f641 - Earth Science BSc
Earth Science BSc Honours
UCAS Code: F641 (full time: 3 Years)
Course Overview
If you are interested in studying the processes that have shaped the structure and development of the Earth, this three-year BSc degree is for you.
At a Glance
UCAS Code
F641
UCAS Institution Name and Code
NEWC, N21
Degree Awarded
BSc Honours
Course Duration
3 Years
Entry Requirements
A Level: AAB-ABB
IB: 33-35 points
Opportunities
Earth science covers everything from the formation of rocks and minerals to the impact of human activity on the environment.
You'll study the Earth at the molecular, micro- and macro-scale, from the chemistry of a single element to the processes that shape the continents.
Your key areas of study include:
- geology
- geochemistry
- geomicrobiology
Understanding how these areas interact and combine to create the complexity of the Earth system is what makes Earth science a fascinating area to study.
The practical skills you develop in geomatics – the fourth element of the degree – allow you to collect and analyse data about the world. This prepares you for diverse and in-demand careers.
Regular field days and residential field courses allow you to experience the Earth in action. You'll develop practical skills and network with Earth science professionals.
Quality and ranking
Earth Science at Newcastle is highly regarded:
- 96% overall student satisfaction– National Student Survey 2018 (Physical Geography and Environmental Sciences category)
- 4th in the UK - The Guardian University Guide 2020 (in the Earth and Marine Sciences category)
Practical skills
Earth science underpins a range of interesting careers and this degree equips you with practical skills that are in demand with employers across the globe.
You will develop a strong understanding of the fundamental pillars of Earth science, such as:
- geology
- geochemistry
- global imaging systems and remote sensing
You learn the practical applications of this knowledge, and also gain an appreciation of the engineering and technological applications of Earth science.
Through field trips and practical sessions, you develop highly desirable skills such as:
- field observation
- analysis skills
Using our our world-class analytical labs you also:
- develop expertise in laboratory techniques
- gain hands-on experience using industry-standard equipment
Fieldwork
There are lots of opportunities to explore the environment and develop hands-on skills using our high-tech equipment, including:
- frequent field days, reinforcing classroom learning and helping you apply your knowledge to practical contexts
- an annual residential field course, in the UK or abroad
Current field course locations include the Lake District, the Isle of Arran and Sorbas Basin, Spain.
During welcome week in your first year, you also go on a residential course where you will have an opportunity to meet staff and fellow students, to help you settle in and make friends.
Study abroad
Study abroad opportunities are available with this degree. See Study Abroad for more details.
Research opportunities
Students will have access to our world-class analytical laboratories including:
- Gas Chromatography
- Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
- High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
These laboratories enable you to conduct high-quality research, alongside our expert academic staff, to complement the teaching and practical classes delivered during your degree.
Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme (DTUS)
This degree is also approved by DTUS for entry to all technical corps.
DTUS is a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme for students who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army, RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group (DESG) as technical officers after graduation.
Find out more on the DTUS programme.
Facilities and support
This degree is delivered by the School of Natural and Environmental Sciences. You will also be taught in various specialist centres across the University, as appropriate.
Facilities
Our facilities for earth science include world-class analytical laboratories, including:
- Gas Chromatography
- Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
- High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
- Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
You'll benefit from the Great North Museum on campus. It's home to over 9,000 geological and mineralogical specimens. And the Mining Institute, with one of the world’s most comprehensive collections on mining engineering, is just a short walk away.
Support
You'll be supported by:
- a personal tutor throughout your degree – an academic member of staff who can help with academic and personal issues
- a peer mentor in your first year – a fellow student who can help you settle in and answer any questions you have
You can have your say on degree content and delivery via our Board of Students and staff-student committee.
To support you in your studies, all new students entering year 1 or year 2 will receive a tablet. This enables you to download the online learning resources you'll need for your course and helps us to make our campus more sustainable.
Social activities
There's a residential field course at the start of your degree, to help you get to know staff and fellow students.
The student-run society, CEG Soc, supports student social and academic life.
Otto, Earth Science BSc HonoursThe five-day fieldwork trip applying many of the skills we’d learnt in classes was one of the highlights of my year as I developed a much more in depth understanding of what I’d already learnt.
Modules for 2019 entry
Please note
The module and/or programme information below is for 2019 entry. Our teaching is informed by research and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers of students interested (in an optional module). To find out more read our terms and conditions.
Module/programme information for 2020 entry will be published here as soon as it is available (end of May 2020).
Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts for an academic year and you need to complete modules totalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Further information, including the credit value of the module, is available in each of the module descriptions below.
Stage 1
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
- ACE1008 Environment and Land Resources
- ACE1010 Environment and Land Use Field Course
- ACE1040 Academic and Professional Skills
- CEG1601 Earth Systems Science
- CEG1602 Earth Surface Materials
- CEG1603 Introduction to the Sedimentary Record
- CEG1604 Geology and GIS Field Course
- CEG1702 Geographic Information Systems
- CEG1706 Principles of Remote Sensing
Optional modules
You take 10 credits from the following:
Stage 2
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
- ACE2066 Academic and Professional Skills 2
- CEG2602 Rock Materials: the petrology of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks
- CEG2603 Structural Geology
- CEG2604 Global Element Cycling
- CEG2606 Geological Resources
- CEG2607 Geomicrobiology
- CEG2608 Geological Field Mapping
- CEG2609 Research Methods in Environmental Pollution
You take 10 credits from the following:
Stage 3
Compulsory modules
You take the following compulsory modules:
- ACE2074 Soils and Terrestrial Ecosystems
- CEG3606 Biogeochemistry
- CEG3607 Engineering Geology
- CEG3699 Earth Science Dissertation
Optional modules
You take one of the following modules:
You take 30 credits of modules, normally selected from the following list:
All candidates are considered on an individual basis.
If your qualifications are not listed here, please see our additional entry requirements web pages to find out which other qualifications are considered.
The entrance requirements below apply to 2020 entry.
Earth science careers
Earth science graduates are well qualified to enter a wide range of careers and the geoscience industry has a shortage of graduates with the skills taught on this course.
You will be able to enter the global geology industry with potential careers in:
- mining
- oil
- engineering
- water supply
- and environmental sectors
The emerging alternative energy industry also needs these skills.
You will also develop a portfolio of graduate transferable skills that are highly valued by wide range of employers outside the earth science sector, and which can open the door to graduate entry programmes with major employers, such as:
- team working
- data analysis
- data interpretation
- enterprise
What our graduates go on to do: employment and further study choices
See what our recent graduates went on to do and view graduate destinations statistics. These statistics are based on what graduates were doing on a specific date, approximately six months after graduation. Take a look at the most recent data available for our graduates.
The destination data is available in varying levels, beginning with the University and moving through Faculty and School down to individual course reports. This final level may give you some useful ideas about possible options after your course or a course you are considering.
Careers and employability at Newcastle
Newcastle University consistently has one of the best records for graduate employment in the UK.
96% of our 2017 UK-domiciled UG/PG graduates progressed to employment or further study within six months of graduating.
85.5% of our graduates are in graduate level employment or further study within six months of graduating.
We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through an initiative called ncl+. This enables you to develop personal, employability and enterprise skills and to give you the edge in the employment market after you graduate.
Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers.
Applying to Newcastle University through UCAS
To apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you must use the online application system managed by the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
UCAS codes for Newcastle University
- institution name - NEWC
- institution code - N21
UCAS buzzword
Ask your teacher or adviser from your school or college for the UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when you register on the Apply system. This makes it clear which school or college you are applying from.
All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU and international establishments are registered with UCAS.
If you are applying independently, or are applying from a school or college which is not registered to manage applications, you will still use the Apply system. You will not need a buzzword.
Making your application
On the UCAS website you can also find out more about:
- application deadlines and other important dates
- offers and tracking your application
Application decisions and enquiries
Find out more about our admissions process and who to contact if you need help with your application.