Our 4 year integrated masters degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences will give you significant research experience, a highly desirable skillset for future employers in both academia and industry; and invaluable if you wish to go on and study for a PhD.
Focussed on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. As Earth Science is at the crossroads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single honours degree in subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, geography or biol...
Our 4 year integrated masters degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences will give you significant research experience, a highly desirable skillset for future employers in both academia and industry; and invaluable if you wish to go on and study for a PhD.<br/><br/>Focussed on a holistic understanding of Earth systems in order to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. As Earth Science is at the crossroads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single honours degree in subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, geography or biology, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.<br/><br/>On our course you will learn to read the 4.5 billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our solar system, the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earths energy and resources. And on your doorstep will be some of the UKs wildest settings, ideal for outdoor learning.<br/><br/>During your time with us you will be a part of a dynamic community trying to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could make a contribution to solving some of the worlds greatest challenges.<br/><br/>**Course structure**<br/>The course offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in Earth and Planetary Science in one of six pathways:<br/>- Geology;<br/><br/><br/>- Geochemistry;<br/><br/><br/>- Planetary Science;<br/><br/><br/>- Energy and Resources;<br/><br/><br/>- Geology with Physical Geography;<br/><br/><br/>- Palaeobiology.<br/><br/><br/>The degree includes extensive field and practical training, with UK and overseas field courses in every year of study. There is also the option to transfer to a related degree during your second year to incorporate industrial experience , a research placement or international study .<br/><br/>**The department**<br/>We are a Department of environmental scientists, geologists, chemists, mathematicians, biologists, physicists and computer scientists, who work together to study the Earth and planets. Our degrees cover the full breadth of earth and environmental sciences, reflecting the main research themes that are fundamental to the work we do in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences.<br/><br/>The reputation of Earth and Planetary Science at The University of Manchesters Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences rests on our world-leading interdisciplinary research into processes operating on, within and beyond the Earth. This research incorporates biological, chemical, physical and environmental aspects of the world and solar system we live in. The close alignment between our teaching and research ensures that units are delivered by scholars who are at the forefront of their disciplines.<br/><br/>**Skills**<br/>Our course will equip you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, to work collaboratively as part of a team, and to develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
22/09/2025
Campus
Main Site
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F702
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffNot Accepted Scottish HigherScottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB, including at least one science subject. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades AB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team. Access to HE DiplomaD:39,M:6 We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course. The specific course requirements are 45 graded credits at Level 3 with a minimum of 39 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science, and remaining 6 credits at Merit. We may request a copy of your modules. International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme36 35 points overall with 6,6,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science subject. We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDD We consider the National Extended Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Applied Science National Extended Diploma with grades DDD, which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units. GCSE/National 4/National 5Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSEs/iGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and grade 6/B in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DD We consider the National Diploma for entry provided it is in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma in Applied Science with grades DD when taken with one science A-level at grade A. ASAS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester. OCR Cambridge Technical DiplomaDD Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DD, plus one science A-level at grade A. OCR Cambridge Technical Extended DiplomaDDD Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDD, plus one science A-level with grade A. Scottish Advanced HigherScottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades ABB, including at least one science subject. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades AB, including at least one science subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects. English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the Admissions Team. Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - PrincipalD3,D3,M1 D3, D3, M1 in Principal subjects, including at least one science subject. We also consider applicants offering a mix of Pre-U Principal Subjects and A-level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall are taken, and specific subject and grade requirements are met. The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Cambridge Pre-U Global Perspectives and Research (GPR) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. However, the qualification will not form part of your offer conditions. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year Extended ProjectThe University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course. Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and would consider this qualification at grade A when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)D We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)D We consider the National Foundation Diploma in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science subject or grade M when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject. OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation DiplomaEntry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grade DD when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science subject or grade MM when taken with two A-levels at grades AA, including at least one science subject. OCR Cambridge Technical Extended CertificateD Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AA, including at least one science subject. A levelA,A,B AAB, including at least one science subject. Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography. If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to assess their suitability for the course. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year. Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore there will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A-level taken. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offers you will receive. Typical Contextual Offer: ABB, including at least one science subject. Subjects considered to be science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, Geology, Environmental Science, and Geography. If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography and applicants may first be required to attend an interview online or in person to asse T LevelNot Accepted |
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