Earth and environmental sciences
Gain the scientific knowledge and skills required to impact key environmental developments and decisions to preserve our planet for generations to come.
Why study with us
Wide-ranging subjects
We offer degree courses in the various branches of geology and geoscience, physical and marine geography and a unique programme in environmental sustainability science.
Skills society needs
Climate change, pollution, land degradation and natural hazards are at the forefront of many global challenges, creating an ever-increasing demand for geographical skills.
Excellent career prospects
94% of our graduates were in employment and/or further study or doing other activities such as travelling, 15 months after their course ended.*
Location, location, location
Our fantastic location offers easy access to an incredible range of landscapes and environments from the stunning coastlines of the Gower Peninsula to the dramatic peaks of Bannau Brycheiniog.
Option of a Year Abroad
The majority of our Earth and Environmental Sciences degrees come with the option of a Year of Study Abroad - enabling you to experience a new country and culture.
Industry approved degrees
Our Environmental Geoscience and Geology degrees are accredited by The Geological Society. Our Marine Geography programmes are accredited by RICS.
Courses
Entry year
Our videos
Discover more videos and find out what it's like to study with us.
Field trips teach you new techniques you will use throughout your degree and give you an overview of the course. They are also a great opportunity to meet new people. When you are dropped off on one of your first trips, you can’t help but make friends. Whilst all my flatmates were sat in lectures day after day, I was out exploring Cardiff and the surrounding area.
Fieldwork
Fieldwork is crucial to the study of Earth and environmental sciences, giving you hands-on experience in real-world settings.
Facilities and location
Our School
Located in Main BuildingThe School of Earth and Environmental Sciences is located inside the University's iconic Main Building.
Large lecture theatre
Located in Main BuildingThe Shandon Lecture Theatre is one of our large lecture theatres where you may have some of your first-year lectures. All of our students study some of the same modules in year one to develop important GIS, maps, analytical and field skills.
Small lecture theatre
Located in Main BuildingThe Wallace Lecture Theatre is one of our smaller lecture theatres where you may have some of your second and third-year lectures.
Science Library
Located in Main BuildingThe library contains collections on biosciences, chemistry, Earth and environmental sciences, as well as IT facilities and information services to support you with your studies.
Laboratory
Located in Main BuildingThis is a typical laboratory where our geology and geoscience students might examine thin sections using a microscope and geography students may have mapping sessions.
Centre for Student Life
Our School is opposite the new home for our Students' Union, student support services and a large selection of shops, restaurants and study spaces.
RV Guiding Light
Our coastal research vessel enables some of our geography students to understand marine issues better, from sea level rise through to coastal erosion and management.
National Museum of Wales
We are just a short walk away from the National Museum of Wales, providing easy access to their impressive exhibition galleries and collections.
I spent three amazing years studying Environmental Geoscience. Since graduating I have become the Conservation Officer for the Bermuda National Trust, where I manage 270 acres of green space in Bermuda. This will always be a challenge, but I am constantly aided by the experiences and processes taught during my course. I gained invaluable international experience and made many lifelong friends during my time at Cardiff.
Explore Cardiff University
Next steps
Download our brochure
Find out more with our Earth and Environmental Sciences undergraduate brochure.
Contact us
Ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as we can.
How to apply
Everything you need to know about our application process.
*Based on UK-domiciled, full-time graduates who were studying for their first degree. Source: Graduate Outcomes 2022/23 survey results published by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). Copyright Jisc 2025. Jisc cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.
Undergraduate
Join a community of open-minded thinkers and doers, where everyone is empowered to reach their full potential. Together, we’ll work hard to build a better future—for you and the wider world.
Undergraduate prospectus 2027
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Contact us
Get in touch if you have a question about studying with us.