Earth Sciences (Geology)
Earth Sciences is a rapidly developing subject that studies the planet we live on.
Below you will find information about the specific degree courses offered by Oxford University to study Earth Sciences and Geology, how to prepare, and how Oxbridge Interviews can help you with your application.
BOOK COURSECambridge University do not offer an Earth Sciences or Geology degree. The core sciences degree is Natural Sciences.
Oxford University offer two versions of Earth Sciences, a three year Geology BA degree, and a four year Earth Sciences course including an integrated Master's degree.
The application process is highly competitive with only 29% of applications successful. To be offered a place, you generally need to get A*AA or AAAA at A Level (or equivalent) and A-level Mathematics, plus Chemistry or Physics is a requirement.
To prepare for your Earth Sciences application, you must demonstrate your motivation for the subject and specific interests. You can do this by reading beyond your school curriculum. Our interviewers recommend:
- 'Colliding Continents’ by Mike Searle
- ‘The Earth: A Very Short Introduction’ by Martin Redfern
- ‘T. Rex and the Crater of Doom’ by Walter Alvarez
- 'Lucky Planet: Why Earth is Exceptional – and What that Means for Life in the Universe’ by David Waltham
Practice interviews for Earth Sciences applications are critical. You wouldn’t sit an exam without doing a mock, so don’t place yourself in an interview without having experienced a practice interview first.
Mumdood (Natural Sciences, Cambridge)
Mumdood studied the Earth Sciences branch of Natural Sciences at Jesus College, Cambridge.
Q&A
Mumdood, if you had to choose, what was the most interesting topic you studied?
"I really enjoyed paleontology. The practicals were really fun as we got to play around with fossils and work out things about their biology. We also got some really interesting talks from guest speakers and did some fieldwork."
How did you prepare for your application?
"I read a few books on topics I enjoyed. The “A very short introduction to...” series was quite good and I read 3 of them to give me an idea of different subjects that I thought were interesting but hadn’t covered at school. I read them because I thought they were interesting, not just to put down on my application."
How did you prepare for your application?
"I think I would have gone over what I did in my A levels a bit more. The interviewers expect you to be familiar with everything you've covered so far."
There are no written admissions test as part of the application process for Earth Sciences or Geology at Oxford.