Environmental Earth Science
Environmental earth science sits at the meeting point of geology and environmental science, and it addresses some of the most pressing questions facing the planet today. Understanding the structure, history, and processes of the Earth, from plate tectonics and rock formation to glaciation, erosion, and soil development, is essential for making sense of how landscapes change, where natural resources are found, and how climate and environmental systems interact over geological timescales. Combining this geological grounding with environmental science gives you the tools to address challenges including climate change, land degradation, water resource management, and natural hazards.
At Aberystwyth University, the BSc Environmental Earth Science with Integrated Foundation Year runs over four years, with the foundation year providing a detailed introduction to geological and environmental earth science topics for those who need to build their scientific foundations before entering the main degree. The Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at Aberystwyth is one of the most established of its kind, benefiting from both the university's long tradition in the earth sciences and the varied and geologically significant landscape of mid-Wales, which serves as a natural outdoor laboratory for fieldwork. You will develop practical skills in field observation, mapping, laboratory analysis, and data interpretation alongside the theoretical knowledge that underpins the discipline.
Graduates in environmental earth science are well placed for careers in sectors where understanding the physical environment is central. Many work in environmental consulting, geological surveying, natural resource management, environmental regulation, and civil engineering. Government agencies, engineering firms, mining and energy companies, conservation bodies, and local authorities all employ people with this expertise.
For those drawn to research or policy, the degree provides strong preparation for postgraduate study in earth sciences, environmental science, climate science, or geography.