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Prepare for a sustainable future. Combining fieldwork with key aspects of Earth sciences, you will gain a deep understanding of how the planet works, from natural processes to environmental challenges, This programme equips you with the skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges, opening doors to exciting careers such as environmental protection, engineering and research.
The projects gave me the courage and knowledge to identify minerals and rock types and make connections between relationships.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Join our four-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
The first year offers broad training in Earth Science and Geography. No prior knowledge needed. Includes chemistry, physics, and maths. Field trips to Northern Ireland and South West Wales teach geological observation, data recording, and interpretation.
in the UK for Geology
Complete University Guide 2025
In the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Funding - We will provide you with the basic field supplies that you will need for your degree program.
Fieldwork – Fieldwork is essential in our degree programmes, renowned for high-quality training. You will get the chance to take part in one week residential's in year one and two to Northern Island and Wales. The University covers travel and accommodation costs for all compulsory field courses. As well as providing basic field supplies.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
The MSci Geology and Physical Geography with International Year offers flexibility and choice, ensuring you develop essential skills with a solid scientific foundation. You will have lectures, tutorials, practical classes and use of extensive educational facilities, as well as a wealth of opportunities to go out into the field; gaining hands-on experience and placement year opportunities.
Placement years - We provide you with an opportunity to work with an external organisation for a year, gaining valuable experience and skills that prepare you for your future career.
Taught Modules - Our research feeds into all our teaching, including lectures, small group tutorials, group learning and presentations.
Resources and Facilities - Our unique facilities include Lapworth Museum of Geology. Which has more than 250,000 specimens some over 500 million years old. As one of the oldest specialist designated and accredited geological museums in the UK, this is an invaluable study resource, and the state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Lab (CTL) with wet, dry, and e-labs.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal academic tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues. They can meet with you to discuss extensions, disabilities, reasonable adjustments, extenuating circumstances, or talk through any problems you might be experiencing, and help you access wider support on campus and beyond if you need it.
Our Student Experience Team - Will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career. They also organise social events, such as field trips, to help you meet fellow students from your course.
All Birmingham degrees are set within a credit framework designed to measure your academic achievements. We expect all students to accumulate 120 credits in each full year of study which is equivalent to 45-54 hours of learning a week. Learning is considered to include contact learning (lectures and seminars), private study, revision and assessment.
For this programme, you can expect 10-14 hours of classes weekly in years one and two, and 6-9 hours in the final year.
Earth Sciences uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
Accreditation indicates that the course offers sound training for a professional career in the geosciences and satisfies the academic requirements to achieve Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Code | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|---|
LC Global Environmental Issues A | 03 33629 | 10 | Semester 1 |
LC Global Environmental Issues B | 03 33630 | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Introductory Field and Research Skills | 03 33742 | 20 | Semester 1 |
LC SW Wales Field Course | 03 33748 | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Atoms to Volcanoes | 03 33739 | 10 | Semester 1 |
LC Earth History and Life | 03 29202 | 20 | Semester 2 |
LC Earth Structures & Tectonics | 03 33740 | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Earth Systems | 03 29992 | 20 | Semester 1 |
LC Geoscience Project | 03 33741 | 10 | Semester 2 |
Reader (Associate Professor) in Organic Geochemistry
James is a paleoclimatologist, specialising in molecular organic geochemistry. His research is focused on Cenozoic and Holocene climate evolution, high-resolution palaeoclimatology and biomarker proxy development.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
AAB Including 1 Required Science
6,6,5 32 points overall.
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
Number of A levels required: 3
Biology/ Chemistry/Computing/Electronics/Environmental Studies/Further Maths/Geography/Geology/Human Biology/ Maths/ Physics/ Psychology/Statistics/ PE
General Studies is not accepted but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.
6,6,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Including HL in 1 Required Science.
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
BBB - Including 1 Required Science
ABB - Including 1 Required Science
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
As a Birmingham Geology and Physical Geography graduate, you’ll understand global economies, cultural diversity, and environmental issues. Our accredited degrees and excellent careers record ensure most alumni find employment within six months. Fieldwork develops practical skills and offers diverse experiences
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.