Earth Sciences University of Southampton

Overview

Earth Sciences at University of Southampton combines interdisciplinary scientific study with advanced research training. You’ll study at the Waterfront campus, part of Southampton's National Oceanography Centre, and learn in an active research environment. This means you'll work alongside scientists in fields across geology, geophysics, oceanography and environmental geoscience.

Throughout this Earth Sciences course, you’ll explore how Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems interact. You’ll examine major environmental and geological challenges, including climate change, natural hazards, sustainability and the management of natural resources.

This Earth science degree gives you flexibility to shape your studies around your interests as you progress. You can specialise in areas such as geology, environmental geoscience or geophysics, or combine subjects to build a broader understanding of Earth systems.

You’ll learn through lectures, laboratory classes, fieldwork, data analysis and research-led teaching. Alongside scientific knowledge, you’ll develop practical and technical skills in:

• geological and environmental fieldwork
• laboratory investigation and analytical techniques
• geographic information systems (GIS)
• remote sensing and environmental monitoring
• scientific programming and computational analysis
• quantitative data interpretation
• research design and scientific communication

Fieldwork is an important part of the course and helps you apply your learning in real geological and environmental settings.

A key difference between this integrated master's programme and our BSc Earth Sciences course is the focus on advanced research experience. In your final year, you’ll complete a substantial research project, either independently or with an industry partner. You'll have access to specialist facilities, and work with experts from the School of Ocean and Earth science and beyond.

You’ll also study advanced topics and develop higher-level analytical and investigative skills through specialist training and research-focused modules.

Careers

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the scientific knowledge, practical experience and independent research skills needed for careers in:

• environmental consultancy

• geoscience

• sustainability

• energy, policy and research

• climate science

You'll also have the option to progress to further postgraduate study.