Prospective Students

Environmental Geoscience (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.

Earth scientists are much sought after in the environmental professions because of their global view of natural processes. This programme allows you to learn how Planet Earth works, how humans are affecting the Earth system, how environmental trends are counteracted and how the effects of pollution can be monitored and controlled.

This 4 year undergraduate programme offers an opportunity to study abroad for one year and is designed for high quality candidates who aim to pursue a research career in academia, government or industry. The course involves learning about the process and outcomes of research and enables students to specialise in areas of their choice.

The course structure is very flexible. All Cardiff's School of Earth and Ocean Science degree programmes share a common first Semester. This is designed to give you a sound foundation in Earth Sciences upon which to build. At the end of your first Semester you will decide whether to continue with your original degree choice or choose another of Cardiff's Earth Science degrees.

During the first two years you will study modules in common with students in the BSc programme but with small group teaching of up to six students provided through a research tutorial. These tutorials will allow you to explore your long term research interests and will provide more extensive opportunities than the three-year programme. In the final two years you will concentrate on core topics in Environmental Geoscience as well as modules which teach scientific skills and complete research projects in your field of 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, the University of Vermont or the University of Western Australia. 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 four you will return to Cardiff to complete your degree and specialist research-informed modules are available 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 future 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.

Typical Offer

AAA

Entry Requirements

Three A-level subjects, at least two of which should be Chemistry Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, 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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