Oxford Demystified - Earth Sciences

Thank you all for your replies (that was my first post on TSR so it's good to see it actually works!). I'll try drawing up some pathways @Headingtonian (I think I get what you meant). I agree it's difficult to tell how much I'd like topics just by the module names and a small amount of introductory reading. Thanks for the petrology info @Plagioclase; it does sound interesting (mostly...).

I'm still wondering whether I'd prefer to be classed as a scientist or a geographer. I think I prefer the scientific approach (and postgrad prospects), just I'm just possibly interested in more of the geography content (I won't say 'passionate' as it's overused - but maybe so is 'interested') and its emphasis on present/future environments and societies.

I'll probably draft PSs for Earth sci and geog and see how that influences my thinking.

Yep it's basically impossible to tell how much you'd like topics just on the basis of module names - I think one of the nice things about Earth Sciences though is that it's such a broad course, you will definitely find something that you enjoy, but of course going for a new subject you haven't studied before is a bit of a risk. In terms of further study and careers it is possible to go from Earth Sciences to Geography and vice-versa (I know examples of both) so this decision doesn't necessarily have to close doors in either case, but a less quantitative background may make your life more difficult if you decide you want to go into science later on, depending on what you want to do (again though, I know many geographers who are doing very quantitative PhDs). I would also say that there are plenty of ways to engage in the things you're interested in outside of your degree. For example, Oxford has a number of student societies on those exact kinds of issues (e.g. Climate Society, OxSID, GfGD) and there are also many, many internships available in these areas.

Hi there, I'm considering doing a degree in Earth sciences, but I am a bit worried about Job prospects? If you do find me asking, what ere the job prospects with this degree and how well paid are they? Thanks

P.S thanks for creating this thread- very informative!

In terms of careers that are directly related to the degree, they include academia and research, consultancies (environmental, geotechnical, geophysical etc.), the environmental sector more generally, and of course the traditional energy (oil & gas) and mining sectors although I think these are becoming less attractive for obvious reasons. Earth Sciences is a quantitative degree so there are many, many more careers available to you that require graduates with good quantitative, analytical skills rather than a specific degree. At least for Oxford, I think general career prospects and expected salaries are similar to the other physical sciences. I think the Earth Sciences course at Oxford is pretty research-focused compared to similar courses at some other universities and I know a couple of people who felt that this disadvantaged them when applying to some industry jobs. To what extent this is actually true, I'm not sure, it definitely isn't the case that you shouldn't apply here if you want to go into industry (many people go into industry), just something to be aware of that it is a very academic course. For instance I felt like doing a PhD was the natural progression for me from finishing this course.

If you're asking more generally about Earth Sciences (rather than just at Oxford), I think most of the above still applies. I think Earth Sciences/Geology is on par with most other physical sciences for graduate prospects. As with most subjects, what you actually do with your time at university (internships, extracurriculars, projects, your results) is probably more important than the degree title.

also, sorry to disturb you again but what kind of work experience did you do? I tried searching for some but the only kind of work experience I can find is related to geography? Thanks!

also, sorry to disturb you again but what kind of work experience did you do? I tried searching for some but the only kind of work experience I can find is related to geography? Thanks!

Hi there, I'm considering doing a degree in Earth sciences, but I am a bit worried about Job prospects? If you do find me asking, what ere the job prospects with this degree and how well paid are they? Thanks

P.S thanks for creating this thread- very informative!

how much geography do y'all study?