Course Outline

Duration
Three or four years

Degree awarded
Three year BA (Geology) or four year MEarthSc (Earth Sciences)

Colleges
Available at Exeter College, St Anne’s College, St Edmund Hall, St Hugh’s College, St Peter’s College, University College, and Worcester College.

Course Overview
The Earth Sciences course is a multidisciplinary approach to the study of the Earth and other planets. It embraces a wide range of topics, including: the evolution of life; the nature of planetary interiors; the causes of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions; Earth-surface processes; and the origin and behaviour of oceans and atmosphere. The emphasis of both the teaching and research is on understanding the underlying physical principles of geological processes.
Both theory and basic observation are recognized as essential elements in Earth Sciences. While students with a strong background in all aspects of the physical sciences are encouraged to join the Department, the course also allows for students to concentrate on specific topic areas such as Palaeobiology or Geophysics.
Oxford offers two courses: a BA in Geology and a MEarthSc in Earth Sciences. The courses are exactly the same for the first three years. Students can then choose to continue with the four-year Earth Sciences course or leave with a BA in Geology.

Essential subjects
Candidates are required to have Mathematics to A Level (or equivalent), plus Chemistry or Physics to A Level (or equivalent). Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Geology and Further Mathematics are highly recommended as further subjects.

Admissions test
There is no admissions test for Earth Sciences.

Written work
Written work does not need to be submitted