MEarthSci Earth and Planetary Sciences

Year of entry: 2024

Overview

Degree awarded
MEarthSci with Honours
Duration
4 years
Typical A-level offer

AAA, including specific subjects .

Typical contextual A-level offer

AAB including specific subjects .

Find out more about contextual admissions.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
Find out more about contextual admissions.
Typical International Baccalaureate offer

36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Full entry requirements

How to apply
Apply through UCAS .
Sustainable Development Goals

Find out how this course aligns to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including learning which relates to:

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy
  • Goal 13: Climate action
  • Goal 14: Life below water
  • Goal 15: Life on land

Course overview

  • Gain a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence our future in this 4-year, integrated master's (MEarthSci) degree.
  • Learn to read the 4.5 billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our solar system, and the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earth's energy and resources.
  • Head to geologically and environmentally fascinating locations in the UK and abroad on cv-enhancing field trips that will equip you with transferable skills.
  • Study at a UK top 10 university for Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences. (THE World Rankings 2023)

Open days

For details of the next University Undergraduate Open Days, please visit the main University website to register online.

You can now watch Virtual Open Day sessions  on demand . The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences have hosted virtual subject sessions which you can  stream  to learn more about our undergraduate degree programmes.

Fees

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £33,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

Policy on additional costs

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships/sponsorships

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our  undergraduate student finance pages  and the  Department funding pages .

UN Sustainable Development Goals

The 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the world's call to action on the most pressing challenges facing humanity. At The University of Manchester, we address the SDGs through our research and particularly in partnership with our students.

Led by our innovative research, our teaching ensures that all our graduates are empowered, inspired and equipped to address the key socio-political and environmental challenges facing the world.

To illustrate how our teaching will empower you as a change maker, we've highlighted the key SDGs that our courses address.

  • Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy

    Ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all

  • Goal 13: Climate action

    Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts

  • Goal 14: Life below water

    Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development

  • Goal 15: Life on land

    Protect, restore and promote sustainable use of terrestrial ecosystems, sustainably manage forests, combat desertification, and halt and reverse land degradation and halt biodiversity loss

Contact details

Department
Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences
Contact name
Admissions Office
Telephone
+44 161 306 0888
Email
Website
https://www.ees.manchester.ac.uk/
School/Faculty overview

Our internationally-renowned expertise across the School of Natural Sciences informs research led teaching with strong collaboration across disciplines, unlocking new and exciting fields and translating science into reality.  Our multidisciplinary learning and research activities advance the boundaries of science for the wider benefit of society, inspiring students to promote positive change through educating future leaders in the true fundamentals of science. Find out more about Science and Engineering at Manchester .

Courses in related subject areas

Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.

Compare this course

Entry requirements

A-level

AAA, including at least one science subject.

Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography.

If Geography is the only science subject being taken, applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course.

If you miss the MEarthSci/MEnvSci grades, but meet the BSc grades (ABB), you will automatically be considered for the BSc option. 

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.  

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. 

Contextual offer

AAB, including at least one science subject.

If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course. 

If you miss the MEarthSci/MEnvSci grades, but meet the BSc grades (BBB), you will automatically be considered for the BSc option. 

Find out more about contextual admissions.  

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive.

Duration of A-level study

Your application will be considered against the standard selection process of your chosen course if you either: 

a) sat your examinations early; 

or

b) followed an accelerated curriculum and spent three years studying A-levels where the examinations were taken over two years. 

If you are studying an advanced curriculum where the examinations are spread over three years, consideration for an offer will be at the discretion of the admissions tutor for that subject.

AS-level

AS-level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Unit grade information

The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available.  Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application.  Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.

GCSE

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE  Mathematics. 

GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.

Including grade 1 or 2 in the Oral exam component, if applicable.

International Baccalaureate

36 points overall with 6,6,6 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject.

We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.

Other international entry requirements

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

Scottish requirements

Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: 

Three Advanced Highers with grades AAB, including at least one science subject. 

Or

Two Advanced Highers with grades AB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades AA in additional subjects. 

English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team. 

Welsh Baccalaureate

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject.

European Baccalaureate

Typically we require 83% overall with 8.5 in three written subjects, including at least one science subject.

AQA Baccalaureate

The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.

In making offers, the University will focus on the three A-levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate.  

The A-level requirements for the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences are AAA, including at least one science subject. 

The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.

Foundation year

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester International Foundation Programme are required to achieve grades AAA, including least one science subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation Programme are required to achieve AAA, including least one science subject, and grade B in English for Academic Purposes (EAP).

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Department Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC qualifications

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Applied Science National Extended Diploma with grades DDD which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units. 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

We consider the National Diploma with grades DD when taken with one science A-level with grade A.  

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

We consider the National Foundation Diploma with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject. 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate  

We consider the National Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject. 

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate  

We do not consider the National Certificate for entry to this course. 

Legacy BTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (with grade D or above) and two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject. 

We do not consider the BTEC Certificate for entry to this course. 

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team. 

OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)  

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD, plus one science A-level with grade A.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)  

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus one science A-level at grade A.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC).

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grade D, plus two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate  (CTEC)  

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D, plus two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Certificate (CTEC)  

We do not consider the Technical Certificate for entry to this course.

Legacy CTEC qualifications

The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or very similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018).

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Department Admissions Team

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. 

The specific course requirements are 45 graded credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science, and remaining 6 credits at Merit. We may request a copy of your modules.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, D3, D3 in Principal subjects, including at least one science subject.

We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken.

The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions.

If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year.

T Level

We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this course. The University does accept specific T Level qualifications on a number of courses please review to our T Level information page for a full list.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

Core Maths

The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).

Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student. However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider their application, particularly for certain non-science courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element.

We advise students to contact the academic Department, who will clarify whether their specific portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry on to their chosen course.

Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A-level.

Home-schooled applicants

If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying. You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.  

We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education. Please refer to UCAS for further information.

If you are a home-schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the Department Admissions Team.

Non-standard educational routes

Mature applicants who are returning to studies after a break from formal education will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the Department Admissions Team directly. Further information for mature students  can be found on our website.

English language

All applicants to the University (from the UK and overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either: 

  • GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade 4/C 

  • IELTS 6.5 overall with minimum 6.0 in each sub-skill

  • TOEFL iBT 90 with no less than 20 in all other subscores 

  • An acceptable equivalent qualification  

Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above.

English language test validity

Some English Language test results are only valid for two years. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

Application and selection

How to apply

Apply through UCAS .

Advice to applicants

Our common first year provides a solid foundation for both our Earth and Planetary Sciences and Environmental Sciences degrees. Should your interests shift in your first year of study, you have the flexibility to transfer to other degrees in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences in first year, subject to academic achievement. 

Eligibility for continuation onto the fourth year of the MEarthSci/MEnvSci programmes is based on your marks at the end of second year and/or third year. If you are not eligible you will be transferred to the BSc programme. 

Factors contributing to a successful application include: 

  • past academic performance; 

  • predicted academic performance; 

  • enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme; 

  • evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements. 

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage

Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference. 

Where you have mitigating circumstances these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances. 

We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the three years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than three years should contact the Department Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances. 

You should not normally apply for more than one course offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester. Applicants who miss the MEarthSci/MEnvSci grades at confirmation, but who meet the BSc grades, will automatically be considered for the BSc option. Please contact the Department Admissions Team for advice if you are planning to apply for more than one course. 

How your application is considered

All applications are considered on an individual basis once we receive a formal application through UCAS which includes details of the subjects taken and grades achieved, a personal statement, academic reference and your predicted grades (if you have not yet taken your final examinations). Candidates may also be interviewed online or in person.

All applicants should be aware that information provided in the personal statement may be used as the basis for further discussion during an interview.

Further information and advice on writing your personal statement and the UCAS application process can be found on the UCAS website .

Deferrals

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation.

Deferred entry is granted at the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only and two years at the maximum in exceptional circumstances.

Some English Language test results, such as IELTS or TOEFL, are only valid for two years from the test date. Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.

We normally guarantee a place in the current year should an applicant's gap year plans change. However, this is subject to availability of places.

Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications

If you have re-sat individual modules to improve your grades, we will consider your application according to the standard selection process. If you are planning to re-sit the final Year 13 examinations, or have already done so, the University will consider your application, but we may require further information in order to make an informed judgment on your application.

Policy for applicants who take their examinations in more than one sitting

We are happy to consider applicants who are taking their examinations in different sittings, provided they were taken over the standard two-year period.

Re-applications

If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again.

Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry. In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.

We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.

If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course. If you are applying through Clearing, you are required to meet the Clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and Clearing the places will be subject to availability.

Transfers

We are happy to consider students who want to transfer to the first year of this course from other courses within the University. Transfers into the first or second year from other institutions are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact the Department Admissions Team if you require further advice.

Course details

Course description

We are one of the largest Earth and Environmental Sciences departments in the UK, with global reach.

This creates excellent learning, research and employment opportunities for our students.

Mike Burton / Head of Department, Professor of Volcanology

Our 4 year integrated master's degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences will give you significant research experience, a highly desirable skillset for future employers in both academia and industry; and invaluable if you wish to go on and study for a PhD.

Focussed on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. As Earth Science is at the crossroads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single honours degree in subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, geography or biology, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.

On our course you will learn to read the 4.5 billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our solar system, the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earth's energy and resources. And on your doorstep will be some of the UK's wildest settings, ideal for outdoor learning.

During your time with us you will be a part of a dynamic community trying to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could make a contribution to solving some of the world's greatest challenges.

Course structure

The course offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in Earth and Planetary Science in  one of five pathways :

  • Geology;
  • Geochemistry;
  • Planetary Science;
  • Energy and Resources;
  • Palaeobiology.

The degree includes extensive field and practical training, with UK and overseas field courses in every year of study. There is also the option to transfer to a related degree during your second year to incorporate  industrial experience , a  research placement  or  international study .

The department

We are a Department of environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, mathematicians, biologists, physicists and computer scientists, who work together to study the Earth and planets. Our degrees cover the full breadth of earth and environmental sciences, reflecting the main research themes that are fundamental to the work we do in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.

The reputation of Earth and Planetary Science at The University of Manchester's Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences rests on our world-leading interdisciplinary research into processes operating on, within and beyond the Earth. This research incorporates biological, chemical, physical and environmental aspects of the world and solar system we live in. The close alignment between our teaching and research ensures that units are delivered by scholars who are at the forefront of their disciplines.

Skills

Our course will equip you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.

Special features

  • Study in one of the largest departments of Earth and Environmental Science, giving access to a wide range of specialisms;
  • An integrated natural science first year, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, allows you to discover where your interests lie;
  • Develop knowledge and practical skills that you can apply to interpreting and predicting the Earth's structure and resources;
  • Field trips  are a key component of our undergraduate degrees, providing you the opportunity to travel to fascinating locations in the UK and abroad in every year. Fees include all compulsory, taught field courses. Previous locations include: Spain; France; Guatemala; Italy; Montserrat; Nicaragua; Scotland; USA and Wales;
  • Undertake a final-year research project of your choice working alongside world- leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities.

Teaching and learning

How will you learn?

We take pride in our excellent teaching standards, our distinguished lecturers and research staff ensure that you have all the support available to develop your learning, skills and employability prospects.

You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit, including:

  • Formal lectures;
  • Laboratory classes;
  • Field classes;
  • Small-group tutorials.

Two-thirds of your contact time will be focussed on the development of practical skills. Teamwork, problem-solving and field work play a key role in integrating all the elements of your subject, and will also develop transferable skills across areas of specialisation, enabling you to succeed in your future career.

Field work

Field work is a key component of our undergraduate degrees and is an essential part of all our courses and provides a unique learning experience:

  • Field work gives you the chance to apply knowledge learned in lectures and practical classes to real settings, allowing you to develop the skills of a professional earth and environmental scientist, such as observing, collecting, recording and interpreting a range of data;
  • Venues vary from classic areas of the British Isles to locations across the globe. Field courses are tailored to meet the needs of each pathway;
  • Most field courses are residential and provide a great chance to form friendships with staff and your fellow students in an informal setting, and to travel and experience different cultures.

Lecturers and world-leading researchers

Our department has a diverse mix of respected lecturers and research staff who are at the forefront of their fields. Find out more about our lecturers, researchers and support staff in the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, including information about their specific areas of interest and research, qualifications and publications.

Personal academic advisor

Throughout your degree course, you'll be assigned an Academic Advisor, who is there to support you and give advice about any academic issues throughout the duration of your course. Your advisor will be able to help you with the transition from school or college to university, and can help you get to grips with studying and learning more independently. They'll also be able to help you develop your skills in academic writing or research, making presentations, or any other skills that are specific to your degree programme.

Peer support scheme

Our peer support scheme is one of the largest in Europe. Peer mentors are higher-year students on the same degree programme as you, who will help you find your feet when you arrive here and adjust to student life. As they'll have already been a student at Manchester for at least a year, they should be able to help you with anything you might be worried or unsure about.

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)

Led by volunteer students, PASS sessions will often be based around a specific area of study. You'll have the opportunity to consolidate and build on your existing knowledge through discussion with other students in an informal and supportive environment, where you can compare notes, analyse, ask questions and talk through ideas.

Research project

You'll also undertake an independent project in Year 4 that is tailored to your chosen pathway.

Coursework and assessment

This course is assessed by a variety of methods, including:

  • Exams;
  • Essays and written assignments;
  • Projects;
  • Oral and written presentations;
  • Field assessment.

We place a strong emphasis on practical skills and project work. Around one-third of your assessment in Year 3 and half in Year 4 will be based on independent research projects.

Course unit details

Our Earth and Planetary Science course covers all major aspects of the earth system. The course has a common first year, allowing you to choose your degree specialisation that you will follow in years 2, 3 and 4. You will develop core knowledge alongside a choice of optional units. Eligibility for continuation onto the fourth year of this MEarthSci programme is based on your marks at the end of second and/or third years. If you are not eligible you will be transferred to the BSc programme.

Course content for year 1

Our first year will introduce you to the modern way we study the Earth. The emphasis in the first year is on building foundational knowledge in the natural sciences, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, and on developing practical and transferrable skills.

During this year you will study the principles that underlie all our degree specialisations and will receive one-on-one advice to help you choose your preferred pathway at the end of the first year.  Every first year student will be supported by our peer mentoring schemes and small group work with an academic tutor.

The first year units will develop your theoretical knowledge, your numerical, field and laboratory skills, and aid your professional development:

Course units for year 1

The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.

TitleCodeCredit ratingMandatory/optional
DEES First Year PASS EART10020 0 Mandatory
Understanding the Earth EART11100 40 Mandatory
The Natural Scientist's Toolkit EART11200 40 Mandatory
Practical and Professional Skills Development EART11300 40 Mandatory

Course content for year 2

In year 2 you will tailor your studies to your own academic interests by focusing on a particular aspect of the Earth and planetary sciences.  Each pathway  consists of the series of core units and extends topics from your first year, introducing new areas in your area of specialisation.

For an indicative list of the course units for each pathway, please click on the links below:

Geology - The Earth's rocks and minerals preserve a 4.5 billion year record of global change. In this pathway you will learn how to read that rock record and develop an understanding of the physical processes responsible for it.

Planetary Science -  In this pathway you will gain the skills of a professional geologist while pursuing a broader interest in planetary science, developing an understanding of how the Earth and other planets have been shaped by the prehistory, formation and evolution of our solar system.

Geochemistry - Understanding the chemistry of the Earth is fundamental to challenges such as managing resources like precious minerals and oil, understanding climate change at the molecular level, and the control of pollution. In this pathway you will also study the composition and evolution of the planets, melting and mineral reactions in Earth's interior, and Earth's (bio)geochemical cycles.

Energy and Resources -  In this pathway you'll study units that are focussed on resource formation, ranging from metal and hydrocarbon resources, to nuclear energy and groundwater resources. You will also study sustainable and efficient extraction of resources, while acquiring the skills suitable for a thriving energy and resources job market.

Palaeobiology - Palaeobiology addresses major questions relating to the Earth's living systems, their interplay over geological time, and the genesis and evolution of today's living world. This pathway takes an interdisciplinary approach, combining the study of the biodiversity and ecology of modern and ancient life, with training in the geological processes that shape the history and future of Earth.

Course content for year 3

In year 3 you can choose from a wide range of course units made up of core units from within your own pathway specialization , units from other pathways offered within the Earth and Planetary Science degree, as well as units from our other degree in Environmental Sciences. A range of units are offered which have an applied focus to help you prepare for your future career, including case studies that will allow you to follow a project, such as the establishment of a mine, from its inception to final abandonment.

Alternatively, you may choose to study a course from the University's College for Interdisciplinary Learning , including our innovative Leadership in Action course, which combines study with volunteering and personal development.

You'll undertake a research project that is tailored to your degree pathway specialisation. You will collect data in the field and laboratory to answer a scientific question of your choice.

Course content for year 4

You'll carry out an extended individual research project working alongside world-leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities, study subject-related units, and attend specialist lectures.

Scholarships and bursaries

The University of Manchester is committed to attracting and supporting the very best students. We have a focus on nurturing talent and ability and we want to make sure that you have the opportunity to study here, regardless of your financial circumstances.

For information about scholarships and bursaries please visit our undergraduate student finance pages and our the Department funding pages .

Facilities

We teach our practical sessions in custom-designed, well-equipped laboratories with enough space for you to have your own microscope and work comfortably on your own or in a group.

All our courses are driven and inspired by the  latest research  in the department, so we also give you access to our most advanced and sophisticated research facilities:

Teaching resources

  • Innovative, research-led, eLearning tools to enhance your understanding;
  • A well-equipped, dedicated undergraduate study area providing a place for relaxation and somewhere to work with your fellow students within the Department;
  • Close supervision and pastoral care by an academic staff member during the whole degree course.

World-leading research facilities

  • Analytical geochemistry unit, for analysing water and solid geological matter;
  • Scanning Electron Microscope - for imaging a wide range of samples, from polished rock sections to bacteria to Egyptian mummies;
  • Cameca electron probe - used for the quantitative analysis of a wide variety of geological samples In-situ and remote sensing instrumentation for the study of clouds, aerosols, radiation and dynamics;
  • Advanced isotope geochemistry and cosmochemistry suite.

The Manchester Museum

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has close links with the Manchester Museum and its extensive geological collections.

Disability support

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk

Careers

Career opportunities

I value my time at The University of Manchester.

Studying at a world-leading academic institution which also has strong ties to industry is a great way to start your career.

Rosanne Mckernan / MEarthSci graduate, Exploration Geoscientist at Shell

Study at the most targeted University in the UK for top graduate employers* and enrich your employability with a degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences.

We work closely together with employers to ensure that the training our undergraduates receive during their Earth and Planetary Sciences degree equips them for getting a great graduate job and excelling in it.

Our contacts in industry highlight the key skills they desire in our graduates. Key amongst these is an enthusiasm for learning. Your ability to handle large three dimensional data sets, analyse and solve problems and work closely with others as part of a team will provide you with opportunities to work in a range of fields. Typical professions our graduates go on to include:

  • Energy;
  • Public policy;
  • Environmental consultancy and earth resources;
  • Teaching.

And our graduates have secured roles with prestigious employers including:

  • Atkins;
  • KPMG;
  • RSK;
  • the Met Office;
  • United Utilities
  • the Environment Agency.

In the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences we are passionate about our work on climate science, ecosystem conservation, micro-plastic pollution, dinosaur evolution, volcanoes, Earth's formation and the distribution of resources within it. This passion is shared with our students, producing an enthusiasm and capacity for learning which serves them throughout their careers and lives.

Integrated Masters

As a part of our four year integrated master's course, you are able to dedicate a year of your study to a range of extra activities that allow you to stand out from other graduates, including a year spent in industry, studying abroad or conducting an extended research project.

Nurturing dynamic skill sets

Further key skills sought by graduate employers are flexible problem-solving using a variety of approaches, teamwork, communication skills, numeracy and computer programming. Our graduates are trained in these skills from day one of their degrees. 

Internships

With our support, Manchester undergraduates successfully apply each year for highly competitive summer internships across the globe. Prestigious destinations include the Juneau Icefield Research Programme: Mass Balance. Many students also gain prestigious industrial placements such as working in Group Manufacturing Sustainability at UniLever.

* (The Graduate Market in 2023, High Flier's research)