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Geoscience

  • Msci (Hon)
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 21/09/2026
  • Undergraduate
Main Site
More about Royal Holloway, University of London

Course options

2026-2027
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Course summary

As far as we know, planet Earth and the plants and animals on it represent a single oasis of life in an otherwise barren universe. Geoscience at Royal Holloway, University of London helps to develop a holistic understanding of the formation and evolution of Earth and the life on it.

This comprehensive four-year programme brings together elements of physics, chemistry, biology and mathematics to give you a thorough understanding of the complex systems that govern our planet and its neighbours. You’ll graduate with a Masters degree in Earth Sciences, making you a highly employable candidate in a range of scientific and technical fields and putting you in a strong position to progress to further postgraduate study.

You’ll study in a prestigious department consistently ranked among the top 10 in the country (The Complete University Guide and The Times Good University Guide 2018) – and contribute to our renowned research culture with your year 4 Independent Geoscience Project.

Pursue your passion for Geoscience and unlock some of our planet’s most compelling secrets. This exciting programme has seen previous graduates progress to careers in the hydrocarbon and environmental industries, among others, and is ideal for those who wish to pursue research degrees in further postgraduate study.

Modules

Please refer to our website for information: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/undergraduate/earth-sciences/geoscience/

Assessment method

Your course will be assessed by a combination of examinations and in-course assignments in the form of essays or presentations.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Msci (Hon) • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 21/09/2026

Apply by
14 January

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:
F601
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

Royal Holloway, University of London 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
14 January

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:
F601
Institution code:
R72
Campus name:
Main Site
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - ABB - BBC

including a Science subject Where an applicant is taking the EPQ alongside A-levels, the EPQ will be taken into consideration and result in lower A-level grades being required. Socio-economics factors which may have impacted an applicant's education will be taken into consideration and alternative offers may be made to these applicants. Acceptable Science subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Geology, Chemistry, Geography, Biology.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDM

In a Science subject. Substantial Maths content is required.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 27 credits M: 18 credits

In a relevant subject with at least 27 level 3 credits in Science units at Distinction. Please note that the Access to Higher Education Diploma will only be acceptable if the applicant has had a considerable break from education.

Scottish Higher - AABBB

Including an acceptable Science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

In a relevant subject, plus one A-level grade B in an acceptable Mathematics or Science subject.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Plus two A-levels grades BB including one A-level in an acceptable Mathematics or Science subject.

Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) - DDD

In a Science subject. Substantial Maths content is required.

Scottish Advanced Higher - ABB - BBC

Including an acceptable Science subject.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 points

6,5,5 at Higher Level, OR a minimum of 32 points overall, including a 5 HL in an acceptable Science subject, OR a minimum of 32 points overall.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024)

Requirements are as for A-levels where one non-subject-specified A-level can be replaced by the same grade in the Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H2, H2, H3, H3, H3

Including H3 in one acceptable Science subject.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal

Applicants with the Cambridge Pre-U are strongly encouraged to apply to Royal Holloway. Offers will be made on the basis of equivalent A-Level grades as can be found on the Royal Holloway website.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

We require English and Mathematics at grade 4/C

Combinations of qualifications will be considered on an individual basis, please contact us on admissions.enquiries@rhul.ac.uk to discuss your situation

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.

At Royal Holloway, we know every student approaches university with different experiences and backgrounds. We look at each application individually, and different factors can affect the exact offer a student receives. For instance, our contextual offer scheme means students from disadvantaged socio-economic background can receive a different offer. For full details please see our website.

Learn more on the Royal Holloway, University of London website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted 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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
International£29900Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535*Year 1
England£9535*Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535*Year 1
Scotland£9535*Year 1
Wales£9535*Year 1
Channel Islands£9535*Year 1
EU£29900Year 1

* This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

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

Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,535

EU and international students tuition fee per year**: £29,900

Other essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.

*The tuition fee for Home (UK) undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. This figure is the fee for the academic year 2025/26 and is shown as a guide. The fee for the academic year 2026/27 has not yet been announced.

**This figure is the fee for EU and international students on this course in the academic year 2026/27.

Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for all students. For further information see: https://www.royalholloway.ac.uk/studying-here/fees-and-funding/

*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2026/27 academic year. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.

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