Earth and Planetary Sciences Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Course Overview - Earth and Planetary Sciences Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Our 3 year BSc degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences is focused 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.
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 ev...
Our 3 year BSc degree in Earth and Planetary Sciences is focused 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.
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 Earth's energy and resources. And on your doorstep will be some of the UK's wildest settings, ideal for outdoor learning.
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 world's greatest challenges.
Course structure
Our BSc in Earth and planetary sciences is a three year degree which offers you the flexibility to tailor your interest in Earth and planetary science in one of five pathways:
* Geology;
* Geochemistry;
* Planetary science;
* Energy and resources;
* Palaeobiology.
The Department
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.
The reputation of Earth and planetary science at The University of Manchester's 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.
Skills
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.
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
3 Years
Start Date
2027-09-21
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A48-E90
Institution Code
M20
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
A level
ABB, including at least one science or mathematics subject. Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Statistics. If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography. 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 offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year . Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements. Typical Contextual Offer: BBB/ABC, including at least one science or mathematics subject. Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Marine Science, Physics, Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Statistics. If Geography is the only science subject being taken, the offer will typically specify an A in Geography. Find out more about contextual admissions . 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 offer you will receive. Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, any offer will be based on three A Levels, and any additional A Levels won’t be included in your offer. Any offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting and based on your qualification portfolio. Your offer will stipulate which subjects and the grades required. If you do not have the required grades or subjects you may want to consider our integrated foundation year . Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.
T Level
Not accepted
UCAS Tariff
Not accepted
Scottish Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science or mathematics subject. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects (these can be achieved in a previous sitting). 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 Diploma
offer-distinction: 30.0, offer-merit: 15.0
Each application is considered individually. Applicants should contact the Admissions Office to discuss their particular circumstances. In general, we require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma in Science with 60 credits overall, including 45 graded credits at Level 3, with a minimum of 30 credits at Distinction, 15 of which must be in a science subject, and the remaining 15 credits at Merit.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education, typically a minimum of five GCSE/IGCSEs, including acceptable levels of literacy and numeracy, equivalent to at least grade 4/C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language, including grade 1 or 2 in the oral exam component if applicable, and grade 6/B in GCSE/IGCSE Mathematics. GCSE/IGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/IGCSE English Language. Please note that if you hold English as a Second Language IGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your IGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the admissions team in your academic School/Department for clarification.
Scottish Advanced Higher
Scottish Advanced Highers are normally required in one of the following combinations: Three Advanced Highers with grades BBB, including at least one science or mathematics subject. Or Two Advanced Highers with grades BB, including at least one science or mathematics subject, and two Highers with grades AB in additional subjects (these can be achieved in a previous sitting). 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.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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 DM when taken with one science or mathematics A-level at grade A.
Extended Project
The 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, if applicable. A number of our academic Departments 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.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades DM, plus one science or mathematics A-level at grade A.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 points overall with 6,5,5 at Higher Level, including at least one science or mathematics subject. Subjects considered to be science/mathematics subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Systems and Societies, Geography, Physics, and Mathematics. We will accept Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches or Mathematics: Applications and Interpretation. If Geography is the only science subject being taken at Higher Level, the offer will typically specify 6 in Geography. We do not consider the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) for entry onto our undergraduate courses.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales. We would usually require two A-levels, including at least one science or mathematics subject, or equivalent, to be taken alongside this qualification. The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A-level entry requirements. For applicants who have studied the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (pre-2023), this qualification will still be accepted in lieu of one A-level (normally the lowest A-level grade listed). If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the admissions team.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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 DDM, which must include distinctions in all mandatory science units.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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 or mathematics subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM, plus one science or mathematics A-level with grade A.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
We consider the National Extended Certificate in any subject with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades DM when taken with two A-levels at grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D when taken with two A-levels with grades AB, including at least one science or mathematics subject.
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