Prospective Students

Earth Science (International) (MESci)

Earth Science education at Cardiff provides a research-led, holistic view of the Earth, in which the oceans, atmosphere, biosphere and solid Earth are studied in-depth as constituent parts of the Earth system. The Earth System Science approach provides a unified basis for the discussion of all aspects of geoscience and introduces students to frontier research into the nature of global change and our role in it.

The course structure is very flexible. All Cardiff's School of Earth and Ocean Science degree programmes share a common first year. This is designed to give you a sound foundation in Earth Sciences upon which to build in later years. Modules currently include Earth Systems Science, Life and Earth History, The Economic World and Natural Resources, Environment and Society, IT, Maps, Charts and Fieldwork. At the end of your first year you will decide whether to continue with your original degree choice or choose another of Cardiff's Earth Science degrees.

The four year MESci (International) programme provides an opportunity to study abroad for one year and is designed for those who wish to pursue a research career in Earth Sciences.

During the first two years you will study modules in common with students enrolled for the cognate BSc programmes but with small group teaching of up to six students provided through a research tutorial. These tutorials will enable you to explore your long-term research interests and will provide more extensive opportunities than the three-year programmes. In the final two years you will concentrate on core topics in your subject stream as well as modules which teach scientific skills and complete research projects in a field of your choice.

In year 3 of this programme you will attend either the University of Miami, Rutgers University (New Jersey), University of British Colombia, Wyoming University or the University of Vermont. The credits and grades obtained whilst you are overseas count towards your final Cardiff University honours degree.

Opportunities are also planned with other leading institutions in North America (including Colorado School of Mines) along with universities in Australia and New Zealand.

In Year 4 specialist research-informed modules are avaliable in: research frontiers, palynology, evolution of Antarctica, planetary geology, reservoir characterisation, and igneous petrogenesis. The major element in the fourth year of the programme is a research project that will enable you to master and demonstrate the skills you will need in your subsequent career. This project counts for 25% of your overall degree and is an opportunity to pursue a particular topic to the highest level possible as an undergraduate. (The title of your degree will normally reflect the broad area of your dissertation and main module choices with ‘Earth Sciences’ being reserved for students who have taken a particularly wide range of courses.)

Typical Offer

AAA

Entry Requirements

Three A-level subjects, at least two of which should be Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Maths, Psychology or PE.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.

Detailed Admissions Criteria

Please click here or a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.

Next intake: September each year

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