Earth Science is the study of the Earth, its structure, composition, history and resources. It is concerned with the interactions of the Earth’s deep geology with surface processes, climates and natural and anthropogenic changes.

Programme structure

Throughout the programme you will gain a rigorous understanding of the Earth, the way it works, its properties and materials, its history, evolution and environment, and the interaction between the planet and its inhabitants.

Year 1

Initially you will study the major themes of Earth Science. There are two courses in first year, covering plate tectonics, the structure of the Earth, earthquakes, volcanoes, how rocks deform, evolution of life, environmental issues, geotechnology, and exploration for oil, gas, coal and minerals.

You will also study two other subjects of your choice in year 1: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Year 2

You will undertake four courses in the second year, building your knowledge of

• the solid Earth
• palaeobiology, and the use of fossils to reconstruct environments and climates in the past
• the surface of the Earth in the past and the present day
• the structure of the Earth, geological maps, and Earth exploration.

You will also study one or two other subjects in year 2: see Degrees in Arts, Science and Social Sciences.

Years 3 and 4

If you successfully complete the courses in first and second years you can progress to Honours (third and fourth years).

At Honours you will study a number of core courses covering stratigraphy, petrology and geochemistry, sedimentary rocks, isotope geology, tectonic geomorphology, structural geology, geological maps, geophysics, and major earth processes, and participate in a number of residential field classes.

These are supplemented by a wide range of optional courses focusing on applied aspects of Earth Science.

At Honours level you will undertake two independent projects; one field-based geological mapping project and one laboratory-based research project. The latter involves the use of analytical facilities within the school such as state-of-the-art electron microscopes.

Special features

Partner and industry links

Our international links

Career prospects

Note

Academic entry requirements
for entry in 2014

BSc

Highers: AAAA or AAABB (including two science subjects) in first sitting = unconditional offer.

Applicants who achieved AAAB or AABBB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting WILL receive an offer from the University. This offer may be conditional (on second sitting results) or unconditional, depending on how many applications are received from students who have attained these grades.

Additional offers, either conditional or unconditional, MAY be made to applicants who achieved between ABBB and AABB (including two science subjects) at their first sitting. A decision re these applications will be made in March 2014 once all applications have been reviewed.

Applicants who receive an offer conditional on second sitting results may be required to study Advanced Highers in relevant subjects as an integral part of their conditional offer.

A-levels: AAB including one, preferably two, science subjects.

IB: A minimum of 34 points is required to be considered for an offer. Actual offers will specify subjects and grades to be attained at Higher Level.

Advanced entry

If you have exceptional A-level or Advanced Higher grades it's possible to gain exemption from Year 1 study and enter directly into Year 2 or follow a faster route advanced entry programme, both of which allow you to complete your degree in one year less than usual. See: Advanced entry

English language requirements

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic module (not General Training):

• overall score 6.5
• no sub-test less than 6.0
• or equivalent scores in another recognised qualification (see below)
   

Common equivalent English language qualifications:

• ibTOEFL: 92; no sub-test less than 20
• CAE (Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English): B minimum
• CPE (Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English): C minimum
• PTE Academic (Person Test of English, Academic test): 60; no sub-test less than 59

Pre-sessional courses
The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the Language Centre Pre-sessional courses. We also consider other BALEAP accredited pre-sessional courses:

• Language Centre, University of Glasgow
• BALEAP guide to accredited courses 

FAQs

Visa requirements and proof of English language level

It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.

For further information about English language, please contact the Language Centre.

Tuition fees

How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details. If you’re from outside the EU, please see International students for more information.

Scholarships

We offer a wide range of scholarships to our undergraduates, including both home/EU and international students. The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That’s why we’ve invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding over the last year.
 
For a full list of scholarships including eligibility criteria and how to apply, please see:

• Scholarships