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Modern Earth Sciences is as dynamic and diverse as the planet (planets!) it studies. We study everything from the origin of the Earth to the history of the life it sustains. We are an integrative, interdisciplinary, modern science. We use and apply state-of-the-art maths, physics, chemistry and biology on a daily basis to uncover fundamental knowledge about Earth and other planets. We study the Earth’s crust, planetary evolution, mineral physics, palaeobiology and palaeoclimatology, polar observation and modelling, natural hazards, environmental geochemistry and sedimentology.
Key Information
- Faculty
- Mathematical & Physical Sciences
- Department website
- Earth Sciences
- Availability
- Year, Fall Term, Spring Term
- English language level
- Level 1 - see English language requirements for more details.
- Tuition fees
- see Tuition fees for more information
- GPA requirement
- 3.3
- Subject/Module requirements
- Prior study of Science or Earth and Environmental Science required.
Why study Earth Sciences at UCL?
Both our teaching and research has scored highly in government assessments. We maintain excellent, informal relations between staff and students by keeping class sizes small, so your tutors really get to know you and can help build on your strengths; and also through the active and popular Greenough Society, which organises field trips, lectures and social events.
What you will gain from study at UCL
You will have the freedom to choose from a wide range of modules, including field-based courses, and may elect to attend a module taught in a different UCL department. Students with sufficient prior knowledge may be able to take Level 3 and Level 4 modules and should contact the Affiliate Tutor for details. Many of these are project- or field-based, thereby offering unique skills training.
Teaching and assessment
Assessment is based on written examination and coursework. Examinations are held in May; semester-only students are offered alternative assessment. Some of our modules include a mandatory fieldwork component which carries an additional charge that includes the cost of accommodation. Students are expected to have waterproof clothing and strong, waterproof footwear with non-slip soles. For current details on these charges please contact Danuta Kaminski in the Earth Sciences department.
Modules in Earth Sciences
Please note that this guide lists a range of popular modules offered as a representative sample. It is not exhaustive and, since the guide is published ahead of time, module options may have changed, been deleted or replaced. If you have very specific study needs or require confirmation of module availability for 2024/25, you are strongly advised to get in touch with the relevant Affiliate contact, listed on this subject page, before making an application.
Please note, owing to space limitations, modules GEOL0001 and GEOL0006 are only available to students registered in the department.
Level 1 (FHEQ 4) modules
| Module code | Title | Availability | US Credits | ECTS Credits | UCL Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL0001 | Earth Materials | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0003 | History of Life | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0004 | Dynamic Earth | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0006 | Surface Processes | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0007 | The Earth | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0008 | Geochemistry | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
Level 2 (FHEQ 5) modules
| Module code | Title | Availability | US Credits | ECTS Credits | UCL Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL0009 | Vertebrate Palaeontology and Evolution | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0011 | Igneous Petrology | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0012 | Global Geophysics | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0013 | Principles of Climate | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0016 | Structural Geology and Tectonics | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0017 | Isotope Geology | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
Level 3 (FHEQ 6) modules
| Module code | Title | Availability | US Credits | ECTS Credits | UCL Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL0021 | Biodiversity and Macroevolutionary Patterns | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0022 | Ocean Physics and Climate Change | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0025 | Earth Resources and Sustainability | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0027 | Groundwater Science | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0029 | Seismology I | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0030 | Seismology II | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
| GEOL0031 | Advanced Geochemistry | Spring Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
Level 4 (FHEQ 7) modules
| Module code | Title | Availability | US Credits | ECTS Credits | UCL Credits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEOL0059 | Origin of Life and Exobiology | Fall Term | 4 | 7.5 | 15 |
Contact details
- Name
- Penelope Wilson
- ucfbpwi@ucl.ac.uk