Earth Sciences

Entry requirements

Applicants for this course should have achieved a UK Good II.i Honours Degree.

If your degree is not from the UK, please check International Qualifications to find the equivalent in your country.

We welcome research enquiries from those working for first degrees in earth science subjects, physics, chemistry, mathematics, materials, biology and related subjects.

Applicants would normally have, or be expecting to attain, a high II.i class of first degree or a Master's degree.

Months of entry

January, April, October

Course content

If you are exploring the possibility of a PhD degree in Earth Sciences, you will:

have either done an undergraduate degree in an earth science subject or, perhaps, want to use your degree from another science subject such as physics, chemistry, mathematics or biological sciences;

be relishing the stimulus of one of the UK's premier research departments.

Our students are greatly sought-after. Over the last five years, about 25 per cent of our 80 PhD postgraduates have gone to careers in the commercial sector; 25 per cent to research fellowships; 30 per cent to work on research grants and contracts; 10 per cent directly into university teaching posts and 10 per cent into non-scientific posts including the civil service. Many of the research fellows have also subsequently gone into industry, university and research institute posts.

Please note: part-time study may not always be viable and will be considered on a case-by-case basis, so please discuss this option with your proposed supervisor before making an application for this mode of study.

Information for international students

Language Requirement

IELTS (Academic)

Element Score

Listening 7.0

Writing 7.0

Reading 6.5

Speaking 7.0

Total 7.0

TOEFL Internet Score

Element Score

Listening 25

Writing 25

Reading 25

Speaking 25

Total 100

CAE

Score: Grade A & B (overall score of 193, with no element lower than 185 plus a Language Centre assessment)

CPE

Score: Grade A, B, or C (with at least 200 with no element lower than 185).