Course contact details
UG EAES 2025
Email:ug-earth-sci@manchester.ac.uk
Phone:+44 161 306 0888
University of Manchester
Oxford Road
Manchester
M13 9PL
Earth and Planetary Sciences
- Master of Earth Sciences
- 4 Years
- Full-Time
- 21 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
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.
Focused 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 through 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.
Our reputation in earth and planetary 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.
Modules
Assessment method
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.
Ways to study this course
Campuses
- Main Site
Study options
- Master of Earth Sciences • Full-Time • 4 Years
Start dates
- 21 September 2027
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F702
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.
See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?
How to apply
Apply by
13 January 2027
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- F702
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Typical qualification requirements
A levelABB
ABB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Statistics.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography.
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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
Typical Contextual Offer: BBB/ABC, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Statistics.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography.
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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Statistics.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography.
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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
Typical Contextual Offer: BBB/ABC, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Statistics.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography.
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 offer you will receive.
Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required.
If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year .
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
T LevelNot accepted
UCAS TariffNot accepted
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects (these can be achieved in a previous sitting).
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 Admissions Team.
Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects (these can be achieved in a previous sitting).
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 Admissions Team.
AS
AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.
Access to HE DiplomaDistinction: 30 Merit: 15
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances.
In general, we require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma in Science with 60 credits overall, including 45 graded credits at Level 3, with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science subject, and the remaining 15 credits at Merit.
In general, we require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma in Science with 60 credits overall, including 45 graded credits at Level 3, with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science subject, and the remaining 15 credits at Merit.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language, including grade 1 or 2 in the oral exam component if applicable, and grade 6/B in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics.
GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
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 English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language.
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 English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects (these can be achieved in a previous sitting).
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 Admissions Team.
Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Or
Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects (these can be achieved in a previous sitting).
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 Admissions Team.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DM
We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DM when taken with one science or mathematics A-level at grade A.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DM when taken with one science or mathematics A-level at grade A.
Extended Project
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, if applicable. A number of our academic Departments 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.
OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaDM
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM, plus one science or mathematics A-level at grade A.
International Baccalaureate Diploma ProgrammeOffer: 34
34 points overall with 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Physics, and Mathematics. We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken at Higher Level, the offer will typically specify 6 in Geography.
We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate courses.
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Physics, and Mathematics. We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation.
If Geography is the only science subject being taken at Higher Level, the offer will typically specify 6 in Geography.
We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate courses.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
We would usually require two A-levels, including at least one science or mathematics subject, or equivalent, to be taken alongside this qualification.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.
For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.
We would usually require two A-levels, including at least one science or mathematics subject, or equivalent, to be taken alongside this qualification.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements.
For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDM
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 DDM, which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units.
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Applied Science National Extended Diploma with grades DDM, which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D
We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaDDM
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM, plus one science or mathematics A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation DiplomaDM
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DM when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateD
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme.
Applicants completing the Northern Consortium (NCUK) International Foundation Year or INTO Manchester International Foundation in Science and Engineering are required to achieve grades ABB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and grade B overall with no component below C in English for Academic Purposes (EAP) or English for Academic Purposes for Proficient Users (EAPPU).
Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and Further Mathematics. We will accept Integrated Mathematics or Technical Mathematics.
Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the Admissions Team to check if their qualification is recognised for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.
English language requirements
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 overall with no sub-skill below 6.0. |
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, or; IELTS Academic or IELTS UKVI 6.5 overall with no sub-skill below 6.0, or; An acceptable equivalent qualification. Where specified, we also require grade 1 or 2 in the Oral Exam component of the IGCSE English Language (first or second language) qualification. Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests. If you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School/Department for clarification. The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.
Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.
Historical entry grades data
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).
It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.
Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not enough data available
We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.
Related courses
At University of Manchester
Like this page