Our BSc teaches earth’s history through fossils and rocks, combining fieldwork with scientific study to understand past climates, life, and natural processes. Equipping you with the skills to tackle environmental challenges and pursue careers in areas such as research, conservation, or resource management.
I've developed a range of skills during my time here such as team work and geological mapping, and enhanced both my analytical and communication skills.
Join our three-year programme consisting of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
In year 1, you’ll kick off your adventure with a one-week residential field course to Northern Ireland in semester one, followed by another exciting trip to Pembrokeshire in SW Wales in semester two. These immersive experiences will equip you with practical skills and a solid theoretical foundation in Earth Sciences. You’ll bond with fellow students from Geology and Physical Geography courses, creating lasting connections. The first year offers comprehensive training across Earth Sciences, with compulsory modules like Earth History and Life, Earth Systems, and Atoms to Volcanoes. No prior knowledge is assumed, as you’ll learn essential chemistry, physics, and maths within the context of your studies. Get ready to dive into geological observation, data recording, and interpretation.
In year 2, you’ll continue honing your core Geology skills with a focus on Palaeontology. Semester two features an exciting one-week residential field course to the world-famous ‘Jurassic Coast’ in south-west England. You’ll also complete a week of fieldwork between years two and three, contributing to your dissertation. This year allows you to tailor your degree with two optional modules from Earth Sciences, Biology, or Physical Geography, alongside compulsory modules like Sedimentology and Paleoecology. These experiences will deepen your expertise and prepare you for advanced studies and professional accreditation. Get ready to explore the fascinating world of fossils and geological formations while shaping your academic journey.
In year 3, you’ll embark on an an international field course to cement your skills in fossil excavation, sedimentology, taphonomy and museum skills. In recent years, this has taken place in the western United States. You’ll also complete a research project (dissertation) based on field or laboratory work from the summer between Years 2 and 3, addressing a scientific question in Earth Sciences. Additionally, you’ll receive unique training in museum and palaeontological field skills.. The rest of your program includes three optional modules from Earth Sciences, Physical Geography, or Biology, allowing you to specialize and follow your passions. Get ready for an exciting year of discovery and specialisation.
Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date with our latest events, scholarships and subject news.
In the Russel Group for learning opportunities
National Student Survey 2026
In the UK for Geology
According to The Complete University Guide 2027
In the World for Geology
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026
Learn from top paleobiologic experts - Our staff are experts in their field currently conducting cutting-edge research in diverse ecosystems.
Accredited by the Geological Society of London to ensure top-tier professional training.
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.
At Birmingham, you’ll learn through diverse methods including fieldwork, practical's, and tutorials, fostering independent and research-led learning.
World-leading research - Feeds directly into our undergraduate programmes, meaning you will learn from academics who are experts in their fields. For example, Prof. Richard Butler sheds new light on the major patterns and drivers of terrestrial biodiversity change, as exemplified by tetrapods over the last 375 million years, while Prof Sam Giles works on the evolution of fish. Dr. Stephan Lautenschlager uses cutting-edge computational techniques to restore the morphology of fossil organisms and reconstruct their biology, whereas Dr. Kirsty Edgar uses the remains of microscopic marine organisms to reconstruct past environments. Our research is truly global, taking us from the UK to the deserts of the American west.
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.
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.
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.
Imagine spending a year working with an external organisation, gaining invaluable experiences and skills that set you up for a successful career. Whether it's with a finance company, an educational institution, or an environmental charity, the choice is yours. The Placement Year option allows you to explore sectors related to your degree or even venture into new fields. You don't need to decide right away; you can opt for this exciting opportunity once you begin your studies. This placement, charged at a reduced fee, enhances your skills and contributes to your degree result.
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 | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Applied GIS and Data Science | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Discover Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES): Academic and Professional Futures | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Earth History and Life | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Earth Science Field and Research Skills | 20 | Full Term |
| LC Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology | 20 | Semester 1 |
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LI Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Field Skills and Research Project Planning | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Palaeoecology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Sedimentology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Choose 40 credits from the following:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Genetics I | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Animal Biology: Principles and Mechanisms | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Digital data capture and analysis | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Ecological Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Evolution of Humans and Other Animals | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Geological Natural Hazards | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LI Hydrology and River Management | 20 | Semester 2 |
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LH Palaeontology Field and Museum Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH Earth Sciences Research Project | 40 | Full Term |
Students must choose 60 credits from the following LH modules
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LH Climate change in the Earth System | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH Conservation Practice: Genes to Ecosystems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH Conservation: theory into practice | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Evolution of Vertebrates | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Evolutionary Palaeobiology | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LH Exploring the Energy Transition | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Palaeoclimates | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Professional Placement | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Responses to Global Environmental Change | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LH Tectonics and Volcanology | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LI Genetics II | 20 | Semester 2 |
Reader (Associate Professor) in Organic Geochemistry
Dr Bendle is a paleoclimatologist, specialising in molecular organic geochemistry.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
BBB Including Grade B minimum from 1 of Biology / Chemistry / Computing / Electronics / Environmental Studies / Further Maths / Geography / Geology / Human Biology / Maths / Physics / Psychology / Statistics / PE
ABB Including 1 Required Science
6,5,5 32 points overall Including HL in 1 Required Science
We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. 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.
6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Including HL in 1 Required Science
We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. 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 or a Presessional English course.
If you have a conditional offer for Birmingham where English is a requirement, you can take a Presessional English course as an alternative to retaking IELTS or a similar qualification. We offer on-campus courses all year round starting from September, including additional online courses in the summer term. Teaching takes place in small classes with no more than 18 students to maximise class participation.
Applicants who take the EPQ and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in the EPQ. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
Applicants who take the Core Maths qualification and meet our offer criteria will be made the typical offer for their programme of choice, plus an alternative offer which will be one grade lower plus a grade B in Core Maths. If you are also taking A-level Maths, you will not be eligible for an alternative offer through studying Core Maths. This offer would apply if you make Birmingham your firm choice.
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.
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.
BBC - Including 1 Required Science
BBB - 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.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2026/27
*The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. 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. The fee for September 2026 entry is £9,790 for UK students. If you decide to do a placement year, you will only pay 15% of the agreed tuition fee for that year. If you are applying for 2027 entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee once it is confirmed by the Government.
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.
If you're a UK student and starting university in September 2026, find out more about what financial support is available to you.
We want to help you reach your full potential. Explore our wide variety of scholarships available for international students.
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 2026 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please speak to our team.
Palaeontology and Geology open up a wide range of career possibilities. The University of Birmingham is one of the country’s most consistently sought‑after universities by the UK’s top graduate employers, and has been for the last decade (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2026’ report). Our courses are committed to your future career, and university is just the start. . Our Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates excel in diverse fields such as scientific civil service, local government, environmental consultancies, conservation, and education. Many pursue teaching, while a quarter continue with Masters and PhD studies in areas like Environmental Management Systems, Water Resources Technology, and Air Pollution Management.
We're consistently one of the top UK universities targeted by leading graduate employers.
(High Fliers 'Graduate Market 2026' report)
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job application, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Graduates from this programme have gone on to work for organisations including:
Their job roles include:
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 your options for combining subjects and shape your degree around your interests, whilst developing key skills for the world of work.
Our intercalated opportunities offer the chance to take a year out from your existing course to study within another field. This takes place usually between year 2 and year 3 of your programme.
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.
