Earth and Planetary Science
Become familiar with the geological and geophysical principles that support solid planetary body exploration
Earth and Planetary Science with a Year Abroad
Gain the geological and geophysical skills that underpin modern investigation of solid planetary bodies in the Solar System.
Become familiar with the geological and geophysical principles that support solid planetary body exploration
Draw on different fields – from physics and chemistry, to mathematics and engineering
Discover the science behind new planetary missions and review freshly acquired data
Course key facts
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Qualification
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MSci
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Duration
4 years
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Start date
October 2025
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UCAS course code
F647
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Study mode
Full-time
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Fees
£9,535 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
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Delivered by
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Location
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South Kensington
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Applications: places
5 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
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AAA (A-level)
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38 points (International Baccalaureate)
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Qualification
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MSci
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-
Duration
4 years
-
Start date
October 2025
-
UCAS course code
F520
-
Study mode
Full-time
-
Fees
£9,535 per year Home
£43,300 per year Overseas
-
Delivered by
-
Location
-
South Kensington
-
-
Applications: places
5 : 1 (2023)
Minimum entry standard
-
AAA (A-level)
-
38 points (International Baccalaureate)
Course overview
Find out how solid planetary bodies are explored using geological and geophysical principles.
This degree focuses on planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, along with geological and geophysical processes in the Solar System. You will also learn about geosciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and computing as part of an interdisciplinary degree.
During the first two years, you'll take core subjects alongside students from other Earth Science degrees.
In your third year, you can choose from optional geology or physics modules, such as astrobiology, earth systems, planetary physics, ore deposits and collisions.
As part of our courses, you'll engage in fieldwork, which allows you to put knowledge into practice and develop valuable skills.
Some students have the option to work in the field mapping the geology of areas such as the Greek Cyclades, French Massif Central, Pyrenees, French Alps, and North West Scotland.
In your fourth year, you study modules of your choice as you complete your Master's. You'll also undertake a major research project.
The planetary sciences are extremely popular due to the abundance of active and upcoming missions, requiring students to know the fundamentals of geosciences but also to be familiar with current knowledge and research problems.
Find out how solid planetary bodies are explored using geological and geophysical principles.
This degree focuses on planets, moons, asteroids, and comets, along with geological and geophysical processes in the Solar System. You will also learn about geosciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering, and computing as part of an interdisciplinary degree.
During the first two years, you'll take core subjects alongside students from other Earth Science degrees.
As part of our courses, you'll engage in fieldwork, which allows you to put knowledge into practice and develop valuable skills.
Some students have the option to work in the field mapping the geology of areas such as the Greek Cyclades, French Massif Central, Pyrenees, French Alps, and North West Scotland.
In addition, you can spend a year abroad at one of our partner universities, where you'll be challenged in a different academic and cultural environment.
In your fourth and final year, you'll complete your studies at Imperial where you will undertake a research project.
The planetary sciences are extremely popular due to the abundance of active and upcoming missions, requiring students to know the fundamentals of geosciences but also to be familiar with current knowledge and research problems.
Structure
This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.
Find out more about potential course changes.
Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.
You’ll take the following core modules.
You’ll also choose three optional modules.
Core modules
- Dynamic Earth and Planets
- Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
- Deforming the Earth
- Physical and Surface Processes
- Volcanism and Internal Processes
- Programming for Geoscientists
- Maths Methods 1
- Geology in the Field
Optional Modules
- Maths Methods 2 or Life over Deep Time
- Chemistry for Geoscientists or Low Temperature Geochemistry
You’ll take the following core modules.
You’ll also take four optional modules in total. You will choose three from Group A and one from Group B.
Core modules
- Pure and Applied Geophysics
- Solar System Science
- High-temperature Geochemistry
- Maps and Structures
- Remote Sensing Earth and Planets
Optional modules
Group A
- Palaeontology and Optical Petrology
- Maths for Scientists and Engineers
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Seismology and Numerical Methods
- Mechanics and Waves
- Sediments and Stratigraphy
Group B
- Environmental Geochemistry and Climate Report
- Rocks and Structures in the Field
- Field Geophysics
You’ll take the following core modules.
You will choose two modules from Group A, one from Group B and four from Group C. A maximum of three of these can be level 7 modules from Group C during this year.
Core modules
- Independent Project
- Advanced Remote Sensing
- I-Explore
Optional modules
Group A
- Continental Tectonics
- Climate
- Near-surface Seismic Imaging
Group B
- Integrated Advanced Field Geology
- Seismic Processing
- Comparative Planetary Science
Group C – Level 6
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Environmental Seminars
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- Tectonics of the Oceans
- Planetary Surfaces
- Advanced Programming
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Astrobiology
- Earth Systems
- I-Explore
Group C – Level 7
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Geohazards
- Geodynamics
- Applied Geomorphology
- Collisions and Craters
- Meteorites
- Geophysical Inversion
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Minerals Processing
- Magmatic Processes and Products
Please note, you cannot take the same module twice in different years.
You’ll take the following core modules.
You choose six optional modules in total.
You can take either module from Group A and five modules from Group B or six modules from Group B. A maximum of three of these can be level 6 modules from Group B which may include an I-Explore module.
Core modules
- MSci Independent Project
Optional modules
Group A
- Field Geology of an Active Mountain Belt
- Geophysical Synthesis Group Project
Group B – Level 6
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Environmental Seminars
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- Tectonics of the Oceans
- Planetary Surfaces
- Advanced Programming
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Astrobiology
- Earth Systems
- I-Explore
Group B – Level 7
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Geohazards
- Geodynamics
- Applied Geomorphology
- Collisions and Craters
- Meteorites
- Geophysical Inversion
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Minerals Processing
- Magmatic Processes and Products
Please note, you cannot take the same module twice in different years.
You’ll take the following core modules.
You’ll also choose three optional modules.
Core modules
- Dynamic Earth and Planets
- Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
- Deforming the Earth
- Physical and Surface Processes
- Volcanism and Internal Processes
- Programming for Geoscientists
- Maths Methods 1
- Geology in the Field
Optional Modules
- Maths Methods 2 or Life over Deep Time
- Chemistry for Geoscientists or Low Temperature Geochemistry
You’ll take the following core modules.
You’ll also take four optional modules in total. You will choose three from Group A and one from Group B.
Core modules
- Pure and Applied Geophysics
- Solar System Science
- High-temperature Geochemistry
- Maps and Structures
- Remote Sensing Earth and Planets
Optional modules
Group A
- Palaeontology and Optical Petrology
- Maths for Scientists and Engineers
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Seismology and Numerical Methods
- Mechanics and Waves
- Sediments and Stratigraphy
Group B
- Environmental Geochemistry and Climate Report
- Rocks and Structures in the Field
- Field Geophysics
You’ll spend the third year abroad.
The third year consists of an agreed programme of study at an approved university in either Australia, Canada, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland or the USA. We currently have exchange agreements with:
- Australian National University, Australia
- University of British Columbia, Canada
- University of Utrecht, Netherlands
- University of Barcelona, Spain
- ETH Zurich, Switzerland
- MIT, USA
- University of California, USA
This is an integrated year abroad so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree.
You’ll take the following core modules.
You choose six optional modules in total.
You can take either module from Group A and five modules from Group B or six modules from Group B. A maximum of three of these can be level 6 modules from Group B which may include an I-Explore module.
Core modules
- MSci Independent Project
Optional modules
Group A
- Field Geology of an Active Mountain Belt
- Geophysical Synthesis Group Project
Group B – Level 6
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Environmental Seminars
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- Tectonics of the Oceans
- Planetary Surfaces
- Advanced Programming
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Astrobiology
- Earth Systems
- I-Explore
Group B – Level 7
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Geohazards
- Geodynamics
- Applied Geomorphology
- Collisions and Craters
- Meteorites
- Geophysical Inversion
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Minerals Processing
- Magmatic Processes and Products
Please note, you cannot take the same module twice in different years.
Professional accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited by the Geological Society of London.
With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.
Our BSc courses in Earth Science also reduce the number of years of post-graduation experience you need in order to register as a Chartered Geologist (CGeol). This is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in the geosciences industries, and can help you to enhance your career prospects and earning potential.
The current accreditation agreement started in 2023, and is due to be renewed in 2029.
Associateship
In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines (ARSM) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching and learning methods
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Lectures
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Tutorials
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Field work
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Group exercises
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Laboratory work
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Exams
- Practical
Year 1
- 15% Coursework
- 65% Examination
- 20% Practical
Year 2
- 10% Coursework
- 75% Examination
- 15% Practical
Year 3
- 15% Coursework
- 50% Examination
- 35% Practical
Year 4
- 5% Coursework
- 35% Examination
- 60% Practical
Assessment methods
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Written examinations
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Coursework
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Reports
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Poster presentations
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Seminars
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Oral assessments
Teaching and learning methods
-
Lectures
-
Tutorials
-
Field work
-
Group exercises
-
Laboratory work
Balance of assessment
Key
- Coursework
- Exams
- Practical
Year 1
- 15% Coursework
- 65% Examination
- 20% Practical
Year 2
- 10% Coursework
- 75% Examination
- 15% Practical
Year 4
- 5% Coursework
- 35% Examination
- 60% Practical
Assessment methods
-
Written examinations
-
Coursework
-
Reports
-
Poster presentations
-
Seminars
-
Oral assessments
Entry requirements
We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.
How to apply
Apply via UCAS
You can now submit your application via UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices and track your application.
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
UCAS institution code: I50
Application deadlines – 29 January 2025 at 18.00 (UK time)
This department does not use a test as part of its selection process.
Predicted grades and scores in your application are important, but it’s not the only thing that drives the decision.
Our selectors will also consider things like your personal statement and your references to understand whether there is a good match between you and your chosen subject and department at Imperial.
You can read more about our selection process, including tips on writing a personal statement, in our How to apply section.
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
If your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements you will be invited to participate in an interview, which may be online.
You will be introduced to the Department, the staff, our courses, teaching facilities and methods and life at College by staff and our current students. You will have an interview online with a member of the academic staff.
The interview is a chance for us to get to know each other, and we consider all aspects of your application fully when deciding whether to make you an offer. We will also take the comments of the staff member who has interviewed you into account, particularly when we decide after A-levels whether to confirm a place should you marginally fail to meet the terms of your offer.
An ATAS certificate is not required for students applying for this course.
Year abroad
Language requirement
Teaching is in the language of your host country in France and Germany, so you will need to reach an acceptable proficiency in the relevant language before you go. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare.
Availability
There are limited places available on the Year Abroad programme, which means that competition for selection is strong and a placement cannot be guaranteed.
Normally, only students with marks of 60% or above will be eligible for placements in France and Germany. Only students with marks of 70% or above will be eligible for placements in the USA.
Please note the list of universities located abroad that the Department currently has partnerships with is illustrative.
Partnerships with universities are subject to continuous review and individual partnerships may or may not be renewed.
Tuition fees
Home fee
2025 entry
£9,535 per year
Year abroad
2025 entry
£1,450 for that year
Important update for 2025 entry
The UK government has announced that, starting in April 2025, maximum tuition fees for Home undergraduate students in England will increase from £9,250 per year to £9,535. Find out more.
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
The loan is paid directly to the university.
You will start repaying it only after you leave your course, have a job, and are earning above a certain amount.
Once the repayments start, the amount you pay each month depends on how much you earn, not on how much you owe in total.
Home students can apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help with their living costs.
In November 2024, the UK government announced a 3.1% increase in English Maintenance Loans for 2025-26.
How you apply for student finance depends on whether you have studied before and where you’re from or normally live. Find out more on the UK government's website.
The Imperial Bursary is available to all Home undergraduate students with a household income below £70,000 per year.
The amount awarded is based on your household income, with up to £5,000/year available for students from the lowest income households.
It's money which you don't need to pay back, and it's paid on top of any government funding you may also receive.
It is available for each year of your course, as long as your annual household income remains below £70,000.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
Overseas fee
2025 entry
£43,300 per year
Year abroad
2025 entry
100% of the fee for that year
Your fee is based on the year you enter the university, not your year of study. This means that if you repeat a year or resume your studies after an interruption, your fees will only increase by the amount linked to inflation.
Find out more about our tuition fees payment terms, including how inflationary increases are applied to your tuition fees in subsequent years of study.
Whether you pay the Home or Overseas fee depends on your fee status. This is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status. Find out how we assess your fee status.
You might need to budget for additional costs related to your course that aren't covered by your tuition fees – like field trips, books and protective clothing.
Our extra costs page outlines the additional costs related to courses in each of our departments. It's not an exhaustive list and any additional costs you could incur will be determined by the course and modules you choose.
How will studying at Imperial help my career?
91% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 91% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in work or further study*
- 9%
86% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 86% Of Imperial Earth Science & Engineering graduates in highly skilled work or further study*
- 14%
*2020-21 graduate outcomes data, published by HESA in 2023
Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for an earth sciences career.
Become a geologist, geochemist, or geophysicist with highly sought-after skills in space-related jobs.
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Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.
Other potential career paths include geologists, risk consultants, geophysicists, consultants and research assistants.
Further links
Contact the department
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7594 1279
- Email: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
Visit the Department of Earth Science and Engineering website
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Request info
Learn more about studying at Imperial. Receive useful information about our life in our undergraduate community and download our latest Study Guide.
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Events, tasters and talks
Meet us and find out more about studying at Imperial.
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Course data
Terms and conditions
There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.
You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.
Programme specifications