Earth and Environmental Science (Study Abroad) Lancaster University

Earth scientists are essential to tackling the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. From geological hazards to resource provision and climate change, they research current issues to uncover future solutions. By choosing to do a degree in Earth and environmental science, you will embark on an exciting and vital exploration of the natural environment, with opportunities to see first-hand the real-world impacts of environmental hazards and the strategies developed as a response. When you graduate, you will enter a global job market where environmentally focused professionals are highly sought after.

Broaden your horizons

Enrich your university experience with a year overseas at one of our partner universities. In Year 3, head out to start your adventure and immerse yourself in a different cultural and academic community. We’ll support you all the way!

What to expect

Our four-year BSc Hons Earth and Environmental Science (Study Abroad) degree begins by building your understanding of geology, the Earth’s interior and the atmosphere, weather and climate systems.

In Year 2, you will build on these themes, exploring specific topics such as geological field skills, soil science, and glacial systems.

In Year 4, you will have a choice of topics and will apply your knowledge to a dissertation project. This will be an opportunity to research a topic of interest through fieldwork, laboratory-based research, or computer modelling.

Getting out in the field

Alongside your classroom and lab-based studies, you will gain hands-on experience conducting research in real-world environments on a local, regional, and global scale. You may take part in overseas field courses to study volcanic processes and impact management, glacial processes, or the management of environmental challenges. On top of that, you will engage in fieldwork closer to home in the Lake District World Heritage Site and Yorkshire Dales.

Personal development

Throughout your degree, you will gain a variety of transferable skills that are valued by employers, including communication and information technology skills, data handling, environmental sampling, and analysis.

We hope you find your year overseas personally enriching. Our students often tell us that they return feeling more confident, self-assured and with a broader perspective to take into job interviews.

3 things our Earth and Environmental Science students want you to know:

• There’s no better way to understand Earth and environmental science than by learning on location and there are plenty of opportunities to do this! You will take a hands-on approach to studying the environment, tackling real challenges and the impact that creating a solution could have

• Lancaster’s Earth science staff specialise in volcanology, geophysics, hydrogeology, and glaciology. There’s always someone to ask about your specific interest! You will also be assigned an academic tutor who will be your first point of contact for support on your course

• The theme of sustainability is woven throughout the degree and life on campus. Many students are part of LUSU Green, a group run by the Students’ Union that is driving change across the campus and beyond to create a thriving natural environment, reduce carbon emissions, and train the sustainability leaders of the future

Entry requirements

These are the typical grades that you will need to study this course. This section will tell you whether you need qualifications in specific subjects, what our English language requirements are, and if there are any extra requirements such as attending an interview or submitting a portfolio.

A levels

ABB. This should include one science subject from: Biology, Chemistry, Computing, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Physics or Psychology.

Access to HE Diploma

Considered on a case-by-case basis. Our typical entry requirement would be 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction plus 15 Level 3 credits at Merit, but you would need to have covered appropriate subject content.

Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales in place of one A level, or equivalent qualification, as long as any subject requirements are met.

BTEC Extended Diploma

DDM to include sufficient science. We require Distinctions in the majority of relevant science units. Not all science-based BTECs will include sufficient relevant science units. Please contact the Admissions Team for further advice.

BTEC in combination with A levels

Our typical entry requirement would be A level grade B plus BTEC(s) at DD, or A levels at grade BB plus BTEC at D, but you would also need to meet the subject requirements.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall with 16 points from the best 3 HL subjects including one HL science subject at grade 6

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers

We are happy to admit applicants on the basis of five Highers, but where we require a specific subject at A level, we will typically require an Advanced Higher in that subject. If you do not meet the grade requirement through Highers alone, we will consider a combination of Highers and Advanced Highers in separate subjects. Please contact the Admissions team for more information.

T levels

Considered on a case by case basis. T level in Science may be accepted at Distinction, with an A in core component.

GCSE requirements

Mathematics grade 4/C, English Language grade 4/C.

We will also look at your overall GCSE profile when considering your application as a whole.

We do have flexibility when considering GCSE requirements. Go to our GCSE information for more details.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, we require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with at least 5.5 in each component for this programme. English language qualifications for undergraduate study.