The Earth Sciences are changing rapidly in scope and nature. The course at Oxford reflects these changes, and aims to provide earth scientists with a sound and broadly based scientific training. Earth Sciences courses at Oxford train students in the unique skills required for the interpretation of rock materials and geological phenomena as well as applying theory and techniques from Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science and Biology to the study of the Earth and the environment.

Typical destinations for Earth Sciences graduates include the energy industry, the environmental sector, and engineering/ technical consultancies. Some enter professions unrelated to their subject, such as finance, in which the analytical and problem-solving skills they have developed are highly sought after. Around 40% continue to study, developing their interests through a PhD or further Masters course. Recent Earth Sciences graduates include a data analyst for a media organisation, a tax accountant, and a hydrogeologist. Rachael, who graduated in 2007, works for BP as a Geoscientist. She says: ‘I am currently working as an Operations Geologist in London for a project based in North Africa. In the last four years my job has taken me to London, Aberdeen, Algeria, Libya and America. My degree gave me the technical basis for my career, but more importantly it taught me how to think out complex issues from basic principles and to motivate myself to produce the best results I can.’