Environmental Geoscience with a Year Abroad

This degree offers you a broad understanding of geography, combining themes from geology, geosciences, physical geography and environmental science. You will explore a wide range of topics including geology, geological mapping, volcanology, plate tectonics, climate change, natural hazards, pollution, and coastal and land management.

Geosciences is an interdisciplinary subject that explores the Earth’s geographical and geological history and investigates the processes that have shaped the planet for millions of years. The discipline spans everything from the subsurface to the atmosphere, from glaciers to deserts, rainforests to soil microbes, and from people to the landscapes they inhabit. Through this breadth, geosciences contribute to addressing global challenges with strong links to the UN Sustainability Goals.

Throughout your studies, you will gain strong practical and analytical skills. The programme includes in‑depth training in writing, statistics and critical thinking, alongside subject‑specific laboratory work and fieldwork that allow you to apply your learning in real environments.

The degree is designed with future geoscientists in mind. A tailored structure with preselected modules gives you the opportunity to develop your interests within the discipline while providing a clear route towards specialisation. You will also build skills that support career preparation, from scientific investigation to data analysis and problem‑solving.

In Year 1, you will typically study areas including: Introduction to Earth Systems; Field Methods - Geology; Introduction to Geology; Geographical skills; Natural Hazards and Society; Sustainability and the Climate Emergency.

In Year 2, you will typically study areas including: Methods and Data Analysis (Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences); Earth through time; Introduction to Geographic Information Systems; Dissertation Preparation Skills; Geographical Fieldwork skills : Iceland; Earth from Space: Monitoring Global Environmental Change.

In Year 3: Modules will be dependent on which partnership University you choose to study at.

In Year 4, you will typically study areas including: Dissertation Report: Geography; Glaciology; Measuring Climate Change; Science Communication with Placement; Plate Tectonics and Global Geophysics; Volcanology.

On the BSc Physical Earth Science course, you will be taught through a combination of lectures, tutorials, seminars, practical classes, and field classes. You will be assessed through a variety of methods, including examinations, coursework, practical work, fieldwork, and continuous assessment from tutorials. You will also complete a dissertation in Year Four.