Department of Earth Sciences
About the Department of Earth Sciences
We are living through a time of unprecedented change on Earth. Scientific understanding of geological hazards, sustainability, infrastructure, climate change, energy, and natural resources has never been so important, and Earth Sciences sit at the heart of the debate.
We aspire to help shape the future by providing the highest quality education for our students and by undertaking research that is both intrinsically excellent and relevant to society.
Study with us
Undergraduate study
We place research-led teaching at the centre of our undergraduate programme because we want our undergraduates to be at the forefront of knowledge generation in the 21st century.
Postgraduate study
We aspire to help shape and improve the future by training the next generation of Earth Scientists through provision of high-quality postgraduate training and research opportunities.
Our research
This is how we make an impact on the world around us.
Find out more
Diversity initiatives
Our values are an integral part of our identity and form the basis of almost everything we do.
What's new?
Professor Claire Horwell wins prestigious American Geophysical Union Award
Professor Claire Horwell from our top-rated Earth Sciences department has been honoured with the American Geophysical Union's (AGU) 2024 GeoHealth Section Award, recognising her groundbreaking work at the intersection of geosciences and public health.
Ancient worm fossil solves mystery of how insects and spiders evolved
Cave discoveries on Mars could unveil secrets of alien life
Fully funded studentship for 4 years
Early Career Research Fellowship funding opportunities
IAPETUS2 Doctoral Training Programme
Marie Curie PhD Fellows 2023
Durham research has a lasting global impact
We have launched a new Global Research Brochure where we shine a light on some of our incredible researchers who are making a difference in the world.
Explosive volcanic eruption led to record-breaking underwater flows
Researchers find eruption date of ancient German volcano possibly wrong by 130 years
Durham researchers awarded grant to help improve the resilience of roads in the Indian Himalayas affected by devastating monsoon rainfall
Our researchers have been awarded a British Council grant for a project aiming to improve the resilience of roads in the Himalayan region of India by integrating disaster preparedness into transportation engineering education.
Professor Claire Horwell wins prestigious American Geophysical Union Award
Ancient worm fossil solves mystery of how insects and spiders evolved
Durham undergraduates survive sea survival training
Two Durham geophysics undergraduates, have successfully completed a sea survival training course.
Taught postgraduate courses (MSc degrees)
New opportunity to study climate science
Get in touch
Contact us to find out more about the exciting things our students do, research breakthroughs, and life at the cutting edge of Earth Science.
Earth Sciences,
Arthur Holmes Building,
Science Site,
South Road,
Durham. DH1 3LE
Tel: +44 (0)191 334 2300
Questions about studying here?
Check out our list of FAQs or submit an enquiry form.
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