Cambridge Earth Sciences is paving the way toward a more sustainable future—leading groundbreaking research into Earth, environmental, and planetary sciences, and generating pioneering knowledge that underpins our world-class teaching.
Why Earth Science at Cambridge?
Understanding our planet is essential to tackling the global challenges we face today—whether it’s climate change, environmental hazards, advancing a successful green energy transition, or identifying sustainable resources for emerging technologies. Earth Sciences draws on insights from across the natural and physical sciences subjects to find solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental issues.
Although we’re one of the longest-established Earth Science departments, we’re anything but conventional. Our vibrant, inclusive community thrives on collaboration and diversity. By integrating scientific thinking from a wide range of disciplines and embracing diverse perspectives, we’re united in our mission to understand how our planet works and confront the many challenges brought by climate change.
Study and Research
- Undergraduate. Our Earth Sciences degree is part of the Natural Sciences Tripos, accredited by the British Geological Survey and taught alongside complementary physical and biological subjects. You'll gain a deep scientific understanding of our planet and develop the skills needed to tackle today’s environmental challenges.
- Postgraduate. Join Cambridge Earth Sciences for a PhD or MPhil, focussing on one research area, or through programmes such as Quantitative Climate and Environmental Science and Planetary Science and Life in the Universe.
- Research. Explore our research themes on wide-ranging aspects of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Science, using interdisciplinary thinking and the latest scientific methods to drive innovation.
Department Life
The Sedgwick Museum
We’re proud to be one of the few Earth Science departments with an affiliated museum—The Sedgwick—which houses over 2 million rocks, minerals, and fossils. The Sedgwick Museum sits at the heart of our welcoming community, hosting events for students, including LGBTea gatherings that celebrate and connect the Department’s Queer Community.
Our Student Society
The Sedgwick Club—the oldest student-run geological society in the world—brings students together for talks, socials, and a shared love of Earth Sciences.