Palaeontology & Sedimentology (20 credits)
- Earth Evolution & Plate Tectonics (20 credits)
- Engineering Geology Practice (20 credits)
- Hazardscapes (20 credits)
- Introduction to Teaching (20 credits)
- Quaternary Geology & Geomorphology (20 credits)
BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology pathway (Year 2)
Core modules
- Engineering Geology of Soil and Rock (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)
BEng (Hons) Engineering Geology pathway (Year 3):
Core modules:
- Earth Science in the Workplace (20 credits)
- Engineering Geology Practice (20 credits)
- Ground Engineering (20 credits)
- Quaternary Geology & Geomorphology (20 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geology pathway (Year 2)
Core modules:
- Energy Resources and the Science of Zero Carbon (20 credits)
- Environmental Chemistry and Monitoring (20 credits)
- Gis and Remote Sensing (20 credits)
- Professional Skills and Careers (20 credits)
Optional modules:
- Environmental Fieldwork and Professional Skills (20 credits)
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow (20 credits)
- Terrain Evaluation (20 credits)
BSc (Hons) Environmental Geology pathway (Year 3):
Core modules:
- Earth Science in the Workplace (20 credits)
- Environmental Assessment and Management (20 credits)
- Research Project (40 credits)
Optional modules:
- Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Sciences (20 credits)
- Climate Change (20 credits)
- Earth Evolution & Plate Tectonics (20 credits)
- Engineering Geology Practice (20 credits)
- Environmental Pollution and Waste Management (20 credits)
- Introduction to Teaching (20 credits)
Placement year:
Boost your employability by taking an industry-based work placement year with a relevant organisation or immerse yourself in another culture by studying for a year at one of our partner universities worldwide.
This is an amazing opportunity to either put everything you’ve learned so far into action in a real workplace or expand your horizons and set yourself up for your future career by studying abroad and becoming a student ambassador for our university."
Depending on what you choose, we’ll help you find and secure an exciting placement opportunity within an appropriate company or organisation, or you’ll expand your global perspective and develop additional skills to boost your future career during a study abroad year.
This is a Connected Degree:
We're the only university that gives you the flexibility to choose when to take a work placement. Take it after your 2nd year, before returning to finish your studies. Or after your final year, connecting you into the workplace.
If you're not sure if or when to take your placement, don't worry. You'll have plenty of time to settle into your studies and explore your options before making your choice.
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 the overall teaching satisfaction score 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.
£22k
£25k
£30k
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.
£30k
£35k
£39k
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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Higher entry requirements
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We've received this information from the Department for Education, via Ucas. This is how the university as a whole has been rated for its quality of teaching: gold silver or bronze. Note, not all universities have taken part in the TEF.
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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).
This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.
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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.
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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