Earth Sciences with Foundation Year

Earth Sciences are critical to the sustainable future of our planet and society by developing our understanding of natural hazards, sustainable development, climate change, energy, and natural resources. By nature, this exciting geoscience course covers multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary subject areas. It combines science with humanity-based disciplines such as biology, chemistry, geography, geology, informatics, natural and environmental sciences, geological sciences and physics. 

You'll take part in practical investigations and develop an appreciation of a range of scales whilst looking at the wider societal context and understanding complex relationships. You’ll also develop an understanding of natural and environmental hazards, their management, mitigation, and adaption to these hazards, such as climate change, volcanic eruptions, flooding, and earthquakes. You’ll study ore geology and mineralogy and learn how to observe, describe, and interpret minerals, rocks (including sedimentary and igneous), fossils, and structures, in the field, as hand samples, and using optical microscopy. In addition, you’ll also assess the methods being used to work toward a sustainable net zero carbon future, such as carbon sequestration, green technologies and renewable energy. 

Once you complete this degree, you’ll understand how the Earth works and have the knowledge of how it and other bodies and planets in the solar system formed and evolved over time by studying planetary science. This will instil an understanding of the Earth’s structure, interactions between the Earth, atmosphere, biosphere, and hydrosphere, as well as the chemical, physical, and biological processes involved in these interactions. You’ll graduate with the knowledge and skills to address some of the biggest challenges facing society today and in the future such as sustainable energy supply, minerals to manufacture green technologies, sustainable urban areas, clean and viable water supply, and natural hazard management and mitigation. 

Global reach

This course is aligned to global commitments to enhance sustainable development and decarbonise and restore the natural environment which will place new expectations on industrial sectors, infrastructure projects and government policies. You’ll develop the expertise and skills required to meet the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and other international agreements and policies like the Paris Agreement.  

Graduate with confidence

You will participate in day and residential fieldtrips to be trained in industry-specific skills such as mapping, surveying, observations and interpretations in the field, allowing you to gain experience applying theory to real world situations. Authentic exercises and opportunities to engage with industry will allow you to achieve a greater understanding of sectors within the Earth Sciences including the role they have in society and the environment. It also gives you the chance to discover potential careers you could pursue and develop the knowledge and skills required for these roles. 

This programme is designed for you to develop transferable skills ensuring you’ll be a highly skilled graduate who is trained in scientific methods that are applicable to a wide range of employment opportunities both within and outside the Earth Science sector. 

Foundation Year - helping you to achieve more

Including a foundation year as part of your four-year study programme will give you a head start in your academic and professional life. The foundation year offers the chance to strengthen your skills, knowledge and confidence – with extensive support from our expert staff – before you advance to stage one of your honours degree. It could also be beneficial if you are planning a career change and want to get to grips with aspects of subjects which are new to you.

Our degrees with a foundation year are continuous, meaning that you won’t need to apply again once you have successfully completed the first year.

Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.

You'll be taught by a range of staff who are experts within their fields and research-active, incorporating their passion and enthusiasm for their specialism into their teaching and research-led learning. 

Teaching for this programme is designed to be on campus through lectures and practical laboratories. Where appropriate, teaching will also be delivered through tutorials and computer laboratories to encourage discussions and industry-specific software training.  

Each module will have associated directed study such as further reading, preparatory work, group activities and finishing exercises. Fieldwork will be embedded throughout the degree programme for you to develop imperative observation, interpretation and field skills required for future careers. This will be in the form of day trips utilising the fantastic locations here in the Midlands, such as the Peak District, the variety of industry in the area and residential field camps. 

You’ll also learn to analyse and interpret big data including climate sciences, critical mineral exploration and the green energy sector using global geophysical, geochemical and climatic datasets. 

How you are assessed 

There will be a wide range of assessments including coursework, presentations, assessed practicals and exams. 

2025 entry

These are the typical qualification requirements for September 2025 entry.

Contextual offers may apply to students who meet certain criteria.

English language requirements

IELTS: 6.0 (with at least 5.5 in each skills area)

2025/26

Further information about our fees and support you may be entitled to.

Due to the transferable nature of the skills you’ll learn, such as verbal and written communication, critical analysis, independent thought and problem solving, you'll be suitably positioned for a range of roles upon graduating. 

Careers in the Earth Sciences cover a wide range of industry sectors including: 

• Volcanology 
• Geomorphology 
• Hydropower 
• Geophysics 
• Science policy 
• Palaeontology 
• Carbon capture 
• Erosion management 
• Oceanography 
• Engineering geology 
• Critical minerals 
• Museum curation 
• Geoscience research 
• Hydrocarbons 
• Teaching 
• Seismology 
• Geohazards mitigation 
• Glaciology paleoclimatology 

You can also go onto further study and enrol onto our MSc GeoEnergy course, where you'll learn transferable skills to actively contribute to the global energy transition, address climate change and gain expertise to integrate emerging and conventional technologies.

Contact us

If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.

Additional information about your studies

Teaching hours

Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.

Course updates

The information provided on this page is correct at the time of publication but course content, costs and other individual course details do change from time to time and are updated as often as possible, so please do check these pages again when making your final decision to apply for a course. Any updated course details will also be confirmed to you at application, enrolment and in your offer letter.

If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.

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