About this course

Explore the evolving Earth system through the lens of sustainable environmental management. This environmental geoscience MSci combines geology, geography, oceanography and environmental science, giving you the freedom to specialise in subjects ranging from environmental law to marine pollution.

As an environmental geoscientist, you'll be able to assess the impact of human activity on the planet and society whilst working to mitigate this impact and find solutions for our future. You'll graduate with practical and transferable skills that are sought after across environmental science industries and other sectors.

This 4-year course will develop and enhance your knowledge beyond the BSc, and provide a greater emphasis on individual research skills and project work.

You'll study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world's largest centres for research and technology development in ocean and Earth science. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to work on research projects with NOCS scientists, whilst also having access to specialist facilities.

You'll develop your practical and professional skills by:

participating in marine and terrestrial field trips and residential field courses
boosting your career prospects with our industry links in geological and marine companies
building your data collection, interpretation and digital skill set, including through the use of geographic information systems (GIS)
accessing our range of facilities, including over 150 laboratories and the National Oceanographic Library

On this integrated master's degree in Environmental Geoscience, you’ll study topics like:

terrestrial and marine pollution and environmental impact
environmental law and science policy
Earth resource management
natural hazards

This programme will also allow you to specialise in terrestrial, or marine sciences, giving you the freedom to explore the elements of the programme that interest you most.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course locations

This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton) and Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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ODT

Download 2024-25 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

A-levels

AAB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B)

OR

ABB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B)

A-levels additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical is required.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including two accepted science subject and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 in two Higher Level acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level preferred science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Environmental Science and Geography

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subject.

We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two accepted science A Levels

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable A Level science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Preferred A level Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical is required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subjects.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.

A-levels

AAB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B)

OR

ABB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B)

A-levels additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Studies, Computer Science and Electronics.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical.

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including two accepted science subject and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B) or BBB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B)

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 in two Higher Level acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level preferred science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Environmental Studies and Geography

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subject.

We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AB grades in accepted science A Levels

RQF BTEC

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable A Level science subjects are Geography, Environmental Studies, Computer Science and Electronics.

Preferred A level Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subject.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

All modules are compulsory in the first year to build the foundations for the rest of the course to come. As you progress towards year 3, the focus will shift towards research and exposure to the latest thinking within Earth sciences.

This will culminate in year 4, with your own independent research project.

Your academic tutor will help guide you in the customisation of your course.

Year 1 overview

You'll begin with a broad grounding in geoscience, oceanography and environmental science theories and research techniques.

All modules in year 1 are compulsory.

Year 2 overview

Explore a greater range of topics on the interactions between the Earth system and human activity.

You'll explore subjects like:

environmental impact assessments
Earth resource management
geographic information systems (GIS)

Year 2 will expand your skills with fieldwork, laboratory sessions and opportunities to specialise with your module choices.

Year 3 overview

Hone your skills by specialising in modules relating to terrestrial sciences (geoscience pathway) or marine sciences (marine pathway).

Both choices are accompanied by fieldwork tailored to your chosen path.

On the geoscience pathway you'll study topics such as:

the volcanic mantle
geology and mineral resources

On the marine pathway you'll explore things like:

seafloor exploration and surveying
coastal sediment dynamics

During this year you'll have the opportunity to conduct supervised, original research.

Year 4 overview

You'll embark on a major research project while gaining an advanced understanding of current research areas within the geological and environmental sciences.

Your original research will be supervised and guided by our team of researchers and scientists - with a greater emphasis placed on fieldwork and lab-based research skills this year.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Dynamic Earth

Earth Materials

This module provides you with an overview of the formation, composition and behaviour of the rocks and minerals of the earth's crust. It includes a high level of practical work.

Earth and Ocean System

An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.

Fieldwork for Geoscientists

Geology and Environmental Geoscience students attend two residential field courses: during the Easter vacation, and at the end of Year 1. The module builds on the ideas and methods learned in other modules in a classroom setting. We start from the fundame...

How to be Scientifically Literate

Scientific literacy refers to the ability of individuals to understand, evaluate, and engage with scientific information and concepts in a meaningful way. It involves not only knowing scientific facts but also understanding the processes of scientific inq...

Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry

Physics of the Ocean

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Juerg Matter is the course leader.

Careers

As an Environmental Geoscience master's degree graduate you'll have the opportunity to work across a number of industries; whether you're locating and managing natural resources, developing new technologies, or working to protect the planet's natural systems from disaster.

The skills you'll gain on this programme will prepare you for employment in areas like:

environmental surveying, research and consultancy
renewable energy development
environmental planning and monitoring
education
engineering geology
construction industry
geotechnical surveying

This degree is also a good basis for further study at postgraduate level.

We host an annual careers fair at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton - an event attended by over 25 employers that look to hire Southampton graduates.

Careers services at Southampton

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,250.
EU and international students pay £28,800.

The Government has recently announced changes to UK tuition fees from September 2025 onwards. We will update our website to reflect this shortly.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: F651
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Environmental Geoscience (MSci) is a course in the Ocean and Earth science subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

b

MSci

Biology and Marine Biology

BSc

Biology and Marine Biology

e

BSc