Study earth sciences abroad

Earth sciences explore the composition, history, and processes of the planet we live on. It’s a multidisciplinary field that draws upon several other subjects, including geography, biology, chemistry, physics and engineering.

As an earth sciences student, you’ll look at how the world came to exist and how it has developed over time. As well as gaining a detailed understanding of the Earth’s inner workings, you’ll study natural phenomena like volcanic eruptions and earthquakes. You’ll also consider how we can protect our planet from the consequences of climate change, deforestation and pollution.

Weather systems, landscapes and natural resources vary hugely between countries and continents. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to take your learning beyond the textbook and explore the world’s natural phenomena first-hand.

Bachelor’s degrees in earth sciences normally take three or four years to finish. The length of your BSc will depend on where you choose to study and whether or not you complete a placement between your second and final years.

If you’re hoping to explore the wildly diverse landscapes of the US, your undergraduate degree will last four years. The American liberal arts model insists that students spend the first half of their program studying general education, before focusing on science-specific modules for the final two years.

Postgraduate programs are available for students looking to dive into some original and independent research. Master’s programs usually require one year of full-time study or two years of part-time learning. A PhD will take several years on top of this.

To help you get to grips with the theoretical and practical aspects of the subject, your timetable will feature a mix of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical workshops, laboratory sessions and field trips.

Since earth sciences is such a broad and far-reaching field, most universities have plenty of elective modules to choose from. That said, you’ll probably still attend mandatory classes in these core topics:

• Earth processes and structures
• Natural resources and materials
• Structural geology and tectonics
• Weather and climate
• Oceanography
• Introduction to geoscience
• Threats and deformation
• Mathematical skills for earth sciences

As an earth sciences graduate, you’ll have the theoretical knowledge and practical capabilities needed to get your career off the ground. Your problem-solving, analytical, and critical reasoning skills will be desirable to an array of employers, including environmental consultancies, energy companies, conservation organizations and governments.

Here are some of the exciting positions you could land:

• Engineering geologist
• Geoscientist
• Geotechnical engineer
• Environmental consultant
• Minerals surveyor
• Environmental journalist
• Environmental lawyer
• Crisis and disaster management expert

With so many career opportunities available, figuring out what to do after graduation can be tricky. Your university’s career service can point you in the direction of work experience opportunities and polish your resume.