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Explore Earth’s history through fossils and rocks, combining fieldwork with scientific study to understand past climates, life, and natural processes. Equipping you with the skills to tackle environmental challenges and pursue careers in areas such as research, conservation, or resource management.
I've developed a range of skills during my time here such as team work and geological mapping, and enhanced both my analytical and communication skills.
Discover more about your chosen subject at one of our Open Days or by asking us a question.
Join our three-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
In year 1, you’ll kick off your adventure with a one-week residential field course to Northern Ireland in semester one, followed by another exciting trip to Pembrokeshire in SW Wales in semester two. These immersive experiences will equip you with practical skills and a solid theoretical foundation in Earth Sciences. You’ll bond with fellow students from Geology and Physical Geography courses, creating lasting connections. The first year offers comprehensive training across Earth Sciences, with compulsory modules like Earth History and Life, Earth Systems, and Atoms to Volcanoes. No prior knowledge is assumed, as you’ll learn essential chemistry, physics, and maths within the context of your studies. Get ready to dive into geological observation, data recording, and interpretation.
in the UK for Geology
Complete University Guide 2025
In the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
Learn from top paleobiologic experts - Our staff are experts in there field currently conducting cutting-edge research in diverse ecosystems.
Accredited - Geological Society of London ensure top-tier professional training.
Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
At Birmingham, you’ll learn through diverse methods including fieldwork, practical's, and tutorials, fostering independent and research-led learning.
World-leading research - Feeds directly into our undergraduate programmes, meaning you will learn from academics who are experts in their fields. For example, Prof. Richard Butler sheds new light on the major patterns and drivers of terrestrial biodiversity change, as exemplified by tetrapods over the last 375 million years, while Prof Sam Giles works on the evolution of fish. Dr. Stephan Lautenschlager uses cutting-edge computational techniques to restore the morphology of fossil organisms and reconstruct their biology, whereas Dr. Kirsty Edgar uses the remains of microscopic marine organisms to reconstruct past environments. Our research is truly global, taking us from the UK to the deserts of the American west.
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal academic tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues.
Our Student Experience Team - Will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.
For this programme, you can expect 10-14 hours of classes weekly in years one and two, and 6-9 hours in the final year.
Earth Sciences uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
Imagine spending a year working with an external organisation, gaining invaluable experiences and skills that set you up for a successful career. Whether it's with a finance company, an educational institution, or an environmental charity, the choice is yours. The Placement Year option allows you to explore sectors related to your degree or even venture into new fields. You don't need to decide right away; you can opt for this exciting opportunity once you begin your studies. This placement, charged at a reduced fee, enhances your skills and contributes to your degree result.
Accreditation indicates that the course offers sound training for a professional career in the geosciences, and satisfies the academic requirements to achieve Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
Module Title | Credits | Semester |
---|---|---|
LC Introductory Field and Research Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
LC SW Wales Field Course | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Atoms to Volcanoes | 10 | Semester 1 |
LC Earth History and Life | 20 | Semester 2 |
LC Earth Structures & Tectonics | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Earth Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
LC Geoscience Project | 10 | Semester 2 |
LC Introduction to Evolution and Animal Biology | 20 | Semester 1 |
James is a paleoclimatologist, specialising in molecular organic geochemistry. His research is focused on Cenozoic and Holocene climate evolution, high-resolution palaeoclimatology and biomarker proxy development.
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
ABB Including 1 Required Science
6,5,5 32 points overall Including HL in 1 Required Science
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
Number of A levels required: 3
Biology/ Chemistry/Computing/Electronics/Environmental Studies/Further Maths/Geography/Geology/Human Biology/ Maths/ Physics/ Psychology/Statistics/ PE
General Studies is not accepted but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.
6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Including HL in 1 Required Science
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
BBC - Including 1 Required Science
BBB - Including 1 Required Science
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
Palaeontology and Geology open up a wide range of career possibilities. With Birmingham being the top UK university targeted by top employers (High Fliers ‘Graduate Market in 2024’ report). Our Earth and Environmental Sciences graduates excel in diverse fields such as scientific civil service, local government, environmental consultancies, conservation, and education. Many pursue teaching, while a quarter continue with Masters and PhD studies in areas like Environmental Management Systems, Water Resources Technology, and Air Pollution Management.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.