Introduction
This programme provides a thorough scientific understanding of the significant environmental challenges we face today, such as climate change, energy transition, and rising sea levels. You will learn how to use a wide range of geoscience skills, concepts and viewpoints to investigate the Earth's ecosystems, environments and climate over time.
Earth Sciences at the University of Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction by the 2022 National Student Survey.
Study Information
At a Glance
- Learning Mode
- On Campus Learning
- Degree Qualification
- BSc
- Duration
- 48 months
- Study Mode
- Full Time
- Start Month
- September
- UCAS Code
- F610
- Pathway Programme Available
- Undergraduate Foundation Programme
Solving the challenges of climate change, sustainable development, energy, food and water security requires a deep understanding of the Earth’s systems and resources.
Through lectures, coursework, field study and training in the latest earth monitoring technology, you will explore the fundamentals of earth science, from the origin and formation of the planet to the processes that continue to shape the landscape and the climate today.
Two of your first-year courses - Creating the Anthropocene and The UN Sustainable Development Goals - introduce you to sustainability and explain how natural processes and human activities both impact our environment. Throughout the programme, you will continue to build your scientific knowledge of how Earth’s life, environments and climate have changed through time, and learn how our understanding of the structure and evolution of the planet can unlock solutions to the challenges of climate change, rising sea levels, the loss of natural habitats and ice sheets and the protection of food and water security.
At Aberdeen, we place a strong emphasis on developing your observational, computational and data analysis skills to ensure you are well-prepared for a career working in areas such as climate change, sustainability, energy, water management or environmental monitoring and protection. The data collection, analysis and interpretation skills you develop on this programme are also highly transferable should you wish to follow other pathways in your career.
The ability to address climate change and preserve and protect our environment relies heavily on geoscience. Choosing the BSc Geoscience equips you with the necessary expertise to combine your in-depth knowledge of the Earth's surface and subsurface with practical data and field skills to help create a sustainable future for our planet.
What You'll Study
- Year 1
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Compulsory Courses
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD1002)
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This course, which is prescribed for level 1 undergraduate students (and articulating students who are in their first year at the University), is studied entirely online, takes approximately 5-6 hours to complete and can be taken in one sitting, or spread across a number of weeks.
Topics include orientation overview, equality and diversity, health, safety and cyber security and how to make the most of your time at university in relation to careers and employability.
Successful completion of this course will be recorded on your Enhanced Transcript as ‘Achieved’.
- Creating the Anthropocene (GG1010)
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15 Credit Points
This course reflects upon the role humans have played in creating the Anthropocene (the epoch we are now living in), a time period during which human actions have become more significant than natural processes in shaping our world. Drawing primarily upon perspectives from physical and human geography, the nature of the changes, “how did we get here?”, are considered, laying the foundations for GG1512, in which “what comes after?” – how contemporary society is attempting to tackle Anthropocene challenges – is debated.
- The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time (GL1005)
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15 Credit Points
For 4,500 million years the Earth has been, and still is, a continually evolving Dynamic Planet. The record is held in the rocks and fossils of the present continental landmasses and ocean basins. To deduce the history of the planet geologists must apply a large range of scientific principles and disciplines. These disciplines encompass the biological, chemical and physical sciences. The course provides a basic understanding of how the structure and evolution of the planet are deduced and how this information can be used to discover and extract natural resources such as fossil fuels and ores.
- The UN Sustainable Development Goals: Transforming Our World (GG1512)
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15 Credit Points
This course interrogates the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. These encompass contemporary global challenges such as responsible consumption and production, no poverty, clean water and climate action (challenges whose emergence is introduced in GG1010 Creating the Anthropocene). Drawing upon Human and Physical Geography perspectives, a ‘strong’ interpretation of sustainability, one where social and economic dimensions fundamentally rely on ecological foundations, underpins the course.
- Earth's Materials (GL1505)
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15 Credit Points
Following on from GL1005 this course is an introduction to the petrogenesis of three major rock groups; igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary. Practical classes will centre around the use of polarizing microscope in the identification of the common rock-forming minerals. The relationship between plate tectonics and the petrogenesis of igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rocks, including types and styles of volcanic eruptions will be addressed.
Optional Courses
Select 60 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 2
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Compulsory Courses
- Physical Environments (GG2013)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides an understanding of environmental processes and landscape change through time and space. The course places Physical Geography as an integral component of Earth System Science. The first half of the course explores physical environmental processes, whilst the second focuses on evidence of environmental change across a range of temporal and spatial scales. Three themes of glaciology, hydrology and palaeoecology will be explored to illustrate the linkages and interactions between process and form over a range of temporal and spatial scales. The course is team-taught by staff with an emphasis on using examples from recent research projects.
- Petrology & Mineralogy (GL2015)
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15 Credit Points
Petrology and mineralogy is a compulsory course for geology students. It covers igneous, metamorphic and sedimentary petrology. The course has a strong practical component and involves the preparation of workbooks based on individual study and practical exercises that use hand specimens, microscope work and chemical data.
- Skills and Techniques in Geosciences (GG2508)
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15 Credit Points
This course introduces students to a range of scientific and social scientific skills and techniques used in Geography. The course content builds towards a residential field trip that takes place in the Easter vacation. Past venues have included the Isles of Skye and Arran, the cities of Inverness and Stirling, and Aviemore in the Cairngorms National Park. The trips enable students to put into practice the skills and techniques they have been taught through lectures and in workgroup sessions, and to conduct original research into geographical issues covered elsewhere on the programme.
Only available to students registered for programme year 2 of a Geography study aim or to students also taking at least 3 of GG2013, GG2014, GG2509 & GG2510
- Mapping and Monitoring the Environment (GG2510)
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15 Credit Points
In a digital era of GPS navigators and many online map tools (e.g. Google Maps), there is an increase demand for professionals able to understand and manipulate geographical data and use these to monitor processes at various scales. The course provides a solid background in the acquisition of geographical data, both onshore and offshore with classic field-based and remote sensing techniques. It covers the creation and interpretation of maps and looks at the history of remote sensing and its science as well as providing the essential basis to understanding what a Geographical Information System is.
- An Introduction to Field Geology (GL2510)
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15 Credit Points
Field-based observation is an essential skill for understanding the origin of rocks, and is a vital reality-check for understanding how Geological Science is practised and developed. This course gives students experience with techniques for investigating rocks in their natural habitat, studying the crucial relationships between different units, and developing good habits for observing and recording data in the field. Students learn how to perceive geology in 3D, and to develop working hypotheses from incomplete evidence. This is achieved through a five-day residential field trip (takes place in the Easter break) which is preceded by wide-ranging practical classes and explanatory lectures.
- Earth’s Life, Environments and Climate Through Time (GL2017)
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15 Credit Points
This course explores how Earth’s life, environments and climate have changed through the history of the planet, from its origins until the Recent past. This exciting story, including for example Earth-covering “snowball” glaciations, mass extinctions, and the origins of life on land, is unravelled by looking at fossils, sedimentary rocks and their chemical signals, learning and applying the fundamental methods and principles required to determine sequences of events in Earth's history (stratigraphy).
Optional Courses
Select 30 credit points from courses of choice.
- Year 3
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Compulsory Courses
- Remote Sensing and Geographical Information Systems (GG3069)
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15 Credit Points
This course covers the practical aspects of remote sensing and GIS. It is entirely hands on, and students learn through a series of exercises that becomes progressively more challenging and more specific to different geographical disciplines. By the end of the course students will be familiar with key remote sensing and GIS software and will have learned their fundamental tools. These are highly demanded skills in the job market at present, so this course is strategic for those students potentially interested in a job where these types of tools are employed.
- Field and Mapping Techniques 1 (GL3026)
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15 Credit Points
This course is based on a residential field programme that enables students to directly study geological phenomena and relationships in the field. it provides hands-on experience and develops 3-D approaches to thinking and problem solving. The learning environment is remote from the university, and encourages students to learn individually and in small group settings. The course covers a range of techniques typically, geological field mapping, sedimentary logging, and examination of detailed field relationships to enable broader scale conclusions to be drawn. Assessments are undertaken during the actual field course. The field course is paid for directly by participants.
- Volcanology (GL3030)
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15 Credit Points
Volcanology is the study of the physical processes that drive volcanic eruptions, and the products of those eruptions, in relationship to both present-day eruptions and the signatures of those preserved in geological record. Present-day volcanism is a major natural hazard that can cause catastrophic effects on the environment and humankind. Understanding of the physical processes which lead to volcanic eruptions and the dispersion of the products of volcanism are the key to monitoring, mitigation and management of volcanic hazards globally. This course will build on basic geological and geographical principles and knowledge to provide a detailed insight into recent developments in our understanding of volcanism on Earth. Geophysical and other remote sensing methods of volcano monitoring will form an integral part of the course. The mitigation and management of volcanic hazards requires communication between scientists and the general public who are at risk, and consequently emphasis will be placed on providing technical and non-technical reports to guide the population at large.
- Techniques in Physical Geography (GG3575)
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15 Credit Points
This course provides an introduction to and training in multiple techniques which are used in physical geography. These are directly related to our research strengths in glaciology, hydrology and palaeoecology. This develops skills across a range of techniques which can be subsequently applied to dissertation projects, for advanced 4th year courses and for higher level education. These techniques all represent transferable skills which may be applied in the workplace. There are three field days where data are collected with subsequent lab classes providing instruction on how to analyse and interpret such data.
- Research Design (GG3574)
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15 Credit Points
This core course builds on GG2508 to provide an introduction to the conduct of research in the Geosciences at an advanced level. It is intended to familiarise students with the skills necessary to design, implement and write up effective research. These skills will support work on undergraduate dissertations and other project work. The course also introduces careers research skills, and explores how you can best make use of your degree in the 'real world' after graduation: workshops run in partnership with the University's Career Service provide practical advice and training on how best to develop your career.
Optional Courses
Select 45 credit points from courses of choice.
NOTE: Students are required to gain at least 210 credits from Honours courses in Geography/Geosciences across levels 3 and 4.
- Year 4
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Compulsory Courses
- Geoscience Project A (GO4001)
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30 Credit Points
This course provides the opportunity to carry out an independent, open-ended, piece of research work. This will be in an area of geoscience (geology, physical geography, archaeology) or in related subjects where a wide range of tools commonly used by geoscientists can be utilized. The project can use data that was collected during fieldwork during the preceding summer; it can be a laboratory-based study using materials already available; it can be a ‘desktop’ study utilizing digital information or any combination of these approaches. The student will be expected to develop: presentation skills; experience of reading and thinking about a specialist topic in depth; critical analysis skills of your own and other people’s scientific work and project management skills. This will help prepare for future careers beyond university. It is anticipated that this course will form the background for Geoscience Project B.
- Geoscience Project B (GO4501)
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30 Credit Points
This course provides an opportunity to develop further an aspect or aspects of findings identified in the Geoscience Project A, or to produce a piece of independent and original research on an approved topic. Advanced level knowledge of a sub-area of the geosciences will be developed through independent study supervised by a member of academic staff.
- Laboratory Data Acquisition and Analysis (GO4002)
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15 Credit Points
The aim of this course is to develop critical thinking, presentation and project design skills for research together with an enhancement of the necessary skills in numeracy, data manipulation and data interpretation. The course involves substantial workshop-based and student-led practical work designed to provide direct experience of these key components. Students will be introduced to the practical and theoretical aspects of various analytical techniques that are available in the School of Geosciences.
Optional Courses
Select a further 45 credits including 30 credits from GL or GG courses.
We will endeavour to make all course options available; however, these may be subject to timetabling and other constraints. Please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
How You'll Study
Learning Methods
- Field Trips
- Field Work
- Group Projects
- Individual Projects
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Tutorials
- Workshops
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies they learn on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, years of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Geoscience?
- Geoscience is central to achieving a sustainable future because tackling challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, energy, food and water security requires a deep understanding of the Earth’s systems and resources.
- Electric cars, for example, require sourcing rare earth elements such as lithium and cobalt for batteries. There is also a growing need for raw materials for solar panels and wind turbines. Carbon capture and storage (CCS), nuclear waste disposal and Hydrogen all require significant knowledge of the subsurface as does the development and exploration of geothermal energy systems.
- Earth Sciences at the University of Aberdeen is ranked 4th in the UK for student satisfaction by the 2022 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 91.7% (compared to a national average score of 83.1%).
- Geology at Aberdeen is ranked 6th in the UK by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023.
- Human Geography at Aberdeen is ranked 1st in the UK for student satisfaction by the 2022 National Student Survey, with an overall satisfaction score of 100%.
- The Science Teaching Hub provides students with the most modern microscopy laboratories in the UK. Our advanced microscopes and cameras allow you to study rocks and capture and share images like never before.
- Our location and our strong industry links mean our students benefit from unrivalled industry exposure through seminars, guest lectures and participation in field trips and career networking events. Many of our students are also able to gain industry experience during the course of their degree, through industry-based research projects and placements.
- Fieldwork is an important element of this degree, we make the best use of our location in Scotland – close to many great areas for fieldwork.
- Aberdeen is a great place to study Geoscience, with the region's spectacular mountain and coastal areas, a vibrant city and rural communities, providing perfect field sites.
Entry Requirements
Qualifications
The information below is provided as a guide only and does not guarantee entry to the University of Aberdeen.
General Entry Requirements
- 2023 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
- 2024 Entry
-
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening access criteria are are guaranteed a conditional offer. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
More information on our definition of Standard, Minimum and Adjusted entry qualifications.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL, with two Mathematics/ Science subjects at HL.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 including a minimum of H3 from two Science or Mathematics subjects.
Entry from College
Advanced entry to this degree may be possible from some HNC/HND qualifications, please see www.abdn.ac.uk/study/articulation for more details.
The information displayed in this section shows a shortened summary of our entry requirements. For more information, or for full entry requirements for Sciences degrees, see our detailed entry requirements section.
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Aberdeen it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL - 6.0 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL - 78 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL - 59 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency:
OVERALL - 169 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169
Read more about specific English Language requirements here.
International Applicants
International Applicants who do not meet the Entry Requirements
The University of Aberdeen International Study Centre offers preparation programmes for international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements for undergraduate study. Discover your foundation pathway here.
Fees and Funding
You will be classified as one of the fee categories below.
| Fee category | Cost |
|---|---|
| RUK | £9,250 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| EU / International students | £24,800 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year | |
| Home Students | £1,820 |
| Tuition Fees for 2023/24 Academic Year |
Scholarships and Funding
Students from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, who pay tuition fees may be eligible for specific scholarships allowing them to receive additional funding. These are designed to provide assistance to help students support themselves during their time at Aberdeen.
International Applicants
Further Information about tuition fees and the cost of living in Aberdeen
Additional Fees
- In exceptional circumstances there may be additional fees associated with specialist courses, for example field trips. Any additional fees for a course can be found in our Catalogue of Courses.
- For more information about tuition fees for this programme, including payment plans and our refund policy, please visit our InfoHub Tuition Fees page.
Our Funding Database
View all funding options in our Funding Database.
Careers
Geoscientists apply their knowledge of the physical structure of the earth to work in many sectors including, energy mining, environmental protection, engineering geology (for the built environment), natural hazards (volcanology), water management and oceanography.
Geoscientists are also sought after for their transferable skills and knowledge, for example, their observation, data collection, analysis and interpretation skills which are in high demand in the financial sector.
Our location in Aberdeen and our strong links with the national and international energy sector means our students benefit from unrivalled industry exposure through seminars, guest lectures and participation in field trips and career networking events. Many of our students are also able to gain industry experience during the course of their degree, through industry-based research projects and placements.
The study of geoscience therefore provides access to a wide variety of careers, including:
Career Opportunities
- Cartographer
- Environmental Consultant
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS) Analyst
- Geologist
- Geophysicist
- Planning Analyst
- Seismologist
- Surveyor
Our Experts
- Programme Coordinator
- Dr Malcolm Hole
Information About Staff Changes
You will be taught by a range of experts including professors, lecturers, teaching fellows and postgraduate tutors. Staff changes will occur from time to time; please see our InfoHub pages for further information.
Discover Uni
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Get in Touch
Contact Details
- Address
-
Student Recruitment & Admissions
University of Aberdeen
University Office
Regent Walk
Aberdeen
AB24 3FX