Master of Arts [M.A] [Anthropology and English] From University of Aberdeen

Degree benefits

• The programme includes up to approximately three months of field classes in the UK and continental Europe, with financial support from the department.

• The holistic nature of the Earth sciences is emphasised. The opportunity to specialise within Earth sciences and, by the appropriate choice of modules, graduate with a degree in Earth Sciences (Palaeobiology) or Earth Sciences (Environment and Policy) is available.

• World-leading research in mineral, ice and rock physics, geophysical hazards and palaeoenvironmental analysis is undertaken in the department and is used in the development of our modules.

• World-class facilities include hosting the UK's only NASA Regional Planetary Image Facility, use of the UCL University of London Observatory, and collaboration with the Natural History Museum.

Degree structure

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

On entry to the programme, you will select a pathway through the subject (General, Palaeobiology, or Environment and Policy). The programme includes many optional modules across UCL Earth Sciences. Students should normally take at least five half-module credits in UCL Earth Sciences each year. Modules based in other departments may be chosen from those listed for the Environmental Geoscience, Geology and Geophysics degree programmes and the Palaeobiology or Environment and Policy pathways.

The first and second years provide core skills and knowledge in the subject. The third year provides opportunities for specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. Fieldwork provides a unique opportunity to develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities.

The first three years of the MSci programme are identical to the BSc programme. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced optional modules, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.