Geoscience

Geoscience is the study of the Earth as a complex physical system, examining its structure, composition, history, and the processes that shape its surface and interior over geological time. It draws on geology, physics, chemistry, and biology to understand phenomena including plate tectonics and volcanism, the formation of rocks and minerals, the history of life on Earth, the dynamics of the oceans and atmosphere, and the distribution of energy and mineral resources. Geoscientists also tackle pressing contemporary challenges, including understanding climate change, assessing natural hazards, finding sustainable water supplies, and managing the subsurface impacts of energy production.

At Durham University, this three-year full-time programme includes a sandwich year with placement, a year abroad, and work placement opportunities throughout, making it one of the most practically enriched geoscience degrees in the UK. The placement year gives you the opportunity to work with an industry or research employer, applying geoscientific knowledge in contexts ranging from oil and gas exploration to environmental consultancy, mining, and geohazard assessment. The year abroad gives you the chance to study geoscience in a different physical and academic environment, often in a region with geological features quite different from those of the British Isles.

Fieldwork is central to geoscience, and you will undertake field courses throughout the programme, developing observational and mapping skills in a range of geological settings.

Durham has one of the UK's strongest geoscience departments, with active research groups in petrology, geochemistry, palaeontology, structural geology, and earth system science.

Geoscience graduates work in the energy sector, mining and minerals, environmental consultancy, geoengineering, water resources, natural hazards, government agencies, and academic research. The practical experience gained through the placement and year abroad is highly valued by employers, and many Durham graduates move directly into professional roles on graduation.