Earth Sciences with Foundation Year

Tackle the problems of today and the future. On this course, after you've finished your Foundation Year, you’ll develop an understanding of natural and environmental hazards, their management, mitigation, and adaption to these hazards, such as climate change, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and earthquakes.

KEY FEATURES OF THE COURSE

Study an exciting and engaging multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary course that covers a range of subject areas and sits on the boundary between the sciences, physical geography and human geography

Explore the physical, chemical, and biological systems of the Earth in order to learn from the past, understand the present and influence the future to become a game changer focused on solving today’s problems to save tomorrow

Graduate with skills and knowledge in the nature-based expertise and solutions that underpin sustainable development in the UK, including the energy transition to net-zero carbon and provision of sustainable natural resources

Take a hands-on approach and put an emphasis on skill development and practice both in the laboratory and in the field through work placements, internships, research and fieldtrips

Be taught by a range of staff who are experts within their fields and research-active, incorporating their passion and enthusiasm for their specialism into their teaching and research-led learning

HOW YOU’LL LEARN:

Teaching for this programme is designed to be on campus through lectures and practical laboratories. Where appropriate, teaching will also be delivered through tutorials and computer laboratories to encourage discussions and industry-specific software training.

Each module will have associated directed study such as further reading, preparatory work, group activities and finishing exercises. Fieldwork will be embedded throughout the degree programme for you to develop imperative observation, interpretation and field skills required for future careers. This will be in the form of day trips utilising the fantastic locations here in the Midlands, such as the Peak District, the variety of industry in the area and residential field camps.

You’ll also learn to analyse and interpret big data including climate sciences, critical mineral exploration and the green energy sector using global geophysical, geochemical and climatic datasets.

YOUR CAREER:

Careers in the Earth Sciences cover a wide range of industry sectors including:


• Volcanology



• Geomorphology



• Hydropower



• Geophysics



• Science policy



• Palaeontology



• Carbon capture



• Erosion management



• Oceanography



• Engineering geology



• Critical minerals



• Museum curation



• Geoscience research



• Hydrocarbons



• Teaching



• Seismology



• Geohazards mitigation



• Glaciology palaeoclimatology

Based solely on more than 24,000 student reviews, we were named Uni Compare's University of the Year 2027, and voted 1st in the UK for employability and 2nd in the UK for course quality. Not only that, but 97% of students would recommend the University of Derby*, which we can offer you industry-relevant teaching, state-of-the-art study spaces, multi-award-winning accommodation, and a welcoming, inclusive community.

*Uni Compare 2027