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Oxford University

Department of Earth Sciences

The Earth sciences focus upon the scientific understanding of this and other planets. The emphasis of both teaching and research in the department is on understanding the fundamental principles of geological processes.

A cliff by the sea

Credit: Stephen Crook / Graduate Photography Competition

Overview

Earth Sciences embraces a large range of fundamental topics including the evolution of life, how climate has changed in the past and will change in the future, the nature of planetary surfaces and interiors and the processes underlying natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes. Theory, measurements, experiments, and observation of natural processes are all essential elements in the Earth sciences, and students with a strong background in all aspects of the physical sciences are encouraged to join the department.

Hear from DPhil students Sofia and Brandon about their experience of graduate study in Earth Sciences at Oxford.

The department offers the latest analytical equipment and powerful computing facilities, supporting research in all aspects of the Earth sciences.

The department’s research is grouped into six areas of focus:

  • geophysics and geodynamics
  • planetary evolution and materials
  • oceanography, climate and paleoenvironment
  • paleobiology and evolution
  • geodesy, tectonics, volcanology and related hazards
  • Earth resources

It is not unusual for research topics to be multidisciplinary, and for students to have more than one supervisor covering different aspects of the project.

Courses offered

Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division

MPLS is proud to be home to some of the most creative and innovative scientific thinkers and leaders in academia, whose interdisciplinary research is tackling major societal and technological challenges.

Discover your future in the Mathematical, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division at the University of Oxford.

The quality and impact of the division's work have been recognised by successive rounds of the national Research Excellence Framework and Teaching Excellence and Student Outcomes Framework exercises, and its departments frequently top the major higher education league tables. Its research is also regularly identified as one of the most significant recipients of grant funding in Europe.

The division’s 9 departments and interdisciplinary doctoral training centre span the full spectrum of the mathematical, computational, physical, engineering and life sciences, and undertake both fundamental research and cutting-edge applied work.

The MPLS Division has a vibrant and exciting research environment, offering frequent opportunities to share your research and engage with scientists working across the research spectrum. It has extensive links with other leading universities, research institutes, public sector bodies, business and industry, in the UK and abroad. Research at the interface between disciplines is strongly encouraged, both within the mathematical, life and physical sciences, and within the medical and environmental sciences.

Teaching is a major part of the division’s activities. It teaches around 7,300 students (including around 3,400 graduate students) and is playing a key part in training the next generation of leading scientists.

The division is striving to create and sustain an inclusive culture where diversity is valued and equity prevails, so that individuals of all backgrounds can fully contribute to its scientific community in a safe and supportive culture. All academic departments in the division hold Athena Swan Awards. Diversity matters and benefits everyone. Scientific and technological innovations change the world and everyone should have access to participate and engage in that change.

Further information