Earth ScienceMEarthSci Honours

UCAS code F6404 Years

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Earth ScienceMEarthSci HonoursUCAS code F6404 Years

This four-year MEarthSci degree explores thefascinating complexity of the Earth system,through subjects like geology, chemistry andmicrobiology.

The degree is similar to our Earth Science BSc Honours, butincludes a year of advanced study at Master's level.

Earth science covers everything from the formation of rocksand minerals to the impact of human activity on theenvironment.

This degree prepares you for a wide range of possiblecareers - from geology to geomatics, and fromgeochemistry to environmental consultant. Whatever youchoose, you'll be equipped with relevant skills in:

• experimental science• field work• scientific investigation• project management

Your final year research project will deepen your knowledgeand enable you to work with internationally leadingresearchers and professionals.

Highlights of this degreeQuality and rankingEarth Science at Newcastle is highly regarded.

• 92% overall student satisfaction– National StudentSurvey 2017 (Physical Geography and EnvironmentalSciences category)

• top 200 – Earth and Marine Sciences category – QSWorld University Rankings by Subject 2018

Practical skillsEarth science underpins a range of interesting careers andthis degree equips you with practical skills that are indemand with employers across the globe.

You will develop a strong understanding of the fundamentalpillars of Earth science, such as:

• geology• geochemistry• global imaging systems and remote sensing

You learn the practical applications of this knowledge, andalso gain an appreciation of the engineering andtechnological applications of Earth science.

Through field trips and practical sessions, you develophighly desirable skills such as:

• field observation

• analysis skills

Using our our world-class analytical labs you also:

• develop expertise in laboratory techniques• gain hands-on experience using industry-standard

equipment

FieldworkThere are lots of opportunities to explore the environmentand develop hands-on skills using our high-tech equipment,including:

• frequent field days, reinforcing classroom learning andhelping you apply your knowledge to practical contexts

• an annual residential field course, in the UK or abroad

Current field course locations include the Lake District, theIsle of Arran and Sorbas Basin, Spain.

During welcome week in your first year, you also go on aresidential course where you will have an opportunity tomeet staff and fellow students, to help you settle in andmake friends.

Study abroadStudy abroad opportunities are available with this degree.See Study Abroad for more details.

Research opportunitiesStudents will have access to our world-class analyticallaboratories including:

• Gas Chromatography• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry• High Pressure Liquid Chromatography Mass

Spectrometry• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

These laboratories enable you to conduct high-qualityresearch, alongside our expert academic staff, tocomplement the teaching and practical classes deliveredduring your degree.

Defence Technical Undergraduate Scheme(DTUS)This degree is also approved by DTUS for entry to alltechnical corps.

DTUS is a Ministry of Defence sponsorship programme forstudents who wish to join the Royal Navy, British Army,RAF, or Defence Engineering and Science Group(DESG) as technical officers after graduation.

Find out more on the DTUS programme.

Facilities and supportThis degree is delivered by the School of Natural andEnvironmental Sciences. You will also be taught in variousspecialist centres across the University, as appropriate.

FacilitiesOur facilities for earth science include world-class analyticallaboratories, including:

• Gas Chromatography• Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry

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• High Pressure Liquid Chromatography MassSpectrometry

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

You'll benefit from the Great North Museum on campus. It'shome to over 9,000 geological and mineralogicalspecimens. And the Mining Institute, with one of the world’smost comprehensive collections on mining engineering, isjust a short walk away.

SupportYou'll be supported by:

• a personal tutor throughout your degree – an academicmember of staff who can help with academic andpersonal issues

• a peer mentor in your first year – a fellow student whocan help you settle in and answer any questions you have

You can have your say on degree content and delivery viaour Board of Students and staff-student committee.

Social activitiesThere's a residential field course at the start of your degree,to help you get to know staff and fellow students.

The student-run society, CEG Soc, supports student socialand academic life.

The modern Devonshire Building.

Course Details

Modules for 2018 entry

Please noteThe module and/or programme information below isfor 2018 entry. Our teaching is informed by research andmodules change periodically to reflect developments inthe discipline, the requirements of external bodies andpartners, student feedback, or insufficient numbers ofstudents interested (in an optional module). To find outmore read our terms and conditions.Module/programme information for 2019 entry will bepublished here as soon as it is available (end of May2019).Our degrees are divided into Stages. Each Stage lasts foran academic year and you need to complete modulestotalling 120 credits by the end of each Stage. Furtherinformation, including the credit value of the module, isavailable in each of the module descriptions below.

Stage 1

Compulsory modulesYou take the following compulsory modules:ACE1008 Environment and Land ResourcesACE1010 Environment and Land Use Field CourseACE1040  Academic and Professional SkillsCEG1601 Earth Systems ScienceCEG1602 Earth Surface MaterialsCEG1603 Introduction to the Sedimentary RecordCEG1604 Geology and GIS Field CourseCEG1702 Geographic Information SystemsCEG1706 Principles of Remote SensingCEG1712 Fundamentals of Surveying 1

Stage 2

Compulsory modulesYou take the following compulsory modules:BIO2018 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 1CEG2602 Rock Materials: the petrology of igneous,sedimentary and metamorphic rocksCEG2603 Structural GeologyCEG2604 Global Element CyclingCEG2606 Geological ResourcesCEG2607 Geomicrobiology

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Stage 2

CEG2608 Geological Field MappingCEG2609 Research Methods in Environmental PollutionCEG2704 Geographic Information Systems: Theory andApplicationCEG2709 Applied Remote Sensing and ImageProcessing

Stage 3

Compulsory modulesYou take the following compulsory modules:ACE2074  Soils and Terrestrial EcosystemsCEG3606 BiogeochemistryCEG3607  Engineering GeologyCEG3690 Earth Science Group ProjectAnd select one of the following:CEG3604 International Field CourseCEG3701 Advanced GIS Field CourseOptional modulesYou also take 40 credits from the following list:ACE3080 Environmental Impact AssessmentBIO3031 Pollution of Air, Water and Soil 2CEG2719 GNSS for Geoscientists and EngineersCEG3707 Geohazards and Deformation of the EarthNCL3007 Career Development for Final Year StudentsSUG3500 Creativity and Market Research in Science andEngineering

Stage 4

Compulsory modulesYou take the following compulsory modules:CEG8607 The Environment Business*CEG8690 MEarthSci Earth Science Research Project* Not taken by Clean Tech and REEM strand studentsYou then select 50 credits from one of the disciplinestrands below:Environmental ConsultancyCEG8106 Pollution Control Engineering for Groundwatersand Surface WatersCEG8202 Ground Investigation – Design, Principles andPracticeCEG8605 Aqueous GeochemistryCEG8606 Sources, Fates and Control of PollutantsCEG8608 Contaminated LandEngineering Geology / GeotechnicsCEG8201 GeomechanicsCEG8202 Ground Investigation – Design, Principles andPracticeCEG8209 Engineering and Applied Geology

Stage 4

CEG8608 Contaminated LandHydrogeology and Water ManagementCEG8505 Climate Change: Earth System, FutureScenarios and ThreatsCEG8511 Ground Water AssessmentCEG8512 Integrated River Basin ManagementCEG8514 Climate Change: Vulnerability, Impacts andAdaptationCEG8516 Groundwater ModellingEnvironmental ScienceACE8122 Postgraduate Skills 2: Data AnalysisACE8043 Soil and Land Resources - Assessment andManagementACE8016 Environment and Habitat Assessment FieldClassACE8045 Ecological Survey TechniquesACE8049 Climate Change Adaptation and MitigationClean TechCEG8608 Contaminated LandCME8010 Pollution Sources, Impacts, Monitoring andControlCME8012 Business and Environmental ManagementCME8035 Life Cycle AssessmentCME8037 Sustainable Design and Manufacture 1CME8038 Sustainable IndustryREEM (Renewable Energy, Enterprise andManagement)SPG8009 Renewable Energy: Policy, Politics and EthicsSPG8012 Renewable Energy: Energy ManagementSPG8014 Introduction to Hydro, Wind, Wave and TidalEnergySPG8017 Introduction to Bioenergy and PhotovoltaicsSPG8024 Qualifying Energy Decision MakingSPG8027 Project Management Appreciation

Teaching and assessment

Study at the cutting edgeBenefit from our interdisciplinary approach and the diverseresearch strengths at Newcastle University. We haveresearch expertise in:

• petroleum geochemistry• biogeochemistry• global imaging systems• remote sensing• environmental impact

Teaching methodsTeaching is delivered through lectures and practicals in:

• microscopy• rock and mineral identification• geological mapping• geochemistry

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Assessment methodsYou will be assessed via coursework, written examinationsand lab practical sessions.

Find out moreVisit our Teaching & Learning pages to read about theoutstanding learning experience available to all students atNewcastle University

Entry Requirements

All candidates are considered on an individual basis.

If your qualifications are not listed here, please see ouradditional entry requirements web pages to find out whichother qualifications are considered.

The entrance requirements below apply to 2019 entry.

A LevelsAAB - ABB including two from Maths, Physics, Chemistry,Geology, Geography, Biology or similar science-based Alevel, but excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require apass in the practical element. GCSE Mathematics (minimumgrade B or 6) required if not offered at A or AS level.

Scottish QualificationsAAABB - AABBB at Higher Grade including two fromMaths, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Geography or Biology(or similar). Mathematics required at National 5, minimumgrade B (or grade 2 Standard Grade or Intermediate 2equivalent) if not offered at Higher Grade. Combinations ofHighers and Advanced Highers accepted.

Scottish qualifications can be taken in more than one sitting.

International BaccalaureateA minimum of 33-35 points. Standard Level Mathematics orMathematical Studies required at grade 5 if not offered atHigher Level.

Irish Leaving CertificateH1H1H1H2H3-H2H2H3H3H3 at Higher Level, to include aminimum of Grade H3 in Maths.

Access QualificationsAt least 30 level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 level 3credits at Merit. A unit in mathematical studies orquantitative methods is essential. Science, IT, Engineeringand geographical or environmental-related units aredesirable.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National ExtendedDiploma/OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3Extended DiplomaOverall DDD in an appropriate discipline, to includeDistinctions in Mathematics units.

Cambridge Pre-UD3, D3, M2 - D3, M2, M2 in Principal Subjects including twofrom Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Geology, Geography orBiology (or similar). GCSE Mathematics (minimum grade Bor 6) required if not offered at A or AS level.

Extended Project QualificationIf you offer the Level 3 Extended Project Qualification in atopic relevant to the degree programme, we will vary ouroffer to recognise this.

PARTNERS - A LevelsBBB including two from Maths, Physics, Chemistry,Geology, Geography, Biology or similar science-based Alevel, but excluding General Studies and Critical Thinking.For Biology, Chemistry and Physics A levels, we require apass in the practical element. GCSE Mathematics (minimumgrade B or 6) required if not offered at A or AS level.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

PARTNERS - Pearson BTEC Level 3 NationalExtended Diploma/OCR Cambridge TechnicalLevel 3 Extended DiplomaOverall DMM in an appropriate discipline, to includeDistinctions in Mathematics units.

The PARTNERS Programme is Newcastle University’ssupported entry route for students from schools andcolleges in England and Northern Ireland. Find out moreabout the PARTNERS Programme.

English Language RequirementsApplicants whose first language is not English require aminimum score of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

If you need help to meet our English Languagerequirements, we can provide support with extra tuition.

Read more about UK visas and immigration requirements.

Other International QualificationsABB at A level is typically the minimum required for entry toan undergraduate course. You can check the equivalentgrades for qualifications offered in your country.

We will also consider your application if you have lower ornon-standard qualifications.

International Foundation ProgrammesIf you are an international student and you do not meet theacademic and English language requirementsspecified above, you should consider a preparation courseat INTO Newcastle University, which will help to prepare youfor study on this degree course.

INTO Newcastle University is based on the Universitycampus and offers a range of courses includingthe International Foundation in Physical Sciences andEngineering.

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Undergraduate Admissions Policy

See our 2018 Admissions Policy (PDF: 185 KB).

See further policies related to admission.

Careers

Earth science careersEarth science graduates are well qualified to enter a widerange of careers and the geoscience industry has ashortage of graduates with the skills taught on this course.

You will be able to enter the global geology industry withpotential careers in:

• mining• oil• engineering• water supply• and environmental sectors

The emerging alternative energy industry also needs theseskills.

You will also develop a portfolio of graduate transferableskills that are highly valued by wide range of employersoutside the earth science sector, and which can open thedoor to graduate entry programmes with major employers,such as:

• team working• data analysis• data interpretation• enterprise

What our graduates go on to do:employment and further studychoicesSee what our recent graduates went on to do and viewgraduate destinations statistics. These statistics are basedon what graduates were doing on a specific date,approximately six months after graduation. Take a look atthe most recent data available for our graduates.

The destination data is available in varying levels, beginningwith the University and moving through Faculty and Schooldown to individual course reports. This final level may giveyou some useful ideas about possible options after yourcourse or a course you are considering.

Careers and employability atNewcastleNewcastle University consistently has one of the bestrecords for graduate employment in the UK.

95% of our 2016 UK-domiciled graduates progressedto employment or further study within six months ofgraduating.

Of our graduates who entered employment more than threequarters (78%) achieved a professional or managerialposition.

We provide an extensive range of opportunities to allstudents through an initiative called ncl+. This enables youto develop personal, employability and enterprise skills andto give you the edge in the employment market after yougraduate.

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest andbest in the country, and we have strong links withemployers.

Fees & Funding

Tuition Fees (UK students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:The maximum fee that we are permitted to charge for UKstudents is set by the UK government.As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (EU students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£9,250 in 2018-19

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Tuition Fees (EU students)

For programmes where you can spend a year on a workplacement or studying abroad, you will receive asignificant fee reduction for that year.Some of our degrees involve additional costs which arenot covered by your tuition fees.*Please note:As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee toincrease in each subsequent academic year of yourcourse, subject to government regulations on feeincreases and in line with inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Tuition Fees (International students)

2019 entry:Tuition fees for 2019-20 have not yet been confirmed.2018 entry*:£21,000 per year*Please note:You will be charged tuition fees for each year of yourdegree programme (unless you are on a shorterexchange programme).If you spend a year on placement or studying abroad aspart of your degree you may pay a reduced fee for thatyear.The tuition fee amount you will pay may increase slightlyyear on year as a result of inflation, as measured byRPIX**.See more information on all aspects of studentfinance relating to Newcastle University.**RPIX is a measure of inflation in the UK, equivalent to allthe items in the Retail Price Index excluding mortgageinterest payments.

Scholarships and Financial Support (UKstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University ScholarshipsGovernment financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

You may be eligible for one of a range of NewcastleUniversity Scholarships in addition to government financialsupport.Newcastle University Scholarships

Scholarships and Financial Support (EUstudents)

Government financial support

Scholarships and Financial Support(International students)

We offer our Vice-Chancellor's InternationalScholarships and Vice-Chancellor's ExcellenceScholarships to eligible international students.We also offer International Family Discounts which areavailable for all international students with a close familymember who has graduated from or is now studying atNewcastle University.Some of our subject scholarships and sportsscholarships are also available for international students.

Apply

Applying to Newcastle Universitythrough UCASTo apply for undergraduate study at Newcastle you mustuse the online application system managed by theUniversities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).

UCAS codes for Newcastle University

• institution name - NEWC• institution code - N21

UCAS buzzwordAsk your teacher or adviser from your school or college forthe UCAS buzzword. You need the buzzword when youregister on the Apply system. This makes it clear whichschool or college you are applying from.

All UK schools and colleges and a small number of EU andinternational establishments are registered with UCAS.

If you are applying independently, or are applying from aschool or college which is not registered to manageapplications, you will still use the Apply system. You will notneed a buzzword.

Making your applicationOn the UCAS website you can also find out more about:

• application deadlines and other important dates• offers and tracking your application

Application decisions and enquiriesFind out more about our admissions process and who tocontact if you need help with your application.