Prospective Students

Earth Science (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 humankind's role in it.

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.

The four year programme 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 your field of choice.

In Year 4 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 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

AAB

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 for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.

Next intake: October each year

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