UCAS code F6F8
Explore how landscapes evolve and how environmental systems respond to change. Building on over 100 years of Earth Sciences at the University of Liverpool, this degree combines geology and physical geography to understand Earth surface processes, climate and environmental change. Through fieldwork, laboratory investigation and digital analysis, you will develop the skills to study and manage environmental challenges such as hazards, water resources and landscape change.
Study Environmental Geology with Physical Geography at Liverpool and explore how Earth surface processes, landscapes and environmental systems interact. Taught by research-active academics, you will learn how geological, geomorphological and climatic processes shape environments and influence issues such as environmental change, natural hazards and sustainable resource management.
The programme combines lectures with laboratory work, digital analysis and extensive field-based learning. You will study topics including geomorphology, environmental change, hydrology and Earth surface processes, developing practical skills in environmental observation, surveying, data analysis and geospatial techniques. Year 1 is shared with Geology, providing a strong foundation in Earth science before you develop a greater focus on environmental and landscape processes in later years. Optional modules in Years 2 and 3 allow you to tailor your studies towards areas such as climate change, environmental management or geospatial analysis.
As you progress, you’ll apply field, laboratory and digital methods to investigate geological and environmental problems, culminating in an independent research project in your final year. Strong links with industry and opportunities for a Year in Industry or global experiences help you develop the professional and analytical skills sought by employers in environmental consultancy, geoscience, infrastructure and resource sectors.
This degree is accredited by the Geological Society of London, satisfying the requirements of Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Year one introduces the fundamentals of Earth science, assuming no prior knowledge of geology. You’ll study Earth materials, geological processes, climate and environmental change, while developing core practical and digital skills such as data analysis and quantitative methods. Field training is central, with UK-based field days and residential fieldwork helping you build confidence in observation, recording and interpretation.
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Year two develops your understanding of Earth surface and environmental processes. You will study topics such as geomorphology, environmental change and Earth history, alongside training in environmental geophysics and data science. Optional modules allow you to explore areas such as hydroclimate, GIS or advanced geophysical techniques. Fieldwork and research skills modules help prepare you for independent investigation and your final-year project.
| Optional modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ADVANCED GEOPHYSICAL TECHNIQUES (SOES265) | 15 |
| GIS FOR THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENT (SOES269) | 15 |
| HYDROCLIMATE (SOES280) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Year three focuses on advanced, research-led study of environmental and Earth surface systems. You will explore topics such as coastal change, biogeochemical cycles, rivers and catchment processes, and engineering geology. Optional modules allow you to tailor your studies towards areas such as remote sensing, Earth system modelling or extreme environments. Alongside specialist modules, you will complete a substantial independent research project and dissertation investigating an environmental or Earth science problem.
The following additional module in year three will be added shortly:
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change. This course has been updated for 2027 entry as part of a review of all our programmes. This review has considered refining study pathways, strengthening links with employers, integrating generative AI, developing students’ research skills, and enhancing alignment with our research strengths. Please note, as at all times, the University reserves the right to make reasonable changes, including to content, entry requirements, or fees, or to discontinue programmes. Applicants will be informed of any significant change.
Teaching takes place through a mix of lectures, practical classes, workshops, seminars, tutorials and fieldwork, combining theoretical learning with hands-on experience. Laboratory and computer-based sessions allow you to analyse geological materials, interpret data and develop digital skills, while field classes develop practical skills in observation, mapping and environmental interpretation in real-world settings. Teaching is primarily campus-based, supported by online learning materials and recorded lectures.
You will typically receive around 15–20 hours of timetabled teaching per week, with additional time spent on independent study, preparing coursework and completing practical exercises. Small-group teaching, including workshops, tutorials and field activities, allows you to work closely with academic staff and fellow students. You will be assigned a personal tutor who can offer guidance and support throughout your time at the University.
As you progress through the degree, learning becomes increasingly independent. Early modules provide structured guidance and support, while later stages emphasise problem-solving, data interpretation and independent investigation. In your final year, you will undertake an independent research project supervised by an academic member of staff, applying the field, laboratory and digital skills developed throughout your degree.
Assessment matches the learning objectives for each module and may take the form of written exams, practical laboratory and computer examinations, coursework submissions in the form of essays, scientific papers, briefing notes or lab/field notebooks, reports and portfolios, oral and poster presentations and contributions to group projects, and problem-solving exercises. Assessment is via tasks that mirror those graduate students are likely to undertake working as professional geoscientists. For example, generating and interpreting quantitative spatial data, with appropriate consideration of inherent uncertainty, is a key task and necessary skill for professional environmental geoscientists, and this skill is developed and assessed on several programme modules, especially field and lab-based modules. As well as being authentic in terms of the underlying purpose of the assessed task, assessment tasks are also authentic in terms of format, intended audience, resources used, and collaborative team elements. For example, team-based environmental assessment work with professional format delivery appropriate for presentation to management-level colleagues using state-of-the-art field, lab or IT resources is central to assessments in field classes.
At Liverpool, we take a distinctive approach to education through the Liverpool Learning Framework. This means teaching that is engaging, inclusive and designed to help you succeed during your studies and beyond.
You’ll develop specialist subject knowledge alongside the skills employers value most, including:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
We also embed key priorities across our curriculum, including AI literacy, employability, and sustainability, helping you prepare for the future and make a positive impact in the world.
We’re committed to creating a supportive and inclusive learning environment where every student can thrive.
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
University of Liverpool students can choose from an exciting range of study placements at partner universities worldwide. Choose to spend a year at XJTLU in China or a year or semester at an institution of your choice.
Immerse yourself in Chinese culture on an optional additional year at Xi'an Jiaotong Liverpool University in stunning Suzhou.
Broaden your world by spending an additional year of study at a partner university abroad following your second year of study.
Take a semester of your second year of study at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Spend a summer abroad on a study placement or research project at one of our worldwide partner institutions.
Year in industry placements give you an in-depth workplace experience where you can develop your skills and apply your learning.
You don't need to decide now - you can choose to add a year in industry after you've begun your degree.
To spend a year in industry, you'll need to secure a placement with an organisation. If you're unable to find a placement, you'll continue with the standard version of the course without a year in industry.
Every student at The University of Liverpool can study a language as part of, or alongside their degree. You can choose:
At Liverpool, we place a strong emphasis on learning through practical experience. You will develop hands-on skills through laboratory classes, digital analysis and an extensive fieldwork programme designed to prepare you for real-world geoscience challenges. Teaching takes place in modern teaching laboratories and computing facilities, where you will work with industry-standard tools and datasets and gain experience using research-grade equipment.
Alongside core scientific training, the programme develops a wide range of transferable skills valued by employers, including data analysis, problem-solving, teamwork and professional communication. By the time you graduate, you will be a confident and capable Earth and environmental scientist with the practical and analytical skills needed for careers in geoscience and related sectors.
You can also get involved in our active Earth Sciences student society, The Herdman Society, which organises academic and social events, including guest lectures, field trips, symposiums, sports activities and the annual gala dinner.
Discover what you’ll study, the facilities and resources you’ll have access to, and how we’ll prepare you for your future career.
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There has never been a more important time to study Earth Sciences. Earth and environmental scientists play a key role in tackling global challenges such as climate change, sustainable resource management, environmental protection and natural hazard mitigation.
This programme equips you with practical field, laboratory and digital skills that employers highly value. Graduates go on to careers in environmental consultancy, engineering geology, hydrogeology, and sustainable resource exploration. Others work in the public sector, water utilities, environmental regulation or data-focused industries.
Many graduates join major consultancies and organisations that work on infrastructure, environmental assessment, and ground investigation projects. The programme also provides a strong foundation for postgraduate study and research.
Opportunities such as a Year in Industry, industry-informed activities and professional-style assessments help you develop the experience and confidence needed to succeed in a wide range of Earth Sciences careers.
Our recent graduates have gained employment within a degree-related field or continued in further education after graduation. We have close links with geoscience and environmental industries ensuring that our degrees properly equip you for future employment.