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Earth Sciences

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours)
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 20 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2027-2028
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Course summary

About this course
Investigate the nature, dynamics, and evolution of the processes that shaped the Earth over the past four billion years.

On your four-year integrated Geology master's you'll take part in comprehensive field-based training with fieldwork opportunities across the UK and Europe, which may include a week-long residential course in Tenerife studying volcanic processes and a five week Independent Mapping Project.

Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science, you'll graduate able to join the many students from this course who have gone on to very successful research careers (often PhD level and beyond), and higher-level employment in multinational companies such as Shell, BP, Anglo American, and Barrick Gold.

Key features of the course:

  • Complete an applied and multidisciplinary degree with a high level of fieldwork

  • Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science

  • Benefit from the flexibility to select modules aligned to your interests

  • Learn through a mixture of lectures, laboratory work, and field work, graduating with real-life skills suited to industry to enhance your employment prospects

  • Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026

  • Join a University where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).

Student support
Our supervisors will mentor you throughout your studies as you gain the expertise needed to take the next steps in your career. They will help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans to ensure you are on the right path for you.

Further information
This course is open to UK and international applicants and, depending on the modules you choose, is predominantly based at our Waterfront Campus.

Modules

Course Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. Here's what you might expect from each year of study:

Year 1: An introduction to fundamental topics for understanding the earth system, alongside developing key analytical and field skills.
Year 2: Develops depth of knowledge in a broad range of earth science topics alongside developing advanced field skills.
Year 3: Choose specialist modules and put into practice independent analytical and field skills by undertaking an Independent Mapping Project.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation.

The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects, and independent learning.

We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, and written and practical exams.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • The Geological Society
This course is not accepting applications for deferred entry.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • Bachelor of Science (with Honours) • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 20 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:
F645
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton 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:
F645
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Open days

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
ABB

ABB including two acceptable science subjects. (minimum of grade B)

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required.

Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4"

Access to HE Diploma
Distinction: 30 Merit: 15

60 credits with 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at Distinction and 15 at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

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

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two accepted science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be:

DD + AB at A-Level, to include two acceptable science subjects.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

Extended Project
A

BBB from three A-levels include two accepted science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 32

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level acceptable science subjects.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP):

The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered.

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.

Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
B

AB from two acceptable science A levels and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

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

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two accepted science subject. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be:

DDD + AB at A-Level, to include two acceptable science subjects. .

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
H2H2H3H3H3H3

H2, H2, H3, H3, H3, H3 to include two acceptable science subject.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

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

D + AB at A-Level, to include two acceptable science subjects.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
D3M2M2

D3, M2, M2 to include two acceptable science subjects.

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

GCSEs: Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4). https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/undergraduate/courses/geology/f600_bsc_geology.page#entry_requirements

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

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.

Most of the students who previously enrolled on this course joined us with grades lower than our published entry criteria. After receiving their grades, we carefully considered each students’ individual circumstances before confirming their place on their chosen course.

We encourage everyone with the potential to succeed to apply, regardless of their background. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

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.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

Per year tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Channel Islands & Republic of Ireland£10050
EU & InternationalTBC

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

Please see our website for further details and updates regarding tuition fees.

We anticipate that international tuition fee levels for 2027 entry will be confirmed in August 2026.

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