Undergraduate Degrees, Department of Earth Science and Engineering
Key facts
Total expected intake
90 (2024 entry)
Applications : Admissions ratio
5 : 1 (based on 2024 entry data)
The Times and Sunday Times World University Rankings 2024
3rd in the UK for Geology; 8th overall globally
The principal challenge facing the world’s growing population is how to maintain sustainable access to the natural resources – water, energy and food – that are necessary for us to enjoy a good quality of life, while protecting the environment.
The science and engineering behind understanding and solving this challenge lie at the heart of earth science, an interdisciplinary subject which encompasses physics, chemistry, mathematics and other sciences. Modern geoscience is moving beyond the confines of Planet Earth to explore the key processes that shaped the Solar System, and since 2019 we have offered a degree in Earth and Planetary Science alongside our courses in Geology and in Geophysics.
Our dynamic and friendly Department brings together ground-breaking research and innovative teaching in geology, geophysics, mineral and energy resources, environmental science, planetary science and computational modelling.
We are based within the Royal School of Mines building (virtual department tour) and have excellent teaching and learning resources and industry-standard geoscience software packages.
Our location gives us easy access to one of the finest fossil and mineral collections in the world, hosted at the Natural History Museum, just minutes away from the South Kensington Campus. Museum staff, who are world experts in geochemistry, mineralogy, mineral resources and palaeontology, also contribute to our teaching. Read student profiles to learn more about what it is like to study within our dynamic Department.
Our undergraduate courses
Three-year courses (180 ECTS):
- BSc Geology (UCAS code F600)
- BSc Geophysics (F662)
- BSc Earth and Planetary Science (F64B)
Four-year courses (240 ECTS):
- MSci Geology (F640)
- MSci Geology with a Year Abroad (F601)
- MSci Geophysics (F660)
- MSci Geophysics with a Year Abroad (F664)
- MSci Earth and Planetary Science (F647)
- MSci Earth and Planetary Science with a Year Abroad (F520)
Undergraduate course information
- Choosing the right course for you
- Visit us
- Fieldwork
- Career prospects
- Our ranking and teaching excellence
Wellbeing and support
Undergraduate students in our Department are supported by a robust wellbeing support network. Find out more about how ESE supports the welfare of undergraduate students.
Student Life
Student unions
The Royal School of Mines (RSM) has its own Union. This is a central part of many students’ social life, providing the opportunity to meet and mix with people from all years in a friendly, supportive environment.
In addition, students can also take advantage of the huge range of clubs and societies run by Imperial College Union – more per student head than any other university in the UK. Further details: Imperial College Union website
Societies
There are two notable societies at ESE: the Imperial College Geology and Geophysics Societies. Both aim to spark interest in these fascinating subjects in a relaxed setting.
Explore:
- The Geology Society, one of the oldest and most active societies at Imperial (since 1914!).
- The Imperial College Geophysics Society
Chapters
Undergraduate Admissions Team
Email the team: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
Admissions Tutor & Head of UG Admissions
Dr Alex Whittaker
Telephone: +44(0)20 7594 7491
Email: a.whittaker@imperial.ac.uk
Deputy Admissions Tutor
Dr Gareth Roberts
Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 7363
Email: gareth.roberts@imperial.ac.uk
Undergraduate Admissions Officer
Cindy Valuto
Telephone: +44(0)20 7594 2889
Email: c.valuto@imperial.ac.uk
Undergraduate Education Manager
Nicholas Dean
Telephone: +44(0)20 7594 1762
Email: n.dean@imperial.ac.uk