Earth Sciences

Course details Earth Sciences is the holistic study of the planet from the core to the surface, its water and the surrounding atmosphere. This four-year Master’s degree has been designed to provide a comprehensive and rigorous education in all aspects of Earth Sciences along with the opportunity to interact with staff at the cutting-edge of scientific research. It provides you with the opportunity to follow the Geology, Environmental Geosciences, Geophysics with Geology or Geoscience pathway for the first three years and undertake a detailed independent research project in the area of your choice in the fourth year. Ideally suited to students with a strong interest in research, the course incorporates a substantial amount of independent (and group) project work which will involve you in high-level quantitative investigations, in addition to advanced key skills training.

Why Durham University? Durham is one of the UK’s leading providers of Earth Sciences education. We offer six undergraduate courses, four of which are accredited by The Geological Society of London. Our courses explore the full geological spectrum including climate change, oceans, mass extinctions, rocks and minerals, volcanoes, and the structure and chemistry of the Earth. Our multidisciplinary approach applies physics, chemistry, mathematics, biology and physical geography to real world scenarios to make sense of today's major geoscience concerns.

Rankings World Top 50 in QS World University Subject Rankings 2023 7th in The Guardian University Guide 2024 5th in The Complete University Guide 2024 7th in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024

Career Opportunities You will graduate with the scientific foundations and transferable skills to move directly into the workplace or to progress to a more specialised postgraduate qualification. Career prospects for Durham graduates are excellent. Geology and Earth Sciences graduates are highly valued by employers and go on to a wide range of highly successful careers in the sector and beyond, working in industry and research, including environmental management, water management, energy and engineering geology. Some of the high-profile employers our graduates have gone on to work for include ATKINS, ARUP, Centrica and the Environment Agency.