Thank you for considering an application
To apply you’ll need to:
- Make note of the Queen Mary institution code: Q50
- Make note of your chosen course UCAS code:
Earth and Climate Science
- F640 — BSc (Hons)
- Click on the link below:
Have further questions? How to apply | Entry requirements
Earth and Climate Science (Subject to approval*)
Key information
- Degree
- BSc (Hons)
- Duration
- 3 years
- Start
- September 2026
- UCAS code
- F640
- Institution code
- Q50
- Entry Requirements
- Full entry requirements (including contextual admissions)
- Home fees
- £9,535
- Overseas fees
- £29,450
Funding information
Paying your fees
*All new courses are required to undergo a two-stage internal review and approval process. Courses that are marked "subject to approval" have successfully completed the first stage of this process. Applications are welcome but we will not make formal offers for this course until it has passed this second (and final) stage.
Overview
Study how Earth’s physical, chemical and biological systems interact with human activity, combining fieldwork, lab and geospatial skills to tackle climate change, geohazards and environmental challenges.
This Earth and Climate Science programme explores how our planet works and how human activity is reshaping its future. You’ll study the physical, chemical and biological processes that have shaped the Earth, its oceans, climate and the diversity of life, from deep geological time to today’s environmental challenges.
The programme places strong emphasis on hands‑on learning. You’ll gain practical experience through UK and overseas fieldwork, laboratory analysis and geospatial data techniques, developing the core skills used by Earth and environmental scientists. Alongside studying past environmental change, you’ll examine contemporary issues such as climate change, geohazards, and sustainable responses including policy and nature‑based solutions.
Through a wide range of assessments, research projects and optional work placement opportunities, you’ll build the scientific understanding, technical expertise and transferable skills needed for careers in environmental science and related fields.
Structure
Year 1
Earth System Science
Planet Earth: 4.5billion years in the making
Evolution
Sustainable Transitions
Core Skills for Earth and Environmental Scientists
Planetary Emergencies: From Analysis to Action
Introduction to Research Methods
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 2
Environmental Research in the Field
Environmental Research in the Lab
Oceans and Climates
Past Environmental Change
Geomorphology
Geospatial Science
Diversity of Life
Geography, Environment and Development Work Placement
Ecosystem Science
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Year 3
Dissertation
Geohazards
Volcanoes, Climate Change and Society
Modelling and Communicating Climate Futures
Nature-based Climate Solutions
Advanced Geospatial Science
Oversea Field Trip
Critical Environmental Studies
Climate Change and Climate Policy
Please note that all modules are subject to change.
Additional Costs
Compulsory fieldwork will not cost you anything extra. Optional UK and overseas fieldwork trips in the second- and third-year cost approximately £450-£1,500 (based on 2022-23 costs) depending on destination, including flights, accommodation and expenses on location.
Teaching
Teaching and learning
On average, you can expect to spend eight to 12 hours per week in a combination of lectures, tutorials, supervisions, seminars, workshops and practical classes.
For every hour of classes, expect to do a further two to four hours of independent study.
Fieldwork is central to all our programmes and takes place in London, the UK and overseas. Find out more about our field classes and how they help you apply your studies to real-world contexts.
All students have an academic advisor that they meet with regularly across each semester to review their studies and to check-in on their well-being. Read more about the advice and support services available to students in the Department of Geography and Environmental Science.
Assessment
Modules are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination. Coursework may include extended essays, short reports, posters, oral presentations and group work.
Students must also complete a final-year independent study project of 10,000 words, based on an original study of their choice.
Resources and facilities
The Department of Geography and Environmental Science offers excellent on-campus resources to aid your studies, including:
- undergraduate computer room
- group study spaces
- geography teaching laboratory
- field equipment
- environmental preparation laboratory
- elemental analysis laboratory
- river laboratory.
Entry requirements
| Contextualised admissions | We consider every application on its individual merits and will take into consideration your individual educational experiences and context. More information on how academic schools and programmes use this information as part of the admissions process, can be found on our contextualised admissions pages. |
Non-UK students
We accept a wide range of European and international qualifications in addition to A-levels, the International Baccalaureate and BTEC qualifications. Please visit International Admissions for full details.
If your qualifications are not accepted for direct entry onto this degree, consider applying for a foundation programme.
English language
Find out more about our English language entry requirements, including the types of test we accept and the scores needed for entry to the programme.
You may also be able to meet the English language requirement for your programme by joining a summer pre-sessional programme before starting your degree.
Further information
Funding
Loans and grants
UK students accepted onto this course are eligible to apply for tuition fee and maintenance loans from Student Finance England or other government bodies.
Scholarships and bursaries
Queen Mary offers a generous package of scholarships and bursaries, which currently benefits around 50 per cent of our undergraduates.
Scholarships are available for home, EU and international students. Specific funding is also available for students from the local area. International students may be eligible for a fee reduction. We offer means-tested funding, as well as subject-specific funding for many degrees.
Find out what scholarships and bursaries are available to you.
Support from Queen Mary
We offer specialist support on all financial and welfare issues through our Advice and Counselling Service, which you can access as soon as you have applied for a place at Queen Mary.
Take a look at our Student Advice Guides which cover ways to finance your degree, including:
- additional sources of funding
- planning your budget and cutting costs
- part-time and vacation work
- money for lone parents.
Careers
This programme prepares you for careers across Earth, environmental and climate‑related sectors. You’ll develop strong scientific, analytical and communication skills through fieldwork, laboratory analysis, geospatial data and independent research. Graduates progress into roles in environmental consultancy, climate risk and resilience, geohazards management, conservation, sustainability and policy, or continue to postgraduate study and research.
Career support
Environmental Science students benefit from dedicated careers support, including lectures and tutorials on career choice, getting work experience and presenting degree skills to an employer at interview.
Find out more about how we have integrated careers support into all of degree programmes to help you to maximise your potential and achieve your ambitions.
The Queen Mary careers team can also offer:
specialist advice on choosing a career path
support with finding work experience, internships and graduate jobs
feedback on CVs, cover letters and application forms
interview coaching.
Learn more about career support and development at Queen Mary.
About the School
School of Society and Environment
At Queen Mary’s School of Society and Environment, we explore the big questions shaping our world - past, present, and future. From medieval Europe to modern America, from global environmental change to the politics of the Middle East, our programmes blend rigorous scholarship with real-world impact.
Our academics are among the world’s leading researchers, and our departments consistently rank among the best in their fields (QS World University Rankings; Research Excellence Framework). Students also rate our teaching highly (National Student Survey), recognising our commitment to an engaging, high-quality learning experience.
Located in London, home to Parliament, political think tanks, cultural institutions and global businesses, we offer excellent opportunities to collaborate with local, national, and international partners. Here, you’ll apply your learning beyond the classroom, gain hands-on experience, and join a diverse, inclusive community that will challenge your perspective and equip you with the skills to make a difference.
You’ll also have access to the Mile End Institute, a major policy hub at Queen Mary that connects policymakers, academics, and local communities to address pressing national issues.
