Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences - Cardiff University

Cardiff School of Earth and
Ocean Sciences
Undergraduate Degree Programmes
www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth

Why Study
Earth Sciences?
You have opened the first page of our
brochure so you’re obviously curious about
the possibility of studying Earth Sciences
at University. You’ve probably not studied
Earth Sciences much in school although
you may have touched on some aspects
in Geography. Earth Sciences is, like
medicine, very broad-based and includes
some of the most exciting topics and
relevant issues in science and society
today.
What has interested you about
Earth Sciences?
Is it the destructive forces of volcanoes,
earthquakes or tsunamis? Or questions
like why were the dinosaurs wiped out?
Was it really due to a meteorite impact,
or were massive volcanic eruptions the
cause?
You may wonder why our climate is
changing and sea level rising. Will global
warming result in a situation where the
UK could become like the Mediterranean?
Or perhaps this is merely a climatic blip,
and we are going to undergo another Ice
Age, where much of the UK will be buried
beneath a kilometre of ice.
You may be interested in how gold and
diamonds form, or how we use modern
technology to explore for the natural
resources like oil and gas deep in the
Earth’s crust.
Perhaps you are interested in
environmental issues like the pollution
of drinking water, waste management
or ecology and conservation. You may
like the idea of preserving our green
field areas by cleaning up old industrially
contaminated sites for re-use for housing
or recreation.
You may be interested in the marine
environment. The name of the planet
is actually a misnomer, it shouldn’t be
called Earth as it’s two thirds covered
by water. The deep oceans are less well
mapped than Venus and still constitute
a major exploration frontier. A thorough
understanding of Marine Science is vitally
important, as the oceans play a crucial
role in controlling our climate. Marine
scientists look back into the past history
of our planet by investigating ancient

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ocean sediments: this is how we get most
of our information about how the Earth
system has behaved in the past.
Why is the Earth like it is? The planet
could have evolved like Venus – with
an inferno-like surface – or Mars, as an
arid, cold, virtual vacuum for its surface
environment. Can we understand more
about the Earth by studying what went
wrong on other planets in the solar
system? How did life start? Did life
actually start on Earth, or did life arrive
here from other planets?
All this, and more, constitutes Earth
Science. At Cardiff, we are currently
offering 19 different undergraduate degree
programmes in the Earth Sciences,
including our new four-year MESci degree
with a year of international study. We
can cover more of the subject than most
universities because we are one of the
largest Earth Science Schools’ in the
UK and we have world experts in many
disciplines. This means as a student you
have a great opportunity to be taught by
internationally renowned experts while
following your own particular interests and
ambitions.
We believe you should study what interests
and excites you. If you do this you’ll get
a better degree and a good job. As you
read this brochure you may well not know
enough about Earth Sciences to make
a decision about which degree subject
to choose. At Cardiff we realise this. Our
largely common first year is geared to
teaching you as much as possible about
the various aspects of Earth Science. Only
later in Year 1 do you choose which actual
degree course to follow for the next two or
three years.
There are many Earth Science courses to
choose from in the UK. Some Universities
provide programmes that are a bit
different, such as our Marine Geography
and Exploration and Resource Geology
degrees. Your choice of University in the
UK will mainly depend on how much you
feel that the local environment suits you.
Come and visit us on an open day and see
for yourself what Cardiff can offer you as a
place to live and study in. You’ll find that
the more you learn about Earth Sciences
at Cardiff, the more exciting it becomes.

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Contents
Students from the School of Earth and Ocean Sciences celebrating their graduation
The City 4
The University 6
Accommodation 8
Student Life 9
Degree Courses 10
The First Year 12
Master in Earth Science 13
MESci (International) 16
Marine Geoscience 17
Geology 19
Exploration and Resource Geology 21
Environmental Geoscience 23
Marine Geography 25
Earth Sciences with a Preliminary Year 28
Career Prospects 28
Postgraduate Masters Courses 29
Research in Cardiff 30
Admissions 32
Important information. Please read carefully.
The University offers the information contained in this brochure
as a guide only. It does not constitute a contract and is not
binding on prospective students, students or the University.
While the University makes every effort to check the accuracy
of the factual content at the time of publication, some
changes will inevitably occur in the interval between
publication and the academic year to which the brochure
relates (Entry 2010). For example, degree programmes may
have changed in line with market and student demand, and
research development. Applicants should not therefore rely
solely on this brochure and should visit the Law School
website (www.law.cardiff.ac.uk) for up-to-date information
concerning course content, accreditation, and entry
requirements for the relevant academic year when considering
applying to the University.
Terms and Conditions
Every effort has been made to ensure that the information
contained within this brochure is correct at the time of going to
press in June 2009. However, the University does not accept any
liability for any errors that it may contain, or for any subsequent
changes to the University or Government policy that may affect
the information given. Cardiff University expressly excludes any
representations or warranties (whether expressed or implied)
and all liability including direct, indirect, special, incidental or
consequential damages arising out of the use of the information
on these pages, to the fullest extent possible under law.
3000EARTH0610

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The University is located in and around the magnificent civic centre
Welcome
Studying for a degree is a major investment for
your future and choosing your university and
degree programme is one of life’s all-important
decisions. I hope that you will find this brochure
helpful and informative as you consider the
options open to you as a potential university
student. It contains information about the
city of Cardiff and the University, the practical
and study facilities in the School of Earth and
Ocean Sciences and the range of its degree
programmes and component modules. It also
describes some of the leisure, sporting and
cultural facilities in Cardiff and the surrounding
area.
As you will see as you delve further into this
brochure, Earth Sciences is very relevant to many
current global issues facing humankind, ranging
from climate change to exploration for natural
resources. If you would like to receive further
information about the School, or would like to
arrange a visit, please do not hesitate to get in
contact. Our telephone and fax numbers, and
email addresses are given inside the back page.
Professor R John Parkes
Head of Cardiff School of Earth and
Ocean Sciences
The School has an international reputation
for all its activities and our staff have a wide
range of expertise that is reflected in our
broad curriculum. It offers a rich and rewarding
student experience and provides a friendly and
stimulating environment in which you should be
able to fulfil your full potential in your studies.
Teaching at all levels is informed by research that
lies at the very cutting edge of the subject area.
Outdoor teaching at Lulworth Cove, Dorset

4
main photo
Cardiff Castle and
the Millennium Stadium
below left
The New Theatre
below middle
Cardiff Bay
below right
Cardiff Civic Centre

5
Cardiff is one of Europe’s youngest capital
cities. Compact, green, friendly and full of life,
it provides a first-class environment in which to
live and study.
As the capital city of Wales, Cardiff has an
impressive range of leisure, sporting and
cultural amenities. Many of the facilities are
of international standard. The city boasts
world-class concert venues in the International
Arena and St David’s Hall, and is the focus of
national and international sports events at the
Millennium Stadium.
Culturally, Cardiff is well catered for, with the
National Museum and Gallery of Wales, several
theatres and the historic Cardiff Castle. The city
also boasts a vibrant shopping centre, numerous
cinemas and restaurants, great pubs and music
venues. The development of Cardiff Bay is a
major attraction and is home to the Welsh
Assembly and the Wales Millennium Centre.
Cardiff is a compact city with large areas of parkland and
good local transport. Furthermore, unlike many other
cities, it offers easy access to the countryside, coast
and mountains. The Brecon Beacons National Park is
only a 30-minute drive from Cardiff and the Glamorgan
Heritage Coast is within easy reach. The city is also easily
reached by road or rail from other parts of Britain.
Cardiff International Airport, just outside
the city, has frequent connections to
Europe and destinations outside
the EU.
Cardiff combines the practical
advantages of a small, friendly, city
with the cultural and recreational
amenities of a successful and
modern capital. Such is
the quality of the ‘Cardiff
experience’ that in
a recent survey a
large majority of
the students said
they would like to
stay and live in
the city after
graduation.
Cardiff - the City
Don’t just take our word for it . . .
“Cardiff is the epitome of cool, pulsing
with a creative energy and relaxed
atmosphere that complements its
youthful heritage.”
The Lonely Planet
“Cardiff is popular with students offering
all the attractions of a large conurbation
without such high prices as students
experience elsewhere.”
The Times Good University Guide
More online at:
www.visitcardiff.com
www.cardiff.ac.uk
www.cardiff.co.uk
“Cardiff is one of the best places to
study in Britain.It has well situated,
cheap housing, lively nights out, friendly
people, great shops and hundreds of
miles of countryside. It is all that any
right-thinking fresher could desire.”
Virgin Alternative Guide to British
Universities
Come and see for yourself . . .
Cardiff benefits from excellent road and rail
links with Britain’s other major towns and
cities. London, for example, is two hours by
train, and the M4 links both the west and
south of England, as well as west Wales.
Travel to the Midlands and the North is
equally convenient. The journey by road from
Birmingham, for example, takes only two hours.
The main coach and railway stations are both
centrally placed and Cardiff also benefits from
an international airport.

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Cardiff - the University
Students have access to the latest
information technology
Main picture:
The University’s Main Building,
home to Cardiff School of
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Cardiff University is recognised in independent
government assessments as one of Britain’s
leading teaching and research universities.
Founded by Royal Charter in 1883, the
University today combines impressive modern
facilities and a dynamic approach to teaching
and research with its proud heritage of service
and achievement. The University’s breadth
of expertise encompasses: the humanities;
the natural, physical, health, life and social
sciences; engineering and technology.
The University has an outstanding location
amidst the parks, Portland stone buildings and
tree-lined avenues that form the city’s elegant
civic centre. Unusually for a civic university,
most of the University’s student residential
accommodation is within easy walking distance
of lecture theatres, libraries and the Students’
Union, saving you time and money. More than
£200million has been invested in the University
estate in recent years to provide new and
refurbished facilities of the highest quality.
Cardiff is a member of the Russell Group of
Britain’s leading research universities and was
ranked 7th out of more than 100 UK universities
in the latest independent assessment of
research. This creates a stimulating environment
for teaching, ensuring that students are exposed
to the very latest thinking and that the most
modern technology and equipment is available.
Teaching at Cardiff has been independently
assessed as being of excellent standard.
The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher
Education, which undertakes assessments with
all UK universities, confirmed that prospective
students, parents, teachers and graduate
employers can have every confidence in the
quality and standards of Cardiff’s awards.

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Feedback in the recent National Student
Surveys has also been very positive.
The student population is drawn from a variety
of backgrounds, with students attracted
from throughout Wales, the rest of the UK
and world-wide. The University currently
has around 25,000 undergraduate and
postgraduate students and there is an almost
equal balance between male and female
students. International students comprise
some 17% of the total student population.
Government performance indicators show that
students at Cardiff are more likely to succeed
in their studies than students at most other
UK universities. Currently, 95% of students
successfully complete or transfer, better than
many similar universities and better than the
UK national average.
“The University has an excellent reputation
for the quality of its teaching and research.
Almost 60% of its research is ranked
as world leading and it is a member of
the Russell Group of leading research
universities.”
The Guardian University Guide
“Cardiff is a tip top uni academically...
hugely popular with its students. Is Cardiff
perhaps the best kept secret among
Britain’s universities?”
The Virgin Alternative Guide to
British Universities
“Cardiff has established itself as the front
runner in Welsh higher education… it is
a match for most rivals in teaching and
research and the overall performance is
amongst the best in Britain.”
The Times Good University Guide
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk

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Accommodation
Map key
Cardiff School of
Earth and Ocean
Sciences
University
Buildings
Accommodation
Students Union
Above
University residences close to
the School
Cardiff has always attached great importance
to the provision of student accommodation and
has invested heavily in recent years to provide
some of the highest quality residences in the UK
university sector. Most of the accommodation
is located close to the academic buildings. All
first year undergraduates (who apply during the
normal admissions cycle) are guaranteed a place
in university accommodation. There is a choice of
catered or self-catered residences.
New residences have been built in recent
years and many of the older ones have been
refurbished to a high standard. The majority of
the 5,100 study/bedrooms have individual shower
and toilet facilities and all halls of residence have
computer network connection points.
As well as managing University property, the
Residences Office maintains close links with
the private sector and helps students who are
looking to rent or share houses or flats.
More online at:
www.cardiff.ac.uk/resid
“Guaranteed accommodation in halls and
houses for first years. Very high quality and
relatively cheap.”
Equitable Student Book
Accepting an offer of a place at Cardiff University
on a firm basis and completing your online
Accommodation Request Form promptly increases
the chances of your accommodation preferences
being met. Full details of all University-owned
accommodation are provided in the University
Residences Guide.

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The Students’ Union has excellent
facilities
Student life
As a fast developing capital city, Cardiff is a
great place to be a student. It’s large enough
to offer you an exciting variety of activities and
entertainment, but small enough for you to feel
comfortable in.
The Students’ Union
Cardiff Students’ Union is one of the biggest,
best and most active in Britain. Solus, the
Great Hall and the Taf are among the Union’s
major attractions. Solus is the students’ own
high quality nightclub and the second largest in
South Wales. The Great Hall is a 1500-capacity
venue for major concerts and the Taf Bar is
the Union’s very own ‘local’. Other facilities
include CF10 café, a general shop and off
licence, University bookshop, computer shop,
a games room and video arcade, five full size
snooker tables and twelve pool tables, satellite
TV, banking and insurance services. The Union
also has its own letting agency and Student
Advice centre and is home to Xpress Radio (the
students’ own radio station), an award winning
student newspaper, and more than 150
cultural, political, religious, social and sporting
societies.
Jobshop
The Unistaff Jobshop is a student employment
service that provides casual, clerical and
catering jobs around the University to hundreds
of students for up to 15 hours a week.
“Cardiff Students’ Union is the biggest and
best equipped in Britain.”
The Independent
“Cardiff Students’ Union is independently
recognised as the biggest and best
in Britain.”
Equitable Student Book
“The Students Union provides an
excellent range of facilities, clubs and
societies.”
The Times Good University Guide
More online at:
www.cardiffstudents.com
“Cardiff Students’
Union is the biggest
and best equipped in
Britain.”
The Independent
Solus, disco six nights a week
Exercising in the Fitness &
Racquets Centre – Park Place

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Degree Courses in the School of
Earth and Ocean Sciences
Studying gold exploration drill cores as part of an Exploration
and Resource Geology summer placement in Tanzania
Earth Science education at Cardiff
provides a research-led, holistic view
of the Earth in which the oceans,
atmosphere, biosphere and lithosphere
are studied in depth as constituent
components of the Earth system. All
the degree courses begin with a largely
common first year which provides a
strong foundation in Earth Sciences.
Although students will be registered
for a particular degree in Year 1, our
first year allows you to sample the
broad aspects of Earth Science before
making your final choice. Students
who wish to study the four year MESci
degrees can transfer at the end of Year
2, although it is best to register for
four year degrees in Year 1 as there
are specialist modules in research
training during Year 1 and 2. Students
who graduate on any three year BSc
course can apply to stay on in Year 4
to study a one year vocational MSc in
either Applied Environmental Geology
or Environmental Hydrogeology. In
total, the School of Earth and Ocean
Sciences offers 19 undergraduate
degree programmes:
F640
MESci Earth Sciences
F646
MESci Earth Sciences
(International)
F841
BSc Marine Geography
A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a professional research career in Earth
Sciences. In Year 4 you will undertake an independent research project that allows you to focus
on your subject of interest in Earth Sciences. There is also an option to spend Year 3 of your
degree at a university in North America, Australia or New Zealand. Module credits obtained
during this year count towards your degree.
A three year degree for students interested in study of the physical, hydrographical and
managerial issues relating to the ocean and its coastlines.
F842
BSc Marine Geography
(placement year)
A four year degree for students interested in the study of the physical, hydrographical and
managerial issues relating to the ocean and its coastline, with a year out working in a marine
related industry.
F645
MESci Environmental
Geoscience
F647
MESci Environmental
Geoscience (International)
A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a professional career in applied or ‘global’
geoenvironmental issues such as climate change, water resources and pollution. In Year 4 you
will undertake an independent research project that focuses on your subject of interest. There
is also an option to spend Year 3 of your degree at a university in North America, Australia or
New Zealand. Module credits obtained during this year count towards your degree.
F642
BSc Environmental
Geoscience
A three year degree for students interested in applied geo-environmental or ‘global’ geoenvironmental
issues with subjects like geo-hazards, pollution and engineering geology, ecology,
climate change and sea level rise.
F644
BSc Environmental
Geoscience
(placement year)
A four year degree for students interested in applied geo-environmental or ‘global’ geoenvironmental
issues with subjects like geo-hazards, pollution and engineering geology, ecology,
climate change and sea level rise, with a year out working in the geo-environmental industry.

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Fieldwork plays an important role in all our degree programmes
F601
MESci Geology
F602
MESci Geology
(International)
A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a research career in Geology. In Year 4
you will undertake an independent research project that allows you to focus on your specialist
geological subject of interest. There is also an option to spend the third year of your degree at
a university in North America, Australia or New Zealand. Module credits obtained during this
year count towards your degree.
F600
BSc Geology
A three year degree for students interested in all aspects of Geology and Earth Evolution. This
degree is suited to students interested in all aspects of practical field related observations
and map making. In Year 3, students can specialize in areas of sedimentology, paleontology,
structural or igneous geology.
F623
MESci Exploration
and Resource Geology
F624
MESci Exploration &
Resource Geology
(International)
F621
BSc Exploration &
Resource Geology
A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a research career in hydrocarbons, ore and
industrial minerals and energy. In Year 4, you will undertake an independent research project
that focuses on your specialist subject of interest. There is also an option to spend Year 3 of
your degree at a university in North America or Australasia. Module credits obtained during this
year count towards your degree.
A three year degree for students interested in all aspects of natural resources (hydrocarbons,
ore and industrial minerals and energy) and their exploration, extraction and management.
This degree is also suited to students interested in aspects of applied geology and information
technology.
F622
BSc Exploration &
Resource Geology
(placement year)
A four year degree for students interested in natural resources (hydrocarbons, ore and
industrial minerals and energy) and their exploration with a year out in industry working with
an exploration company. This degree is also suited to students interested in aspects of applied
geology and information technology.
F631
MESci Marine Geoscience
F632
MESci Marine Geoscience
(International)
A four year degree for students who wish to pursue a research career in aspects of shallow,
near-shore coastal processes or deep marine environments. In Year 4 students complete a
major research project on a marine topic of interest. There is also an option to spend Year 3 of
your degree at a university in North America, Australia or New Zealand. Module credits obtained
during this year count towards your degree.

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The First Year
Field teaching on the year 1 residential trip to west Wales
The first year is designed to give you a sound
foundation in Earth Sciences upon which the
specialised studies build in subsequent years.
The first year provides an introduction to the
study of Earth as a total system - background
scientific skills taught through the study of
First year students undertaking an environmental survey in Cardiff Bay on the School research vessel,
Guiding Light
Earth - plus general skills of observation,
numeracy, presentation and communication,
which will be of value throughout your studies
and future careers. For example, our module
Geoinformatics provides an introduction to
the use of the Cardiff University computing
network and its associated software,
including the basic concepts of a computing
network, files and directories, and the use
of spreadsheet, database, drawing, GIS and
e-mail packages. Fieldwork in the first year
involves an introductory set of field trips during
your first week designed to give you a flavour
of the first year course content and to act as
an icebreaker. Several day or half-day trips are
associated with individual modules and
provide essential initial field training. You
will also have the opportunity to undertake
shipborne studies, as well as taking part in a
residential field excursion in the week prior to
the Easter Vacation.
All the first year modules include lectures
and a variety of laboratory work. Several
include individual study projects. Most of
the modules extend over the two semesters
and are examined at the end of the second
semester. Most modules are assessed by a
combination of examination and marking of
other work. The nature and weighting of other
assessed work varies with the requirements
of different modules. You will need to achieve
a satisfactory standard in at least 100 from
the 120 credits studied before progressing to
the second year. We believe it is important
to take account of the varying skills and
qualifications of the students arriving in
the School, so the broad-based first year
complements your own talents and interests.
Your personal tutor, allocated to you in the first
week of your course, will advise you of the best
way to organise your studies to utilise your
background achievements.
Because most of the first year is common to
our undergraduate degree programmes, you
are able to transfer between degree courses
following satisfactory completion of Year 1.
However, since the School needs to maintain
a balance between programmes, transfers
may in some cases have to be determined by
results at the end of Year 1.

Master in Earth Science (MESci)
Research-informed degrees in:
Earth Sciences (UCAS Code: F640)
Geology (UCAS Code: F601)
Exploration and Resource Geology (UCAS Code: F623)
Environmental Geoscience (UCAS Code: F645)
Marine Geoscience (UCAS Code: F631)
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The Cardiff MESci programme is a four year
undergraduate degree aimed at training
students for a research career. Students with
a Cardiff MESci are qualified to enter directly
into PhD programmes, and the advanced
fourth year courses and research skills also
provide an enhanced basis for entering into
professional careers in Earth Sciences. The
Cardiff MESci programme provides you with
considerable flexibility in your choice of
modules and programmes. In each of your
four years you will undertake research training
in which you choose topics that match your
interests. In the final year you will complete
a research dissertation and attend a series of
modules, providing the skills and knowledge
necessary to underpin your dissertation work.
The nature of research means that you will be
involved in small group teaching and will have
the opportunity to work within the School’s
internationally-recognised research groups.
The MESci degrees at Cardiff are comparable
to similar courses in Europe and North
America. There is demand in industry,
government and academia for a higher
level of research training than a three year
undergraduate BSc course. For the individual
student, undergraduate Masters programmes
provide:
Discovering Earth History - De La Beche unconformity Somerset
• a wider range of options for future career
paths
• opportunities to undertake research into
topics which interest you
• a greater degree of choice in learning
outcomes
• more extensive opportunities for small group
and individual tuition
• a higher level of university education
comparable with international first degree
qualifications.
First year MESci students on a residential trip to the Isle of Arran, Scotland

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MESci Course Structure
The first year programme is common for all
MESci students, with small group teaching
provided in research tutorial groups of up to
six students, and with a dedicated MESci
residential field course at Easter. The common
first year programme is designed to give you
a broad view of earth and ocean sciences,
with the MESci research tutorial enabling you
to begin exploring your long-term research
interests.
In Year 2, you will take a suite of modules
appropriate to your MESci degree programme
which will enhance the basic building blocks of
knowledge necessary to undertake research.
In addition, you will take the MESci Field
Methods and Research Tutorial module and will
produce a research poster on a field-related
subject of your choice. Year 2 contributes 15%
to your total degree assessment.
In your third year, you will again select from a
suite of modules appropriate to your degree
programme. If you are following the MESci
in Earth Sciences you can choose any Year
3 module with in the School as long as it
is possible on the timetable. You will take
a research module during which you will
conduct research on a topic of your choice
and write it up as a scientific research paper.
Year 3 contributes 35% to your total degree
assessment.
The final year is centred on a research
dissertation in a subject of your choice,
depending on your degree programme. You will
work with a research supervisor and interact
with a research group in the School. Since
the School is large you have a wide choice
of dissertation topic. Year 4 assessment
contributes 50% to your final degree and your
research dissertation is 25% of your total
degree result. You will also chose options from
Year 4 modules which focus on topics at the
cutting edge of research.
Inter-programme Transfer
Transfer into and out of the MESci programmes
is possible but it is best to enrol on the MESci
in Year 1 as there are dedicated research
training modules in Year 1 and 2. Transfer
from a BSc to an MESci is possible at the end
of Years 1 or 2 (transfer at the end of Year 2
requires an average mark of 60%). Transfer
from MESci to the equivalent BSc can also
take place at the end of Years 1 or 2.
MESci Research project analysing water quality

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MESci Programmes
Research has no subject boundaries, and so
in Cardiff we provide you with the broadest
opportunity to follow and develop your own
interests.
Problems of climate change and the effect
of human activities on the environment
are increasingly important topics in
international research. The MESci in
Environmental Geoscience provides a solid
base for investigation of climatic change
and anthropogenic effects on the planetary
environment, including pollution and land
contamination. The interdisciplinary MESci in
Marine Geoscience focuses on near shore,
coastal processes and deep sea research
into the origin of the oceanic crust and its
sediments and how a detailed record of
climate change can be elucidated from the
marine geological record.
The evolution of the Earth and the life that
it supports underpins our understanding of
our own planet and other planets in the solar
system. The MESci in Geology provides the
basis for researching into the evolution of
our planet. Sustainability of natural resources
requires that richer, more easily extractable
resources need to be discovered and methods
of extraction need to be both energy efficient
and environmentally friendly. The MESci in
Exploration and Resource Geology addresses
both of these aspects on a global scale.
Each of these MESci degrees also offers
the possibly to spend Year 3 studying at
a university in North America. The marks
from this year of study will count towards
your degree. More details of this exciting
opportunity can be found in the MESci
(International) section of this brochure
(overleaf).
Research training fieldcourse, Cyprus
Research projects using our modern analytical facilities

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MESci (International)
Research-informed degrees in:
Earth Sciences (UCAS Code: F646)
Geology (UCAS Code: F602)
Exploration and Resource Geology (UCAS Code: F624)
Environmental Geoscience (UCAS Code: F647)
Marine Geoscience (UCAS Code: F632)
with a year spent studying at an overseas university
Amy Martin (right), Cardiff MESci
(International) student at the
University of Miami, meeting former
US President Bill Clinton at the
Clinton Global Initiative University,
which each year hosts a meeting
for students and youth organisations
to discuss solutions to pressing
global issues.
The Cardiff MESci (International) programmes
are aimed at providing the opportunity for
students to study at a prestigious overseas
university for part of their Cardiff degree. The
MESci (International) programme has the
same structure and aims as the Cardiff 4 year
undergraduate MESci degree programmes.
It is research led and provides students with
enhanced opportunities for specialisation,
subject choice and advanced study. The
difference is that the credits and grades for
Year 3 of your degree assessment are acquired
at an overseas institution.
The year abroad allows you to broaden your
horizons, both academically and culturally.
You will undertake a research ptoject during
your year overseas, usually on a one-to-one
basis with an international research expert
in the host institution. You will also be able
to enroll in courses overseas that are not
available at Cardiff. You will acquire a wide
range of transferable skills and the additional
experience to improve your employability and
prospects of postgraduate studies.
Financially, these programmes are very
attractive since you pay no fees at the
international university but merely continue to
pay fees to Cardiff University. This means that
successful applicants have the opportunity,
for example, to attend world-class, private
universities in the USA at Cardiff fee levels.
These institutions routinely provide intensive,
small group teaching by international leaders
in an environment where individual student
welfare is paramount. Presently there are
agreements with the University of Miami,
Rutgers University (New Jersey), University of
British Colombia, Wyoming University and the
University of Vermont. Other opportunities are
planned with other leading institutions in North
America (including Colorado School of Mines)
along with universities in Australia and
New Zealand.
The International programmes include
all MESci subject areas including Earth
Sciences, Geology, Environmental Geoscience,
Exploration & Resource Geology, and Marine
Geoscience. The intake grades for these
international programmes are higher than the
conventional Cardiff MESci, primarily because
there is strong competition for the limited
places (see page 32).
The MESci (International) programme gives you
a great opportunity to experience new places
and different cultures and will widen your
options for future career paths.

MESci Marine Geoscience (UCAS Code: F631 )
17
Marine Geosciences is a truly interdisciplinary
aspect of the wider Earth Sciences, embracing
both near shore, coastal processes and deep
sea studies of the oceanic crust and how
climate change can be unravelled from the
reading of the marine sedimentary record.
Both these areas, coastal and deep sea, are
available for study in the Cardiff programme
which brings together expertise from staff
researching into the geology and tectonics of
ocean basins, ocean–atmosphere interactions,
the marine sedimentary record, continental
margin processes, chemistry and microbiology
of deep sea sediments, coastal hydrography
and mapping of the seabed.
The MESci in Marine Geoscience follows the
other MESci programmes in having a broadbased
first year where all aspects of Earth
Sciences are introduced as well as starting
to learn how to carry out research. In Year
2 students opt for either the nearshore or
deep sea specialisation with optional modules
to broaden their knowledge base. In Year 3
further specialisation is possible taking your
chosen subject area to research level, and as
with the other MESci programmes it is possible
to spend your third year at an overseas
university.
In Year 4 you also undertake a dissertation
with one of the many marine specialists on the
staff as a supervisor.
This will link you to
an active research
group and enable
you to concentrate
on one aspect of
marine geoscience.
More than a dozen
staff members have
undertaken extensive
deep sea research
cruises and other staff
are actively involved
in offshore or coastal
research programmes.
Graduates will acquire
a wide range of
transferable skills
since working and
undertaking science
at sea involves a
significant amount of
team work and project
planning. Graduates
from this degree
programme will be
highly attractive to
potential employers
or research
establishments.
A Thornback Ray caught as part of a second year trawling field work
survey in the Severn Estuary
Year 3 students on the Marine Geoscience field trip to Cyprus

18
Learning to use marine sonar systems in Cardiff Bay

BSc Geology (UCAS Code: F600)
MESci Geology (UCAS Code: F601)
19
Our BSc in Geology provides you with a
broad view of the physical, geochemical
and biological processes that formed planet
Earth, its oceans, atmosphere, lithosphere
and biosphere. You will learn how to read
the rocks, assess the processes involved in
their formation, be able to reconstruct past
environments and interpret how life evolved.
A key component of this course is fieldwork.
You will travel to a number of classic localities:
current field excursions run to areas both in
the UK and abroad (Spain and Cyprus). On
these excursions you will learn how to record
observations, to analyse and interpret a wide
range of rocks and structures in the field, and
be trained in making a geological map. Our
field courses are specifically designed to focus
on key themes, such as the origins of oceanic
crust, the development of sedimentary basins
and their oil and gas potential, and the growth
and collapse of mountain belts.
Ammonite hunting in Lyme Regis
In the summer of your
second year, you will face
the exciting challenge
of spending five weeks
working independently on a
geological mapping project
in an area of your own
choice. The most popular
mapping areas are typically
in Wales, Scotland, Ireland,
southern France, Spain and
Portugal, but opportunities
exist for travel further afield.
In your third year, you will
analyse and interpret your
field map data and write
a detailed report on your
summer mapping project.
Structural geology field teaching in Spain

20
In your third year there are several core
synoptic modules, but you will also have
a choice of optional modules in specialist
and more applied subjects. Some of those
specialist modules involve field excursions.
You will also have the option to complete
a research level project in a topic of your
choice. The lecturers on the geology course
are all specialists who publish research papers
in international journals and books, so you
will benefit from teaching at the forefront of
geological research. One of the highlights of
the third year is a residential field excursion to
Cyprus to study an uplifted section of oceanic
crust and its associated sediments.
The four year MESci Geology degree is for
students interested in professional research
careers. It provides research training in
specialist aspects of Geology (see MESci
section for more details).
Year 2 geological mapping training
in Spain
Sedimentology fieldcourse, Dorset coast

BSc Exploration and Resource Geology
(UCAS Code: F621)
BSc Exploration and Resource Geology
(placement year) (UCAS Code: F622)
MESci Exploration and Resource Geology
(UCAS Code: F623)
21
This is a very opportune time to study for a
degree in exploration geology as young skilled
people are in great demand to assist in the
exploration for natural resources to feed
the growing world demand for minerals, oil,
gas and industrial minerals. An exploration
geologist requires a broad range of skills
including: an aptitude for fieldwork, good ICT
skills and the ability to make key decisions
from limited information. Our vocationally
orientated courses will prepare you for a
potentially exciting professional career as a
geologist working in the global hydrocarbon,
metaliferous or bulk mineral industries.
The three year BSc degree focuses on applied
geology, with the exploration, evaluation and
extraction of the Earth’s natural resources.
The aim is to provide an understanding of the
geological, physical and chemical processes
active within the Earth that lead to the
formation of a natural resource. The course
provides training in the specialist fieldwork and
IT skills required by the modern professional
exploration geologist using whenever possible
field-based project work. You will attend
field training courses that include practical
exercises in surveying, geological, geochemical,
geophysical mapping techniques and safety.
This training programme leads on to residential
field courses in the UK and abroad, for
example to Spain, and includes a teambuilding
ice-breaker visit to the Dolaucothi gold mine in
mid-Wales. During field work you learn to draw
detailed geological maps using geological and
geophysical techniques.
During the summer vacation before the third
year, you undertake a six-week industrial
placement or research-based practical
field mapping project module under School
supervision, usually in areas of active
resource exploration. Our extensive network
of contacts in the industry allows us to offer
placements that take you all over the world
working in multinational exploration or junior
companies, providing a real world experience
of the industry. In the autumn of your third
year you will write an assessed report on your
placement. It is also possible to spend a full
year out on an industrial placement, regrettably
however, in the current economic climate
although we will do our best to secure year-long
placements, we are unable to guarantee these.
Year 3 Exploration and Resource Geology students studying
copper deposits on their Cyprus fieldtrip
Gold separation from crushed ore – Gwynfynydd Mine,
North Wales

22
In your third year, you will study further core
exploration modules on metals and oil together
with a range of optional modules involving
both applied aspects and specialist geological
topics. You will also have the opportunity to
visit an area of outstanding European geology
on residential fieldwork such as Cyprus.
Our graduates in exploration and resource
geology are commonly employed in field-based
exploration all over the World, or are found
analysing geological or geophysical data using
modern computer processing techniques in
global exploration companies. If you choose
to study the four-year MESci Exploration and
Resource Geology degree you will be exposed
to cutting edge research in exploration geology
with access to our in house state-of-the-art
mineral analytical equipment, 3D-seismic
processing and data visualization facilities. In
the fourth year you will undertake a research
project in your subject of interest in exploration
or resource geology (see MESci section for
more details).
Exploration Geology mapping training in west Wales

BSc Environmental Geoscience (UCAS Code: F642)
BSc Environmental Geoscience (placement year) (UCAS Code: F644)
MESci Environmental Geoscience (UCAS Code: F645)
23
South Wales is one of the best locations in the
UK to study environmental geoscience, as there
is a wealth of local natural and man-made
geoenvironmental subjects to study. These
natural locations range from the beautiful Welsh
coastline up to the scenic mountains of the
Brecon Beacons, including eroding sea cliffs,
sand dunes, wetlands, valley slopes and past
glacial erosion.
With a long and heavily polluting industrial
history, South Wales offers study sites that
include landfills, heavy metal contamination,
acid mine drainage, derelict land and mining
subsidence. The environmental geologist is
at the forefront of the scientific community’s
efforts to understand our complex and changing
surroundings. Furthermore, the challenging
and growing market of contaminated and
derelict land remediation is a growing source of
employment for geoscientists.
At the start of the course you will be taught
how our planet works, and how natural and
man-made events interact with, and change,
the environment. You will learn about global
systems like climate, how they work today,
how they have operated in the past, and are
expected to change in the future.
You will also learn about man-made issues like
pollution; its causes, assessment, monitoring
and clean up. During this year you will be
taught how our dynamic planet is constantly
changing, and how we need to evolve from
activities that are depleting finite resources
towards policies of sustainable development.
Pollution studies - acid mine water
from abandoned South Wales
coalmines’

24
Environmental Geoscience students
on a field visit to Fforest Fawr
European Geopark, South Wales
In the second year you have a choice
of modules depending upon your own
geoenvironmental interests, aspirations, and
the subjects that most interested you in the
first year. You can choose a more ‘applied’
degree character that includes modules that
will facilitate your understanding of site-specific
geoenvironmental issues, such as contaminated
land, rock engineering and geotechnics.
Alternatively you may choose modules
addressing ‘global’ geoenvironmental issues,
providing a base for studies on subjects like
climate change and sea level rise, or you may
choose to specialise in biological interaction
with past and present environments. Regardless
of your choices, you will be taught the skills
required for planning, executing and reporting
on project work. This will include both fieldbased
and desk-based studies, and working
independently and as part of a team.
At this stage of your studies, project work is
a vital component of the course. The School
provides a wide range of different potential
projects from which you can choose a subject
that interests you. However, students are
actively encouraged to devise and design
their own projects. Students often choose or
devise projects that relate to geoenvironmental
issues close to their homes or that have
impacted on their lives in the past. Often
the projects are undertaken with help and
advice provided by bodies such as the Local
Authorities or Environmental Agency. Dedicated
environmental training takes place around
Environmental GPS mapping
Easter, and this addresses issues that have not
been covered in previous modules. This is also
an opportunity for you to start acquiring more
specific skills that will be required for your own
project work. For example, if you undertake a
project that requires you to do geochemical
analyses, you will be taught the protocols
required to work in a modern state-of-the-art
geochemical facility.
In the third year you will complete your project
work, presenting it in the form of a professional
report. There are a few compulsory ‘core’
modules, but the majority are optional,
allowing you to target those subjects in which
you are most interested. As with the previous
years, the third year consists of a mixture of
taught knowledge and skills. However, in this
final part of your degree, the emphasis is
much more on synthesis, tying together the
separate strands to give a more complete and
holistic understanding of the subject.
The evolution of our present environment
into the future is a key subject for global
enquiry and includes the problems of climate
change and the effect of human activities on
the environment. For students interested in
professional research careers in Environmental
Geoscience, the four year MESci in
Environmental Geoscience provides a basis for
investigation of these key areas (see MESci
section for more details).

BSc Marine Geography (UCAS Code: F841)
BSc Marine Geography (placement year) (UCAS Code: F842)
25
Marine Geography is the study of the ocean
and its coastlines – the geography of the sea.
Marine geographers augment traditional land
based geographic skills with new techniques
and approaches in order to understand the
intriguing geography that lies offshore and
beneath the ocean surface. Marine geography
offers an offshore perspective and the
opportunity to pursue studies beyond the low
water line.
The World Ocean, which covers 71% of the
planet, may be considered the last frontier on
Earth for the exploration and development of
resources to sustain humanity in the future.
Owing to its size, dynamic nature and diversity,
the geography of the ocean environment is
fundamental to our understanding of the natural
systems of the living Planet. Marine geographers
study the socio - economic relationships
between people and the physical characteristics
of the sea and coast at global and local scales.
This new approach to global marine issues is
characteristic of the Cardiff philosophy that
seeks to integrate and synthesise knowledge
about the world ocean and its coastlines to
help decision-making about the future. Issues
concerning fisheries, offshore oil and gas,
ports and shipping, conservation, minerals and
energy, strategic use and management, are all
critical in terms of sustainable development and
environmental protection.
Cardiff is the birthplace of the discipline of
Marine Geography in UK. A major component
of the course in Cardiff is that of mapping the
marine environment in order to understand
its physical and biological characteristics. This
involves using some of the most advanced
and exciting technology available. You will
learn not only about traditional navigation and
hydrographic surveying techniques, but you
will also gain experience of modern remote
sensing systems including satellite imagery,
side-scan and multi-beam SONARS for seabed
mapping, and 3D-seismic methods for probing
the ocean floor. You will also get the opportunity
to ‘ground-truth’ the images of the seabed and
marine ecosystem by deploying underwater TV
and various seabed-sampling devices including
grabs, corers and trawls.
The course involves a multidisciplinary approach
to the wide range of data relating to society and
the sea. Information acquired from a range of
equipment and techniques is compiled using
Geographical Information Systems (GIS). In
this, advanced computer technology is used to
superimpose layers of spatial data to reveal the
geography of the system. The results of the GIS
analyses are used not only to investigate the
geography of the coasts and oceans, but also
to help decision-makers involved in Integrated
Coastal Zone Management.
Marine geography students
carrying out hydrographic survey
work mapping sediment in the
Severn Estuary

26
Cardiff Marine Geographers and
students at Piraeus University, Greece
working together to survey Piraeus
harbour, Athens
For example, the School hosts the Severn
Estuary Partnership, which uses the results of
such techniques to coordinate and monitor
implementation of socio-economic and
environmental policies within the Estuary. It is
also the UK centre for the EU EcoPorts Project,
an international network for the exchange
of experience and methodologies aimed
specifically at sustainable development and
environmental protection of Europe’s seaports.
Studies involving the techniques of hydrographic
surveying, GIS, and environmental management
systems provide the opportunity to develop
transferable skills recognized by the applied
marine industries and a range of Governmental
and other organisations.
Cardiff has a long history of world-class research
and teaching in marine geography. Staff at
Cardiff produced the famous, groundbreaking,
Times Atlas of the Oceans and the current
Lloyds Atlas of the World Ports. Cardiff was the
first place outside North America to host the
Ocean Drilling Program (ODP), the largest global
marine research programme. This programme
deploys the deep ocean drill ship JOIDES
Resolution that samples the sub-surface of the
ocean floor. The results of the ODP programme
have resulted in some of the most exciting
scientific discoveries of recent years.
The School has 15 marine scientists on its
teaching staff, many with sea-going experience,
an international reputation for academic
research and well-established links with industry.
They specialise in a range of interests including
marine physical processes and ecosystems,
coastal and ocean management, hydrographic
surveying and seafloor mapping, global climate
change, law and political geography of the sea,
and environmental management of marine
operations. Scientists who study offshore
will teach you about current marine research
expeditions and the latest research results,
including information on climate change, marine
conservation and the use of ocean space.
A significant amount of practical and applied
experience is built into the degree programme
to assist you in developing transferable,
professional skills. Situated in an estuary with
a large tidal range and with access to a wide
variety of coastal environments, Cardiff is an
excellent base for both traditional fieldwork and
innovative seatime training. Following the UKbased
fieldcourse programme in the first year,
in the second and third year you will acquire
field skills at a range of European coastal
and island locations. Current options include
Greece, Malta and Jersey in the Channel
Islands. The School operates its own Research
Vessel GUIDING LIGHT, a 12m catamaran used
by all undergraduates as part of its researchled
teaching programme. In addition, Cardiff
students have taken part in UNESCO research
cruises and carried out third year project work
in marine research centres overseas. This
gives you an invaluable background in practical
aspects of coastal and marine research
techniques, which provides you with an edge in
the careers market.

27
The BSc degree in Marine Geography is currently
undergoing the process of accreditation by the
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and
the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science
and Technology. You may also read for a 4-
year degree in Marine Geography, where the
third year is spent on an industrial placement.
This sandwich course is extremely popular
and the placements are much sought after,
as they further enhance future employment
opportunities. The majority of placements are
based in the UK, but some involve extensive
time at sea around the world, while from time
to time opportunities arise for placements
based overseas.
Ecological survey of the sea floor in Malta
Recent examples of placements include:
PORT OF DOVER
PORT OF MILFORD HAVEN
PORT OF PORTLAND
A&P PLYMOUTH
ANDREWS HYDROGRAPHIC
FUGRO UDI
GARDLINE SURVEYS
H R WALLINGFORD
METEROLOGICAL OFFICE
PEMBROKESHIRE NATIONAL PARK
TITAN ENVIRONMENTAL SURVEYS
WORLD CONSERVATION
MONITORING CENTRE
Environmental survey assistant
Hydrographic survey assistant
Survey assistants
Port Surveyor
Hydrographic Surveyor
Survey assistant
Offshore survey assistant
Environmental Modelling
Data processing assistant
Control Zone management assistant
Survey assistant
GIS programmer
Coastal habitat project work in the Mediterranean

28
BSc Earth Sciences with a Preliminary Year
(UCAS Code: F641) (4 years)
BSc Earth Sciences with a Preliminary Year
(UCAS Code: F643) (5 years, with a placement year)
The Preliminary Year forms the first year of a
four-year BSc course (five years in the case
of one of our BSc degrees with an industrial
placement year). Following the successful
completion of the Preliminary Year, students
can choose to study any of the BSc degree
programmes available in the School.
These degree programmes with a Preliminary
Year are academically demanding and are
principally designed for students who have good
A-level grades but have no science background.
Please note: the Preliminary Year is not
designed for students who have taken
appropriate A-levels but not achieved the grades
required for First Year entry. Consequently,
admission to these two degree programmes
requires the same number of Tariff Points as our
other BSc degrees.
Environmental geoscientists soil
sampling in Tenerife
Career Prospects
All of the degrees offered by Cardiff School of
Earth and Ocean Sciences will equip you to
pursue a career based on the knowledge and
skills acquired during your studies. Like most
earth science or geography degrees, with all
our courses you will develop a wide range of
transferable skills which are highly sought after
by employers. These skills include numeracy,
ICT, practical skills, effective written and oral
communication and an ability to conduct
independent research. Our graduates work in
a wide variety of areas, such as: the oil and
gas industry, mineral exploration, environment
agencies and consultancies, water authorities,
construction, port authorities, finance,
manufacturing and construction.
Many of our graduates go on to further study after
their BSc or MESci degree, and the researchinformed
content of the courses in the School
means that our graduates are well equipped to
undertake specialist taught Masters courses or
high-level research leading to Doctoral degrees.
Destinations of Recent Graduates
Exploration and Resource Geology summer placement in China

Postgraduate Masters Courses
29
After your first degree you may wish to specialise
in a particular area of Earth Sciences, by taking a
taught Postgraduate Masters course. The School
offers several vocationally-orientated MSc courses.
MSc Applied Environmental
Geology
This one-year MSc course provides an
understanding of geoenvironmental and
geotechnical theory and practice. The MSc course
is available to graduates with a BSc in earth
science, geology or related environmental subjects.
The focus of the degree course is vocational, and
close industrial links ensure that students are
well prepared for working in the engineering and
environmental industries or for their regulatory
agencies. The course provides knowledge of
scientific research methods and a range of
transferable skills, including project planning,
management and reporting. Students develop an
appreciation of the significance of geological data
in a range of environmental contexts including
risk-based assessment and remediation of
contaminated land and environmental protection.
In addition, the legal framework that governs
geoenvironmental and geotechnical practice in the
UK and Europe is introduced.
MSc Environmental
Hydrogeology
The one-year MSc in environmental
hydrogeology provides students with advanced
training in hydrogeology and its application
to environmental protection. The taught
course includes modules in hydrogeology,
hydrogeological field techniques and
hydrogeological modelling, together with
geoenvironmental modules shared with the
MSc Applied Environmental Geology course
such as geochemistry, risk-based assessment
and remediation of contaminated land,
pollution control and environmental protection.
The course therefore provides students with a
range of hydrological and hydrogeochemical
skills suitable for a career with geoenvironmental
consultancies and regulatory
authorities. The taught course includes
contributions from industrial collaborators, and
staff from the Environment Agency and the
British Geological Survey.
a)
Environmental Geology Projects
a) Landslide movement
measurements
b) Environmental mapping in
South Wales
c) Environmental water sampling
b)
MSc Course structure
The taught course (Stage 1) runs from
September to April and is assessed through
examinations and course work. All candidates
must pass Stage 1 before proceeding to Stage
2 of the course, when they undertake project
work leading to submission of a 20,000-word
dissertation. All project work is undertaken in
association with industrial partners, with the
majority of industrial placements including
payment. In addition to the UK, Cardiff
students have also undertaken project work in
Bangladesh, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong,
Azerbaijan, Greece and Peru.
Training
A broad training is provided, appropriate to
the needs of industry and environmental
regulators. Training builds on the scientific,
c)
geological and hydrogeological knowledge
of students, providing critical scientific
understanding of environmental processes.
Technical skills necessary to investigate a wide
range of geoenvironmental and hydrogeological
problems are introduced. The project allows
students the opportunity to specialise in a
particular aspect of the course.
Employment Prospects
Graduates offer prospective employers
a range of skills, allowing flexibility in
employment outcome. The majority join
engineering consultants. Graduates have also
secured employment with the Environment
Agency, Local Authorities, landfill operators,
conservation bodies, the British Geological
Survey, and the environmental offices of large
companies. Some have progressed to PhDs.

30
Research in Cardiff School of Earth and
Ocean Sciences
Palaeoclimate research into Antarctic
microfossils using the School’s
Scanning Electron Microscope
Drilling sediments in Tanzania to
provide new insights into the history
of tropical climates
Cardiff Earth Sciences is a large international
research School, with over 40 leading
international research scientists. The
postgraduate research school currently
numbers about 40 students studying a diverse
range of research problems. These researchers
are addressing some of the most significant
research themes in world science at the
moment, including global change, the origin
and evolution of life, environmental science,
natural resource exploration, and the evolution
of the Earth and planets. The School has been
transformed in the past few years by a series
of major staffing, funding and infrastructure
initiatives that have enhanced its national and
international reputation.
One of the great attractions of studying
in a school that regards research so
highly is the opportunity to work alongside
active researchers. You will be able to
undertake research projects as part of your
undergraduate degree using our in-house
research facilities. The School houses
advanced analytical facilities including ICP-MS,
Environmental Scanning Electron Microscope,
3D Visualisation Suite, Geophysics Laboratory
and Parallel Computing facility, together with a
research vessel equipped with a large range of
marine geophysical acquisition and processing
equipment. The main achievements and
spheres of interest of our research groups are
described below and on the following page.
Geoenvironmental Research
Group (including Marine and
Coastal Environments)
The Geoenvironmental Research Group carries
out research into aspects of environmental
problems. Research in the terrestrial
environment ranges from the effects of
climate change on frozen ground and the
likely environmental consequences of a rise in
global temperature, to the toxicity of volcanic
ash and other pollutants on human lungs or
other receptors and to sub-surface water/
methane monitoring in urban areas. In the
marine and coastal environments research
involves: applications of marine information,
including mapping, charting and sea surveying;
environmental management of marine
resources; and integrated coastal and sea
management. The group has an extensive suite
of field equipment, including a marine research
vessel, ‘Guiding Light’.
Palaeoclimate
The Palaeoclimate Research Group studies
the response of the ocean-climate system
to various types of forcing, such as changing
greenhouse gas concentrations or ocean
circulation patterns. Current research projects
range across a wide variety of timescales. For
example, at one end of the scale the group
is analysing the causes and consequences of
rapid climate change during the last ice age; at
the other extreme researchers are investigating
the reasons for the long-term global cooling
since the age of the dinosaurs. Major research
themes include Cenozoic global climate
change, thermohaline circulation of the ocean,
and Antarctic sea ice.

31
Geodynamics
The Geodynamics Research Group studies
processes of basin formation, basin-filling and
basin deformation through the application of
field geological techniques, laboratory studies,
and computational techniques in imaging and
modelling of continental and oceanic basins.
The research interests of the group extend
from surface processes such as structural
controls on sediment transport and sediment
budgets to passive continental margin basins,
to deep earth processes (mantle convection
and its control on long term plate motions).
The group has a strong relationship with the
hydrocarbon industry including ConocoPhillips,
Statoil, BP, Shell, British Gas Exploration,
Total, Amerada Hess, ChevronTexaco and
Schlumberger.
Magmatic and
Hydrothermal Processes
This group has primarily focused on the
formation, dating and recycling of oceanic
lithosphere. The petrology and geochemistry
of oceanic peridotites and their constituent
minerals has been used to provide new
perspectives on mantle melting and melt/
mantle interaction and their relation to
tectonomagmatic setting and mineralization
in many locations worldwide. Members of this
group have also worked extensively on the
causes and consequences of large igneous
province formation. Research in this area has
focused on mantle source regions and the
link between volcanism and mass extinction
events.
Geoscience data visualisation in our 3D theatre
Geobiology
This group studies the effects of
biological processes on the Earth
System and geological records
of the evolution of life. Cardiff is
a leading international centre for
research on the early evolution
of land plants. Descriptive work
is complemented by analyses of
functional morphology, mechanics
and comparative developmental
studies on modern plants. Recent
novel and multidisciplinary research
has focused on processes of fossilisation and
the interrelationship between organisms and
environment. Principal themes are: 1) the
taxonomy and palaeobiology of invertebrates,
plants, and algae, 2) the global environmental
effects of the colonization of the land in the
Palaeozoic, 3) bacterial processes, biodiversity
and function in the environment, particularly
near-surface and deep biosphere sedimentary
systems, their geochemical impacts, and
biosphere-geosphere interactions.
Geophysical mapping of active
pingos in Svalbard (Arctic Circle)
Geochemical research laboratories

32
Admissions/Further Information
Applications
To be considered for entry onto the course
you should apply online via the UCAS website
using the ‘UCAS Apply’ facility. To use this
facility you need to log onto www.ucas.
ac.uk/apply The website will provide you with
information on how to apply and explain the
procedure. Applications should be made by
15th January. UCAS will send your application
to the University. After we have received and
considered it, we may invite you to visit the
School sometime during the period November
to early March. For addresses outside of the
UK there is a £5 charge for postage and
packaging. The Cardiff University UCAS code
is CARDF C15 and the codes for the various
degree programmes are given on the relevant
pages of this brochure.
Equal Opportunities
Cardiff University is committed to promoting
equality and diversity in all of its practices
and activities, including those relating to
student recruitment, selection and admission.
The University aims to establish an inclusive
culture which welcomes and ensures equality
of opportunity for applicants of all ages,
ethnicities, disabilities, family structures,
genders, nationalities, sexual orientations,
races, religious or other beliefs, and
socioeconomic backgrounds. This commitment
forms part of the Equality and Diversity Policy
which is available at: www.cardiff.ac.uk/cocom/
equalityanddiversity/ index.html
Entry Requirements
When making offers to applicants the School
regards the following subjects as sciences:
chemistry, physics, biology, geography, geology,
maths, environmental science, physical
education, archaeology, computing, ICT, sports
science and psychology.
In addition to the qualifications outlined below
we require applicants to have obtained at least
GCSE Grade C in English language (or IELTS
6.5) and GCSE maths Grade B
Our typical offers are:
MESci (International)
A-level: AAA from three A-levels - at least two
of which must be sciences.
International Baccalaureate: 35 points,
including at least two sciences at Higher level
WBQ: Pass in the Core plus AA in A levels
MESci
A-level: AAB from three A-levels - at least two
of which must be sciences
International Baccalaureate: 34 points,
including at least two sciences at Higher level
WBQ: Pass in the Core plus AB in A-levels.
BSc
A-level: BBB from three A-levels - at least one
of which must be a science.
International Baccalaureate: 35 points,
including at least one science at Higher level.
WBQ: Pass in the Core plus BB in A-levels.
The School will consider combinations of
qualifications which include both vocational
and academic A-levels.
Applicants with
Other Qualifications
We also consider applicants with excellent
records in other qualifications such as BTEC
and NVQ, Scottish Highers and Advanced
Highers and the Irish leaving Certificate.
Science-based Access courses, as well as
many overseas qualifications and appropriate
Open University credits are also acceptable for
entry. Please contact us for more details.
All applicants should be able to demonstrate
an intellectual ability to effectively engage with
their chosen programme of study at degree
level. This intellectual ability will normally
be solely assessed by predicted or actual
qualifications and/or exam results. However,
where applicants are unable to demonstrate
the requisite potential through actual or
predicted grades, assessment of suitability for
entry to one of our courses will be based on
the information in their UCAS form - mainly
their personal statement and references. Such
applicants are usually invited for interview,
where their interest in, and aptitude for, their
chosen course will be assessed

Notes for Welsh Language
Applicants
We recognise that if you are a Welsh speaker
you may feel more comfortable speaking to
a Welsh speaking personal tutor. Provided
there are Welsh speaking members of staff in
your subject area, every effort will be made to
allocate a Welsh speaker to you. If you wish,
you can also submit your assessed work and
take your examinations through the medium
of Welsh, regardless of the language of tuition
of the course you are following. Some of the
accommodation at Senghennydd Court and
Talybont student residences has been allocated
for Welsh speakers and learners who would
like to be grouped together. If you would like to
take advantage of this please make a note of
this on your accommodation form.
Applicants with Disabilities/
Specific Needs
All offers to study at Cardiff University are
made solely on the basis of academic merit.
Where applicants have specific requirements
that relate to a disability or medical condition,
they are encouraged to discuss these with
relevant staff in order that appropriate
arrangements can be made to ensure the
University provides an accessible environment.
Specifically, applicants are invited to contact
the Disability Adviser who can provide
information about the applications procedure,
course delivery and access to the physical
environment. Where appropriate, informal visits
can be arranged in which applicants can view
accommodation and meet academic staff. The
Disability Adviser can be contacted at:
Student Support Centre
50 Park Place
Cardiff Cf10 3AT
Tel/Minicom:
(029) 2087 4528
Email: williamsmel@cardiff.ac.uk
Open Day
A university-wide Open Day is held in the
spring of each year, and provides the
opportunity for anyone to visit the academic
schools, residences, the Students’ Union and
sports facilities.
Further Information
For further information, please email us at
earth-ug@cardiff.ac.uk or visit us at the Cardiff
School of Earth and Ocean Sciences website:
www.earth.cardiff.ac.uk
Admissions Office
Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences
Main Building
Park Place
Cardiff
CF10 3YE
Tel: +44 (0)29 2087 4830
Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4326
This document
can also be made
available in large print
(text), braille and on
audio tape/CD.
To request an
alternative format,
please contact Laura
Roberts,
Tel: 029 2087 4839
Email: Robertsl9@
cardiff.ac.uk
A University Open Day is held in the spring each year

Cardiff School of Earth and Ocean Sciences
For further information please contact the:
Admissions Tutor
Main Building, Park Place, Cardiff CF10 3YE
Tel: +44 (0) 29 2087 4830 Fax: +44 (0) 29 2087 4326
Email: earth-ug@cardiff.ac.uk
www.cardiff.ac.uk/earth