Geoscience

Geoscience is the study of planet Earth in all its complexity, from the deep processes of the mantle and the formation of rocks and minerals at the surface to the evolution of life, the dynamics of the atmosphere and oceans, and the forces that have shaped landscapes over billions of years. It is a discipline that combines the physical sciences, chemistry, and biology in the service of understanding a single extraordinarily complex system. As humanity faces challenges ranging from climate change and natural hazards to resource scarcity and environmental degradation, geoscientists play an increasingly important role in providing the knowledge and tools needed to respond.

At Royal Holloway and Bedford New College, this four-year MSci Geoscience programme develops a holistic understanding of Earth and its life, taking you from the formation of our solar system through the deep history of the planet to the contemporary processes shaping the world around us. You will study the geological record, the physics and chemistry of Earth materials, the dynamics of tectonic plates, climate systems, and the evolution and diversity of life. The programme includes a sandwich year with placement and a year abroad, giving you professional and international fieldwork and research experience as part of the degree.

Geoscience is inherently a field science, and practical work in the field is a defining feature of the curriculum.

Graduates work across energy exploration, environmental consulting, natural hazard assessment, climate science, hydrology, mining and minerals, and academic research. The geosciences underpin the extraction and sustainable management of natural resources, the assessment of geological risks, and the development of the low-carbon energy systems that the energy transition requires. Postgraduate study in geoscience, earth sciences, or environmental science is a common next step, particularly for those who wish to move into research or specialist technical roles.