Geography, Earth, and Environmental Sciences

Activity locations

All subject activity sessions will take place on the University of Exeter Penryn campus, Cornwall, with the potential exception of one field trip.

Welcome to the Department of Earth and Environmental Science! We are a friendly department based on the Penryn campus and offer several different degree programmes including Geography, Geology, Marine Science, and Environmental Science.

Geography is an all-encompassing subject, covering the patterns and processes that shape both human society and the physical processes on Earth, and indeed how the two interact. As such, Geographers study the atmosphere, ocean, ice, land, life, renewable energy, and the relationships between communities and cultures and their environment.

Geology is the study of the history of our planet including the materials it is made of, and the processes that form mountains, ocean basins, and volcanoes. It also includes the study of ancient creatures preserved as fossils in rocks, and even the make-up of other planets in our solar system.

Marine Science is the scientific study of oceans, the life that inhabits them, and their physical characteristics, including the depth and extent of ocean waters, their movement and chemical makeup, and the topography and composition of the ocean floors. 

Environmental Science is the study of our environment and the solutions to environmental problems. It covers plant and soil science, oceanography, atmosphere, geology, and the influence of humans on the environment. Here at Exeter, we also teach environmental law which is key to providing solutions to many of the environmental problems we face today, such as climate change and habitat loss.

Our Exeter Scholars activities will provide a taster of studying Geography, Geology, and Marine and Environmental Sciences at degree level. We will run several activities including a field trip to our beautiful Cornish landscapes, lab work, interactive activities and talks about some of our exciting current research. You’ll also get the opportunity to meet some of our current students. We are a friendly and welcoming bunch, and this subject activity strand of the Exeter Scholars programme will provide a great opportunity to find out what studying at university is like.

This subject activity strand has contributions from the following degree programmes:

• BA/BSc Geography
• BSc Environmental Science
• BSc Geology
• BSc Geography with Geology
• MSc Environmental Science
• BSc Marine Science

There are no specific entry requirements for this subject activity strand. 

Please note:

• If you wish to study Geology at Exeter, you will need to be studying two science subjects at A Level / IB at grade B or A Level Geology at grade B. You must also have achieved a grade 4 in GCSE Maths. 
• If you wish to study Environmental Sciences at Exeter, you will need to be studying a science subject at A Level / IB at grade B. 
• If you wish to study Marine Sciences at Exeter, you will need to be studying two science subjects at A Level / IB at grade B. You must also have achieved a grade 5 in GCSE Maths. 
• To study Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, or Marine Sciences, you must also have achieved a grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

In order to pass the programme, you must attend a minimum of 5 out of 6 subject activity sessions, as well as the Exeter Scholars Student Conference.