About this course
Explore the evolving Earth system through the lens of sustainable environmental management. This environmental geoscience MSci combines geology, geography, oceanography and environmental science, giving you the freedom to specialise in subjects ranging from environmental law to marine pollution.
As an environmental geoscientist, you'll be able to assess the impact of human activity on the planet and society whilst working to mitigate this impact and find solutions for our future. You'll graduate with practical and transferable skills that are sought after across environmental science industries and other sectors.
This 4-year course will develop and enhance your knowledge beyond the BSc, and provide a greater emphasis on individual research skills and project work.
You'll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for research and technology development in ocean and Earth science. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on research projects with NOCS scientists, whilst also having access to specialist facilities.
You'll develop your practical and professional skills by:
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participating in marine and terrestrial field trips and residential field courses
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boosting your career prospects with our industry links in geological and marine companies
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building your data collection, interpretation and digital skill set, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS)
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accessing our range of facilities, including over 150 laboratories and the National Oceanographic Library
On this integrated master's degree in Environmental Geoscience, you’ll study topics like:
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terrestrial and marine pollution and environmental impact
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environmental law and science policy
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Earth resource management
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natural hazards
This programme will also allow you to specialise in terrestrial, or marine sciences, giving you the freedom to explore the elements of the programme that interest you most.
Course locations
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
A-levels
AAB including one acceptable science subject (minimum of grade B)
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including one acceptable science subject and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including one acceptable science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at one Higher Level Science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology and Computer Science.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level to include two science subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level to include two science subjects.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Physics.Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Non-academic entry requirements
There are no additional requirements
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
A-levels
AAB including one acceptable science subject (minimum of grade B)
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A-level offer:
ABB including one acceptable science subject and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
ABB including one acceptable science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 at one Higher Level Science subject.
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology and Computer Science.
Applications where Higher Level subjects have been studied without the full Diploma, will also be considered on a case by case basis.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level to include two science subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level to include two science subjects.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Physics.Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
- Access to HE Diploma
- Irish Leaving Certificate
- Scottish Qualification offers
- Cambridge Pre-U
- Welsh Baccalaureate
- European Baccalaureate
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
All modules are compulsory in the first year to build the foundations for the rest of the course to come. As you progress towards year 3, the focus will shift towards research and exposure to the latest thinking within Earth sciences.
This will culminate in year 4, with your own independent research project.
Your academic tutor will help guide you in the customisation of your course.
For full information on the geoscience and marine pathways, view the programme specification in the 'About this course' tab.
Year 1 overview
You'll begin with a broad grounding in geoscience, oceanography and environmental science theories and research techniques.
All modules in year 1 are compulsory.
Year 2 overview
Explore a greater range of topics on the interactions between the Earth system and human activity.
You'll explore subjects like:
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environmental impact assessments
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Earth resource management
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geographic information systems (GIS)
Year 2 will expand your skills with fieldwork, laboratory sessions and opportunities to specialise with your module choices.
Year 3 overview
Hone your skills by specialising in modules relating to terrestrial sciences (geoscience pathway) or marine sciences (marine pathway).
Both choices are accompanied by fieldwork tailored to your chosen path.
On the geoscience pathway you'll study topics such as:
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the volcanic mantle
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geology and mineral resources
On the marine pathway you'll explore things like:
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seafloor exploration and surveying
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coastal sediment dynamics
During this year you'll have the opportunity to conduct supervised, original research.
Year 4 overview
You'll embark on a major research project while gaining an advanced understanding of current research areas within the geological and environmental sciences.
Your original research will be supervised and guided by our team of researchers and scientists - with a greater emphasis placed on fieldwork and lab-based research skills this year.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1
Year 2
Year 3
Year 4
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Stephen Roberts is the course leader.
Careers
As an Environmental Geoscience master's degree graduate you'll have the opportunity to work across a number of industries; whether you're locating and managing natural resources, developing new technologies, or working to protect the planet's natural systems from disaster.
The skills you'll gain on this programme will prepare you for employment in areas like:
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environmental surveying, research and consultancy
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petroleum and mineral resource industries
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renewable energy
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environmental planning
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education
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engineering
This degree is also a good basis for further study at postgraduate level.
We host an annual careers fair at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton - an event attended by over 25 employers that look to hire Southampton graduates.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK/EU students pay £9,250.
- International students pay £0.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F651
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
If you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course please contact our enquiries team; we're very happy to help.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.ukTel: +44(0)23 8059 5000