Earth and Planetary Science with a Research Placement

Earth and planetary science is the study of the processes that have shaped and continue to shape our planet and the other bodies of the solar system. It draws on geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheric science, and planetary science to ask questions that range from the very small, the crystalline structure of minerals and the chemistry of magmas, to the very large, the dynamics of tectonic plates, the history of Earth's climate, and the conditions under which life may exist elsewhere in the universe. It is a discipline of great practical importance for understanding natural hazards, mineral and energy resources, and the long-term future of the Earth's environment, as well as of deep intellectual fascination.

At the University of Manchester, this four-year degree includes a research placement, giving you the opportunity to work as part of a research team before you complete your studies. This experience of real scientific research, whether in an academic laboratory, a government survey, or a research institution, is an important preparation for graduate careers in research, and it develops the practical skills and professional awareness that distinguish graduates who have worked in a genuine research environment. The curriculum covers the physical and chemical principles that underlie Earth processes, the structure and composition of the planet and its atmosphere, the geological record and what it tells us about deep time, and the comparison of Earth with other planetary bodies.

Fieldwork is integral to the discipline, and you will develop skills in geological mapping, sampling, and observation in real outdoor environments.

Graduates from earth and planetary science programmes enter careers in the environmental, energy, and resources sectors, as well as in academic and government research. The extractive industries, including oil, gas, and mining, employ geoscientists in exploration, production, and environmental management roles. Environmental consultancy, hazard assessment, and climate and environmental agencies draw on geoscientists with broad earth science training.

Government surveys such as the British Geological Survey, space agencies, and academic institutions conducting research in planetary science are destinations for those with a research orientation. Postgraduate study at masters and doctoral level is the normal route for careers in academic research and some specialist professional roles.