oxford earth sciences personal statement

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• Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example

Applying to Earth Sciences course? You will need a good personal statement for your UCAS application . Read our Earth Sciences personal statement examples below. Both examples are from great students who applied to Oxford and Cambridge . 

Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example – 1

In standing at the precipice of what could be, I am drawn to the Earth Sciences, a discipline as dynamic as the world it seeks to explore. My fascination with the field sparked when I learned about Alfred Wegner’s theory of plate tectonics, which revolutionised geology just a century ago. This underscores the modernity and evolving nature of Earth Sciences, inspiring me with the realisation that there are yet innumerable discoveries awaiting us in this exciting subject.

Ever since I was young, I’ve been captivated by all areas of science. My inquisitiveness and refusal to accept answers without explanation have perpetually driven me towards understanding the mechanisms of our world. Among these, questions about our singular planet, the powerful tectonic and geomorphological processes that move continents and shape landscapes, hold a unique allure for me. It’s this intrigue, coupled with the prospect of studying a subject drawing from mathematics and all areas of science, that propels me towards Earth Sciences.

My A-level subjects have equipped me with a robust scientific foundation, arming me with a range of skills transferable to the realm of Earth Sciences. Particularly, Geography has spurred my interest, aiding me in honing analytical skills and in understanding the impact of physical processes on people and the environment. A recent field trip to The Jurassic Coast, Dorset, demonstrated the practical applications of theoretical knowledge, which I found particularly insightful. The book “Supercontinent” by Ted Nield furthered my intrigue, especially the theory that the seemingly trivial arrangement of continents might have prompted the evolution of complex life.

I was fortunate to attend a summer school at Oxford University, where I was exposed to various facets of Earth Sciences. I was especially fascinated by experimental petrology, where the conditions of rock metamorphism could be replicated and studied. Here, I applied mathematical skills to solve problems in a novel way, adding another layer to my multidimensional understanding of the field.

My engagement at school extended beyond academics. As a member of the school council, I represented student voices and participated in local town council meetings, honing my debating skills and appreciation for diverse perspectives. I also took pride in winning the school science shield and being nominated for the Rotary Club Young Achiever Award in year 10.

Outside school, I enjoy hiking and long-distance walking, often participating in charity walks. I relished the National Three Peaks challenge, not just for its physical rigour, but for the opportunity to experience some of the country’s most striking mountain ranges. This love for the outdoors aligns well with a fieldwork-based subject like Earth Sciences. I also enjoy watching documentaries, with a recent one on the Earth’s core prompting a thoughtful piece for my physics coursework.

Having travelled to the Grand Canyon in 2001 and witnessing the grandeur of nature, I was prompted to delve deeper into understanding Earth Sciences. Throughout my A-Levels in geography, maths, and physics, I discovered new facets of Earth Sciences, including the study of peri glaciation during a field trip to the Lake District.

Taking a gap year has enhanced my maturity and given me valuable work experience. As a partner at Waitrose, I developed social awareness, teamwork, and communication skills. I also pursued my interest in languages and engaged in tutoring, which has kindled my interest in teaching as a future career. Additionally, I enjoyed the challenge of managing a charity and the fulfilment of raising funds for a school in need.

Enthralled by the boundless potential of Earth Sciences and equipped with diverse skills, I am eager to embrace university life. I am prepared to work diligently, with an ambition to contribute to research and possibly pursue a career in this exciting field. The myriad puzzles Earth presents are a call to scientists like me, and I am more than ready to answer.

Earth Sciences Personal Statement Example – 2

The unfolding chapters of Earth Science—climate change, ocean acidification, and the paradox of fast fashion—pose formidable challenges that humanity must tackle in the 21st century. I am persuaded that the key to addressing these challenges lies in the comprehensive study of Earth Science, a subject that marries physical geography with chemistry and fosters my fascination with groundwater geochemistry and atmospheric science, particularly in the Global South.

My journey started in A-Level geography, where simultaneous study of CUE, and Water and Carbon triggered my interest in geochemistry. This inspiration fuelled my Non-Examined Assessment (NEA) on the environmental impacts of infrastructure development, which polished my analytical acumen and introduced me to ArcGIS.

An enlightening lecture in March 2022 by Dr Shreyashi Dasgupta, titled ‘Makeshift Accommodation in Cities of the Global South’, further ignited my passion for this region. Dr Dasgupta’s insights challenged prevailing Western perceptions of development and prompted me to reflect on the concept of “slum” and the evolution of makeshift accommodations.

My intrigue led me to Kathleen McCarty’s seminal work, ‘Arsenic Geochemistry’. McCarty’s elucidation on mechanisms of contamination and subsequent soil degradation, especially in South-East Asia, underscored the necessity of better analytical tools to measure arsenic contamination. I am convinced that this would improve food security and the quality of life in these regions. Conversely, Sadiq Ahmed, in ‘Leading Issues in Bangladesh Development’, attributes the country’s urban decline to government corruption. I, however, contend that water contamination is a pivotal hindrance to Bangladesh’s development. Comparing these perspectives has honed my interpretation skills, helping me grasp the intricate interplay of geological challenges and uncontrolled urbanisation on social and environmental stability.

Chemistry lessons have laid the groundwork for my understanding of physical geography, specifically the implications of anthropogenic air pollution. Independent research on the Antarctic ozone hole broadened my perspective, revealing a negative feedback loop in the Global South and piquing my interest in atmospheric science.

In March 2018, I attended the Stowe School Climate Action Conference where Ed Davey’s appeal for cross-party climate action resonated with me. Davey’s talk underscored the significant role of government in climate crisis management, underlining the pressing need for global environmental awareness.

Recently, I partook in the FT e-waste essay and the RGS Young Geographer of the Year competition, both of which honed my data presentation skills through the use of Esri Story Maps. On July 2020, I aim to volunteer with IVHQ on sustainable agriculture projects in Puerto Rico and Nepal. Immersion in diverse cultures and landscapes, alongside learning sustainable practices in developing countries, will equip me with the invaluable experience and cultural competency needed to excel in university-level Earth Science studies.

Outside of my academic pursuits, I volunteer as an online mentor in chemistry and geography, enhancing my leadership and communication abilities through direct interaction with students. My keen interest in Earth Science’s various facets, combined with my academic accomplishments, prepares me for the rigours and rewards of studying this significant subject at university. The Earth’s story is ongoing, and I am excited to play a part in understanding and shaping its future chapters.

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Guide to Oxford Earth Sciences Interviews

Everything you should know before interviewing at Oxford for Earth Sciences and how to be successful.

• Receiving Your Invitation to Interview
• Turning Up to Your Interview (Online)
• How Many Interviews Will I Have?
• Answering Questions Based on Your Personal Statement
• Analysing Unseen Materials as Part of the Interview
• What Do I Do If I Don't Know the Answer to a Question?
• Example Questions
• How to Prepare for an Oxbridge-Style Interview

The admissions process for Oxford for their Earth Sciences undergraduate course can be both exciting and nerve-wracking. Getting the coveted invitation to interview is a significant milestone in your academic journey, and it's essential to prepare thoroughly. This guide, tailored to applicants for top UK universities, aims to demystify the Oxford interview process, from receiving your invitation to handling the interviews themselves. We'll cover various aspects, including online and in-person interviews, personal statement questions, pre-interview admissions tests, analysing unseen materials, and dealing with challenging questions.

Register to access our complimentary e-book "So You Want To Go To Oxbridge? Tell me about a banana…"

Receiving an invitation to interview at Oxford is a significant achievement. Typically, invitations are sent out in late November or early December, so it can be a little wait between applying and receiving your invitation. This means that it can be a good idea to start preparing for potential interviews before you’ve been invited, since there’s likely to be less than a month between receiving a formal invitation and attending the interview itself. Notification of your invitation (or not) will come in a letter or email from an Oxford college. This could be the college you applied to, or another college (either different from the one you applied to or any college if you submitted an open application). If you applied to a specific college and are invited to interview elsewhere, do not take this as any kind of sign reflecting your chances at acceptance - it is all part of the normal reallocation process that Oxford use to ensure that the best applicants across the university are accepted.

The date and time of your interview(s) (or at least those which the college has organised at present - but more on that later) will be specified in the correspondence you receive from the college along with your invitation, so no need to worry about organising that. Oxford will be holding interviews in the 2023-2024 cycle online again this year, with the details for how and where to join the online meeting communicated in the email you receive from the University. 

1. Technical Preparation

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, online interviews are still being used at Cambridge (with the exception of the applicants listed above). This makes the interview easier in certain manners (you won’t have to travel, you are able to remain in the comfort of your own home, etc.), but it also presents additional potential issues in that you are responsible for ensuring you have a reliable technical set up. In the lead up to the interview, ensure that you have access to a stable internet connection, a functioning camera (either built into a laptop or computer, or a separate webcam), and a quiet, well-lit environment. Be sure to check this all with plenty of time to spare (e.g. the week or some days before) so that, should an issue arise, you’ve got plenty of time to address it. 

If you are worried about not having access to the appropriate equipment or the right atmosphere in which to conduct a successful interview, we suggest asking your school if they have a classroom or quiet space and some equipment you could use.

2. Dress Appropriately Even for online interviews, it is a good idea to dress smartly. Present yourself professionally, just as you would in person, but ensure that you are also comfortable (remember that if you’re interviewing over a webcam you can always keep on your favourite slippers!). We’re not saying that you need to wear a full suit and tie, but maybe don’t keep on your pyjamas or a stained hoodie; interviews are all about showing your intent, and dressing respectfully is the first step to showing that you mean business.

3. Practice Video Interviews If you're not used to video interviews, practice with friends or mentors to get comfortable with the format. It can be easy to think of talking over video meetings to be just the same as in person, but the process can actually feel very different. Chances are most of us have learned to interact over online video chat over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, but it’s always good to get a little practice in order to refresh your memory. We also recommend practising video calls from your chosen location (either with someone else or just to yourself) to make sure that nothing inappropriate can be seen in the background!

The number of interviews you will be asked to attend varies by course and college. Some applicants may have two or more interviews, while others might have only one. It's crucial to check the specific requirements for your chosen course and college. It is also common to have two interviews scheduled from the beginning: one with your college and one with the Department of Earth Sciences. 

In addition to the interviews you have scheduled from the start, it is also possible that, during the interview window, you will have further interviews scheduled. This is usually because other colleges have decided to cast their net wider, and are considering you for a position at their college instead of the one who invited you to interview. These interviews will be conducted by new interviewers, so there is no separate preparation you will need to undertake. It’s also important to remember that being invited to other interviews in no way indicates that you have a higher or lower chance of being accepted: It’s just part of the university’s way of making sure they get the most talented geologists from across the applicant pool.

Be prepared to discuss your personal statement in detail during the interview. Examiners may ask questions related to what you've written, so make sure you understand every aspect of your statement. We recommend reading through your personal statement regularly in the lead up to interviews to ensure that you know its contents inside and out! It can also be useful, if you have time, to read, watch, or listen back on the key sources you reference in your statement, especially since it can be some time between initially consulting them and attending the interview itself. Remember that interviewers will be well-versed in key literature relating to your subject, and so may well be familiar with any resources you reference, meaning that you need to know them in detail (or at least the key arguments within that you find interesting) to be able to discuss them in an academic setting.

A useful exercise can be to think about the key ideas or resources in your personal statement critically just to yourself. Maybe write them down and produce a spider diagram of thoughts, opinions, or interesting linking ideas you have relating to them? Thinking in a creative and open-minded way about the content of your Personal Statement can be a good way to prepare yourself for the questions interviewers might ask. We also recommend sitting down with a parent, friend, or mentor to explain and discuss the big issues identified in your Personal Statement. Don’t worry if nobody close to you is familiar with the topic; sometimes explaining an idea to someone new can be the best way of solidifying it in your own mind!

Often in Oxbridge-style interviews, applicants are given a piece of unseen material and asked to discuss it as part of the interview. This could be a text extract, a piece of data, an image, or a problem to solve. In the case of Earth Sciences interviews, interviewers may provide you with a problem sheet to work on. They will most likely provide you with this just before the interview and ask you to discuss your answers in the interview itself. 

The key to such a task is to approach it as systematically as possible. Reading the problems carefully, making notes as you work it out, and thinking about possible discussion points as you go through it can all be crucial to your performance in the interview. Remember that subjects are broad and there is a good chance you will be unfamiliar with the content or specific context of the material in question; this is not a problem! The exercise is not intended to assess how much you know about the wider subject, but rather your application of principles you have learned in your studies so far to new materials. 

It's okay not to have all the answers. If you encounter a question that stumps you, the key is not to panic. Take a deep breath, ask for clarification if needed, and attempt to work through the problem logically. Interviewers often want to see how you handle challenging situations and think on your feet. For more guidance on how to handle unknown questions in an interview situation, read our t ips for answering an unexpected Oxbridge interview question .

Below are some past interview questions asked to applicants for Earth Sciences at Oxford were asked in their interviews. Use them to get a feel for what is asked during an interview and to prepare your strategy for responding.

• How would you go about calculating the total amount of energy reaching the Earth’s surface?
• How does the age of ice change as you walk up a glacier?
• List a number of different possible methods for dating a rock specimen.

How to Prepare for an Oxbridge-Style Interview 

Given that the interview is designed to test, in large part, your creativity and thinking skills, it is unsurprisingly quite difficult to think of how to prepare. as we talked about before, the first step we recommend is to go through your personal statement and review any key sources so that you’re happy to discuss questions relating to them (since they are the questions you can most rely on cropping up). when it comes to preparing for unexpected or unknown questions, there are a whole host of ways that you can exercise your ability to deal with them. to delve into these recommendations in closer detail, read our dedicated interview preparation top tips blog , where our expert mentors have collated their 14 most useful tips for interview preparation., recent articles, a comprehensive month-by-month guide to your university application, applying for maths at university take an admissions test, exercising self-care during school or university exams, jump to section, earth sciences mock interview package.

If you have any more questions about your application or interview that you would like to discuss with a member of our team, please do get in touch. Call us on +44 (0) 20 7499 2394, or email [email protected] .

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• Nov 14, 2019

Rebecca's Earth Sciences Interviews

By Rebecca Galbraith

If you've found out you've got an interview for Oxford, it's normal to be both nervous and excited! At That Oxford Girl, we have a number of different articles about interviews - and this one is about Rebecca's experience of her Earth Sciences interviews.

Earth Sciences interviews follow the normal Oxford interview structure of being like tutorials. Being a subject spanning many areas of science, it is impossible to second guess what you may be asked but as a rule of thumb I’d say make sure you are comfortable with your A-Level subject content, as this will form the areas the tutors can reasonably ask questions on.

I had two interviews, both held in the Earth Sciences department. The first comprised being asked about 1) a section of my personal statement where I talked about Iceland, having been there on a Year 10 Geography trip and 2) my interpretations of a strange-looking rock put on the desk in front of me.

The second interview was around a larger question of “If you wanted to cause the greatest amount of sea-level change, would you melt the ice at the North or the South Pole?” The tutors guided me through this with smaller questions that pulled on my A-Level knowledge. It’s for this reason that I say you should do your best to understand your A-Level syllabi and try to read around the subject! But it's important to remember that the tutors aren't trying to trip you out and if you get stuck they will give you prompts, so long as you vocalise your thought processes.

Above all, enjoy the experience and remember to think out loud!

#interviews #OxfordUniversityInterviews #oxfordapplication

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Why Apply to Study Earth Sciences in 2024? How To Prepare For Personal Statement and Interviews

In this blog, U2 Earth Science tutor, Charlie, an Oxford Earth Science Graduate, leads you through what Earth Science at University/ Oxbridge involves and why you should apply. We also offer key recommendations for prospective Earth Science applicants who are starting to approach personal statement writing, and interview preparation.

Why Apply to Study Earth Sciences in 2024? (Why on Earth Not!)

Earth. Everything we eat, drink, breathe and use in any way is ultimately derived from and cycled through this floating watery rock, third from the sun. In fact, its precise chemical composition, derived from ancient stardust, is reflected in everything we do right down to the operation and makeup of our cells. The multitude of scientific fields that overlap in studying this miraculous planet (and others), equip students with a breadth of knowledge and skills relevant to careers in scientific research, engineering, finance, government, consultancy and everything in-between.

So What is Earth Science?

The easiest way to describe the subject is as geology with a grounding in science. Yes – it’s rocks, dinosaurs, volcanoes, earthquakes, mountains and other topics you’d associate with geology. It’s applying the principles of fluid dynamics to ocean currents or moving lava, using our understanding of forces and mechanics to estimate dinosaur running speeds or mountain growth, making use of chemistry to study the origin of the solar system and the beginning of life, and utilising computer modelling to hindcast and forecast whole-scale earth system changes, among many other incredibly interesting fields. Earth Science involves the investigation of everything within, atop and surrounding the Earth since its formation and through to its future.

The range of topics under the umbrella of an earth scientist’s study is one of the best things about the subject. Originally applying to university, I ultimately wanted to study climatology and oceanography, but unexpectedly became more interested in rocks than computer modelling and took a U-turn in my interests. This illustrates how broad the subject is and how varied the skill set you learn is – I have experience in coding, lab work, petrology, map-reading and fieldwork.

At the University of Oxford, the Earth Science course lasts four years and results in an undergraduate master’s degree (Master of the Earth Sciences – a grand title!). The first three years are essentially a bachelor’s degree in Earth Science/ Geosciences, while the fourth year is more equivalent to a taught masters involving four seminar-based courses and an independent research dissertation. In my experience, the course is continually evolving to reflect the latest research and applications of the subject, with several differences even between consecutive year groups.

At the University of Cambridge, the Department of Earth Sciences runs four year undergraduate courses as part of the popular Natural Sciences Tripos. 4 subjects are taken in 1st year, one of which must be a mathematical option. The other three modules are chosen at the applicant’s discretion and one of the options is Earth Sciences (Biology of Cells, Chemistry, Computer Science, Earth Sciences, Evolution & Behaviour, Materials Science, Physics or Physiology of Organisms). Some students choose the course specifically to study the Earth Sciences and would therefore choose the subject as their number 1 option. Others wish to specialise in another science, particularly physics, for which Earth Sciences helps in broadening your general scientific understanding. Students graduate with a degree which is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.

Why Study Earth Science?

I applied to study earth science because I love science and at the end of the day it is a field of scientific study. I also spent the majority of my childhood outdoors, climbing trees, building dens, walking, hiking, camping, catching fish and all manner of other activities which led to me having a strong appreciation for our environment. I was drawn to the fact I would have the opportunity to combine my fascination with science and the environment, and apply these interests to real, tangible problems facing humanity such as climate change and resource shortages . Ancient, ongoing and the future of Earth systems effect everyone. The knowledge gained by an earth scientist is invaluable to understanding and successfully managing natural hazards, resources and our impact on the planet . In this sense, there is a demand for graduates of earth science for careers in weather forecasting, natural disaster planning, mining and hydrocarbon evaluation and sustainable engineering as well as in more surprising job sectors such as policy-making and lobbying, construction, insurance and extra-terrestrial exploration industries. As the Earth’s population and the stress we place on her continues to increase, such knowledge of this vulnerable planets’ reserves and thresholds will undoubtedly remain in high demand.

However, the contributions an earth scientist can make are not limited to their field of study. The course equips its readers with key skills in teamwork, communication, critical report writing, problem solving and leadership that are sought by all employers. Specifically, at Oxbridge, students are encouraged to think for themselves, question research findings and to apply their learning in order to solve unfamiliar and unexpected problems. It’s true that similar notions apply to many university courses, but what sets earth science apart is how interdisciplinary problem solving is at the heart of the subject.

Why Not to Study Earth Science?

Earth science is not for everyone. The rigorous training across a variety of scientific disciplines can be challenging so you must have a passion for science and a motivation to apply your knowledge to genuine problems. The subject stretches a student’s ability in physics, chemistry, biology, maths and computing in addition to teaching new skills in research and fieldwork. The latter is perhaps one of the most stimulating aspects of earth science and also one of its more mentally and physically exhausting. Field investigations are a vital part of training and understanding the history of and ongoing processes on Earth, and often take place overseas as well as in the leading field-sites across the UK. I’ve engaged in fieldwork in everywhere from Northern Scotland and the Pembrokeshire coast, to Bermuda and Japan. As exciting and inviting as this may sound, courses take place across all kinds of terrain and in all weather conditions. Having said that, the team spirit this invites into the group in facing these adversities together is well worth it and most geosciences departments are active and sociable, which is a definite highlight of the subject. Personally I would say fieldwork and mapping is my favourite part, and being able to unravel the geological history of a set of rocks is incredibly rewarding, enough so that I have stayed within the field.

How To Start Preparing An Oxbridge Earth Science Application?

Task 1: understand what the course entails.

A) Start to Google the First Year modules of the Oxford Earth Sciences and Earth Science component of the Cambridge Natural Sciences course to get a flavour of what the subject entails! Note all of the key attributes of the course!

B) Note down the important skills that you will acquire throughout the degree. You will need to evidence that you have the commitment and potential to hone these skills both within your personal statement and at interview. It’s helpful to look on the course’s ‘requirements’ webpage to see the language they use to describe desirable candidates so you can use this vocabulary in your personal statement.

Task 2: Start reading & exploring in preparation for personal statement writing and interview

As Earth Science is not something a student would study at school, the universities are testing aptitude rather than current knowledge, and by no means expect you to be a subject expert. However, engaging in wider reading and research will allow you to broach unfamiliar questions with more confidence at interview, will provide great fodder for your Earth Science personal statement and will demonstrate your motivation for pursuing the course. Here are some ideas to kickstart your preparation:

It may be worth briefly reading about the overview and basics of geology . For example, you could try Geology: A Complete Introduction: Teach Yourself by David Rothery or the OCR A Level Geology Textbook is very good grounding for a lot of Earth Science principles - it’s definitely worth reading to build a genuine understanding/interest in the subject

Looking at some basic geology is useful to review concepts such as igneous vs sedimentary rocks - note down key terms as you go

Naked Scientists Podcasts are great for learning on the go. For example, the episode, “Earth on the Move” explores questions such as ‘Why do we have seasons?’, ‘do you know why we are more likely to see more hurricanes in the future?’ or ‘did you know a new Pangea is likely to form?’

You’ll find a whole range of relevant articles and podcasts on their website. For example, “ Prospecting the Gravity Field ”, “ The search for the perfect planet ” or “ Extreme geology ”

You could read publications by Professors in Earth Sciences from some of the Oxbridge colleges. For example, Roger Benson and Richard Walker at St Edmund Hall, Oxford, have contributed to a number of publications that could be worth looking at. Reading abstracts of papers offers good grounding and will provide the chance to improve on your ability to understand and use key terms

Oxbridge professors often feature in online talks and lectures you could also watch to gain a deeper understanding of the subject. For example, Roger Benson’s biography page on the St Edmund Hall site also suggests watching a short talk, “What Can Dinosaurs Tells Us About Evolution?” - recorded at St Edmund Hall’s Research Expo in 2015

Read How to Build a Habitable Planet : The Story of Earth from the Big Bang to Humankind by Harvard geochemist, Charles H. Langmuir and Wally Broecker, a world-leading Earth scientist. This book is recommended by Cambridge University for Natural Sciences students and provides a comprehensive introduction to the origin (how our planet came to be) and evolution of Earth

Important Note: Build a strong understanding of the difference between Earth Sciences and Geography. Motivations to study Earth Science should be based around understanding the Earth’s systems and less on how society / economy interacts with them

What is an Oxbridge Earth Science interview like?

It is difficult to predict the exact format of the interview at Oxford and Cambridge - each student’s interview is different, and various colleges will have their own processes . However, it is typical for most students to have two interviews. At Oxford, a large number of students are also pooled so candidates could have an additional interview at another college. Interviews could involve:

1) General questions on your background, past academic performance, and achievements - admissions tutors typically will ask questions in relation to Earth Sciences and your suitability for the degree. They may ask you to extrapolate from your personal statement

2) Scientific questions using A-Level knowledge as a foundation e.g. Testing knowledge and recall of gravitational and geometric equations, testing basic chemistry equations / bond types to show a broader interest in grounding principles of Earth Sciences, testing understanding of tectonics

3) Problem solving e.g. Fermi problems

4) Questions on your motivations, future plans, and aspirations

Example Earth Science Oxbridge Interview Questions

Why do we have seasons?

Why and how do we evolve?

How many Olympic swimming pools would need to be decanted to raise the sea levels by 5cm?

Why does Earth have a magnetic field, did it always have one and what would happen if it disappeared tomorrow?

If opposite charges attract why does the north pole of a compass point north?

What’s the difference between a theory and a fact?

Task 3: Learning how to tackle interview questions

From what angle would you approach the above questions?

Can you pre-empt what topic areas from your A-Level studies may relate to key aspects of Earth Sciences? E.g. Chemistry equations, tectonics

Can you use your wider reading to bring in as evidence for your answers?

How would you present your answers, in clear, logical stages? Verbalising your thought process is key to success at Oxbridge interviews

Do you have any examples of real-world applications, research or current developments relevant to Earth Sciences?

So do you think Earth Science is for you? If so, we have some brilliant Earth Science tutors to support your personal statement writing and wider Oxbridge Earth Science Application, including interviews

Personal Statement

U2’s Oxbridge-educated mentors have a close insight into what admissions tutors like to see in an Earth Science personal statement, and can help students to convey their skills, motivations, and long term goals, in order to stand out from other applicants. The statement should be the candidates own work, but our mentors will provide direction and guide you through the process of content building and writing. We offer offline drafting as well as tuition sessions.

Oxbridge Earth Science Mentoring

U2 provides ad hoc tuition and wider Oxbridge Mentoring programmes ( book a free consultation  to discuss options). We have a large team of Oxbridge-educated Earth Science mentors including 1st Class, Master’s and PhD level graduates.

The Process:

1) We suggest an Oxbridge Earth Science graduate as a tutor and send their full CV for review. Our tutors are deeply familiar with the admissions process to study Earth Science at the University of Oxford and Cambridge (as part of Natural Sciences), and are well-placed to guide you through personal statement curation, admissions test (for Cambridge - ESAT) and the interview process. We may suggest a range of application tutors to choose from with slightly differing rates depending on qualifications and level of experience.

2) We typically suggest beginning with a 1.5 hour informal assessment/ taster session , where the tutor will informally assess the student’s current performance level for application, including test (if applicable) and interview. Following this, we issue a report with feedback, and structure a plan to best prepare.

3) U2’s approach for regular Earth Science application sessions: The main focus of tutorial sessions will be to explore material that can be discussed in the personal statement and at interview - this may sometimes stretch from A-Level standard to First Year Undergraduate. Tutors ensure each student refines their interests within Earth Science, and is exposed to a range of approaches and new concepts, guiding students in their reading and wider subject exploration. Together, we build a case for the student, solidifying the stance and direction they will take during interview and honing skills for the admissions test if applicable.

Frequency of sessions can be decided between student and tutor. Students can take either ad hoc sessions, or we structure a full programme for preparation, which may include further co-curricular opportunities such as our research projects and Oxbridge mock interview days. Honing the skills necessary to succeed for Oxbridge ideally requires long-term preparation and mentoring presents a wonderful opportunity to learn from some of the very best Oxbridge has produced. We also provide GCSE, A-Level or IB support if needed.

Sessions from £75/h.

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Earth Sciences (Geology) @ Exeter, Oxford in 2018

Interview format.

2 x 20-30 mins interviews, 1 day apart

Interview content

Interview 1: Fermi type problem, described rock; Interview 2: Smaller discussions, maths unit conversions, personal statement, described rock

Best preparation

Advice in hindsight, final thoughts.

UNIQ; practice interviews; relaxed and walked around Oxford; socialising with other candidates at interview.

Remember this advice isn't official. There is no guarantee it will reflect your experience because university applications can change between years. Check the official Cambridge and Oxford websites for more accurate information on this year's application format and the required tests.

Also, someone else's experience may not reflect your own. Most interviews are more like conversations than tests and like, any conversation, they are quite interactive.

Number of interviews: 2

Skype interview: No

Time between each interview: 1 day

Length of interviews: 20-30 minutes each

In my first interview (at Exeter), I was interviewed by two tutors. We discussed a 'Fermi type problem' (estimating at order of magnitude level) which was broadly on the theme of mountain building. I also was asked to describe a rock from first principles and a photograph of an outcrop.

I had a serious health problem which I disclosed to college before interview, so one of the tutors asked if I was OK, which was reassuring. It was fairly relaxed (I had arrived the previous day and had done some doddling round the town) and I really enjoyed it, especially when we were using numbers!

The second interview was in the department, with tutors from two other colleges (University & St Peter's). This had a few smaller discussions, some maths unit conversions, a chat about my personal statement and a question in which I was asked to describe a rock.

Earth Sciences now does College blind admissions, but I'd imagine the interview structure will be similar.

I went on UNIQ, which was really helpful, but it isn't in any way necessary! I was familiar with Oxford and because Earth Sciences is a small subject I had met one of the tutors then.

There was a lot of chatting about interviews and personal statements with the other candidates, which helped put me in a good state of mind. The Seren Project (Welsh Govt. project) also provided some practice interviews in my area. I chatted to students who were keeping an eye on us at UNIQ about this. I was fairly clear about what to expect because of UNIQ, but teachers definitely tried to provide unhelpful advice sometimes. (My head of 6th form - less than 5'8"" tried to lend me his suit - I'm 6', odd change!)

I relaxed, using the facilities around me to do that. I looked around Oxford and hung out with other applicants in the JCR , and I definitely would have done more of this. I re-read a few bits of books to settle myself.

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Geophysics and earth science personal statement example.

As liberalism is giving way to realism in international relations, trade growth and progress will yield to a scramble for resources and survival. This "neo-realism" is a nationalism with international appeal, that unites across borders, and divides within them. I am not applying for a Political Science course, but because of these changes the world will need more Earth Scientists, and I want to become one of them. I am captivated by the planet we live on. I took its bait of beauty early on and have been hooked ever since.

To perpetuate my experiences, as a child, I collected rocks from every seashore I walked and every hill I climbed. As I grew older, I learned to let go, and embrace the elements rather than collect pieces of them. Today I live out my fascination by surfing waves, hiking and climbing rocks, skiing mountains and landsailing. These activities have helped me better understand the earth's mechanisms. I can do all this near our home in Southern Spain, close to where the Zanclean Flood unfolded.

I have always researched in depth that which has engaged me, to which end I watch a myriad of documentaries and read plenty of articles and books in search for answers. In-depth discussions with my science teachers on topics spanning from dark matter to the origins of life, have also provided clarifications. This curiosity of mine is backed up by an ability to focus for long periods of time. I am innovative, creative and can think outside the box. Let me make it clear that I am choosing my career path for selfish reasons, and not because of a call, desire or obligation to contribute to society.

Having said that, I am unpretentiously conscious of, and positive towards, possible contributive communal effects of my practice, but that is not my driving force. My motivation is the realisation of my own potential, and that is best fulfilled by dedicating my life to science. I was recently awarded "Physics Student of the Year" and received full scholarship accreditation. My interest in the course is demonstrated by research and activities I have taken part in, including visiting Khao Lak (Thailand) which was devastated by the tsunami in 2004.

I was only 11 at the time of my visit, but it made a lasting impression. I have worked a week as a 'Seismology Data Analyst' at the Republican Seismic Survey Center of Azerbaijan and travelled to Gobustan to experience the unique geothermal phenomena known as 'mud volcanoes'. In 2016, I won a silver medal in the chemistry category at an international event in Izmir, challenging much older students. This summer I have worked with forecasting and analysing weather, wind and ocean currents. In December I will be a Volcano Adventure Guide Assistant on expeditions to Acatenango and Pacaya.

I have lived in a range of different countries, and open-mindedness is therefore a prominent feature of my frame of reference. I am fluent in English, Spanish Norwegian and Thai, and have studied Mandarin for five years. To disconnect, I thoroughly enjoy a good game of chess, and have learnt from both Shahriyar Mammedyarov (World Champion) and his sister Turkan (European Champion). However, football is the leisure activity I enjoy the most. I have trained in many good academies, and this year competed in the "International Schools' League" in Baku where I was selected for the All-Star Team.

I will utilise my aversion to losing in sports in my studies to help me achieve my goals. All things considered, and as an addict to the unpredictable chaos of mother nature, I would very much welcome the opportunity to not only unravel some of the remaining geophysical mysteries, but above all the chance to develop better ways of both predicting and handling the consequences of global geophysics. Although my motives are not fundamentally altruistic, if granted this privilege, I pledge that it is one that I will not squander. I will therefore do this because I want to, but also by reason of being the right thing to do.

Profile info

There is no profile associated with this personal statement, as the writer has requested to remain anonymous.

Author's Comments

Offers made for:

Oxford University (Earth Sciences) Imperial College London (Geophysics) University of Edinburgh (Geophysics) University College London (Earth Sciences) University College London (Environmental Geosciences)

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DPhil in Earth Sciences

• Entry requirements
• Funding and Costs

College preference

• How to Apply

About the course

The Earth sciences are the focus of scientific understanding about this and other planets, embracing 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.

The DPhil is an advanced degree by research that will take between three to four years to complete. You will typically join a research group and work alongside other research students, postdoctoral researchers and academics in the same general research area – all of whom provide additional support and advice for DPhil students. Academic activity across research groups is also strongly encouraged.

While the focus of the DPhil is on your development to conduct independent research, there are formal courses available both within the Department of Earth Sciences and other departments in the Maths, Physical and Life Sciences (MPLS) Division. Formal courses are organised through the MPLS Graduate Academic Program and include generic skills such as advice on science writing, as well as subject specific specialist courses. These allow the structured course components to be tailored to your individual research project needs. 

There are also paid opportunities for you to gain teaching experience by demonstrating laboratory classes to undergraduates, assisting on undergraduate fieldtrips or in tutorial teaching. 

You will be encouraged to present your research at national and international meetings and publish in internationally-recognised science journals. You may also choose to take part in outreach activities, explaining to the public and schoolchildren the exciting science conducted in the department. Within the department you will be part of a community of seventy research students including students enrolled on the  Environmental Research NERC Doctoral Training Partnership  course.

Supervision

The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Department of Earth Sciences and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the Department of Earth Sciences.

You will have at least two (and sometimes more) supervisors, who are experts in their field, and who provide the project research framework, guidance and mentoring throughout the program.

You should expect to meet with your lead supervisor at least once a term, and have meetings with any member of the supervisory team at least once every two weeks averaged across the year.

All students will be initially admitted to the status of Probationer Research Student (PRS). Within a maximum of four terms as a PRS student you will be expected to apply for transfer of status from Probationer Research Student to DPhil status.

A successful transfer of status from PRS to DPhil status will require the submission of written work. Students who are successful at transfer will also be expected to apply for and gain confirmation of DPhil status within nine terms of admission, to show that your work continues to be on track.

Both milestones normally involve a presentation and an interview with two assessors (other than your supervisor) and therefore provide important experience for the final oral examination. 

You will be expected to submit a substantial/original thesis not exceeding 250 pages after three or, at most, four years from the date of admission. To be successfully awarded a DPhil in Earth Sciences you will need to defend your thesis orally ( viva voce ) in front of two appointed examiners.

Graduate destinations

Many graduates choose to stay in academia. Others go on to environmental work or work in industry. The Department of Earth Sciences has an active and vibrant alumni network. With an annual newsletter, alumni dinners, networking and other events throughout the year, there are many different opportunities to keep in contact with the department.

Changes to this course and your supervision

The University will seek to deliver this course in accordance with the description set out in this course page. However, there may be situations in which it is desirable or necessary for the University to make changes in course provision, either before or after registration. The safety of students, staff and visitors is paramount and major changes to delivery or services may have to be made in circumstances of a pandemic, epidemic or local health emergency. In addition, in certain circumstances, for example due to visa difficulties or because the health needs of students cannot be met, it may be necessary to make adjustments to course requirements for international study.

Where possible your academic supervisor will not change for the duration of your course. However, it may be necessary to assign a new academic supervisor during the course of study or before registration for reasons which might include illness, sabbatical leave, parental leave or change in employment.

For further information please see our page on changes to courses and the provisions of the student contract regarding changes to courses.

Entry requirements for entry in 2024-25

Proven and potential academic excellence.

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying. 

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in science or mathematics.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a minimum of an upper-second or first-class degree or the equivalent.

Most candidates have a master's degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0.

If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Publication s

Publications are not required.

English language proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's  standard level . If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's standard level are detailed in the table below.

*Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) † Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)

Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement .

Declaring extenuating circumstances

If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.

You will need to register three referees who can give an informed view of your academic ability and suitability for the course. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the types of reference that are required in support of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Supporting documents

You will be required to supply supporting documents with your application. The  How to apply  section of this page provides details of the supporting documents that are required as part of your application for this course and how these will be assessed.

Performance at interview

Interviews are normally held as part of the admissions process.  

Candidates are considered against the academic ability criteria and also the research proposal or statement. If you meet the academic criteria and there is a supervisor interested in your research then you will be invited for interview. Most interviews will be held by Skype (with video preferably), or in the Department of Earth Sciences.

Interviews will take place throughout the year but most take place in February. There will usually be three interviewers.

Typically an interview may last for up to half an hour. During this time your application will be discussed in detail and you may expect a challenging conversation with panel members. However, it is hoped that you may find this a stimulating opportunity to discuss your work. The department will also try to arrange for you to meet with your potential supervisor and discuss project-related matters with them.

How your application is assessed

Your application will be assessed purely on your proven and potential academic excellence and other entry requirements described under that heading.

References  and  supporting documents  submitted as part of your application, and your performance at interview (if interviews are held) will be considered as part of the assessment process. Whether or not you have secured funding will not be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.

An overview of the shortlisting and selection process is provided below. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide  more information about how applications are assessed . 

Shortlisting and selection

Students are considered for shortlisting and selected for admission without regard to age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race (including colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), religion or belief (including lack of belief), sex, sexual orientation, as well as other relevant circumstances including parental or caring responsibilities or social background. However, please note the following:

• socio-economic information may be taken into account in the selection of applicants and award of scholarships for courses that are part of  the University’s pilot selection procedure  and for  scholarships aimed at under-represented groups ;
• country of ordinary residence may be taken into account in the awarding of certain scholarships; and
• protected characteristics may be taken into account during shortlisting for interview or the award of scholarships where the University has approved a positive action case under the Equality Act 2010.

Processing your data for shortlisting and selection

Information about  processing special category data for the purposes of positive action  and  using your data to assess your eligibility for funding , can be found in our Postgraduate Applicant Privacy Policy.

Admissions panels and assessors

All recommendations to admit a student involve the judgement of at least two members of the academic staff with relevant experience and expertise, and must also be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies or Admissions Committee (or equivalent within the department).

Admissions panels or committees will always include at least one member of academic staff who has undertaken appropriate training.

Other factors governing whether places can be offered

The following factors will also govern whether candidates can be offered places:

• the ability of the University to provide the appropriate supervision for your studies, as outlined under the 'Supervision' heading in the  About  section of this page;
• the ability of the University to provide appropriate support for your studies (eg through the provision of facilities, resources, teaching and/or research opportunities); and
• minimum and maximum limits to the numbers of students who may be admitted to the University's taught and research programmes.

Offer conditions for successful applications

If you receive an offer of a place at Oxford, your offer will outline any conditions that you need to satisfy and any actions you need to take, together with any associated deadlines. These may include academic conditions, such as achieving a specific final grade in your current degree course. These conditions will usually depend on your individual academic circumstances and may vary between applicants. Our ' After you apply ' pages provide more information about offers and conditions . 

In addition to any academic conditions which are set, you will also be required to meet the following requirements:

Financial Declaration

If you are offered a place, you will be required to complete a  Financial Declaration  in order to meet your financial condition of admission.

Disclosure of criminal convictions

In accordance with the University’s obligations towards students and staff, we will ask you to declare any  relevant, unspent criminal convictions  before you can take up a place at Oxford.

The Department of Earth Sciences occupies a building specifically designed for the teaching and research needs of geoscientists. Whatever the area of the Earth sciences you have chosen to study at DPhil level, the specialist research facilities are world class. This is whether you require access to supercomputers, local workstations or state of the art mass spectrometers. In addition to the department facilities, the University library and e-resources provide access to archived and recent research journals. Research facilities are also available across the Maths, Physical and Life Sciences division and take advantage of strong links with the local DIAMOND synchrotron high energy light source and Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

Underlying support for all research groups within the department includes facilities for preparing thin and polished rock sections; IT support; a well-equipped machine shop; computer laboratory; SEM and FEG-SEM and a dedicated departmental library. You will have your own desk within a shared graduate student office and access to breakout rooms for small group meetings. With other graduate students, you will organise you own seminar program and also attend the department’s informal and formal seminar series. You will also have access to the Research Common Room (RCR) where they organise Friday ‘happy hour’ and other social events, but also during coffee and lunch have the opportunity to meet and mingle with postdocs and faculty from across all research areas in the department.

Earth Sciences

The Earth sciences are the focus of scientific understanding about this and other planets, embracing a wide range of fundamental topics.

Topics studied in Earth sciences include the evolution of life, how climate has changed and will change in future, the nature of planetary surfaces and interiors, and the processes underlying natural hazards like earthquakes and volcanoes.

The emphasis of both teaching and research in the department is on understanding the fundamental principles of geological processes. 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.

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.

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The University expects to be able to offer over 1,000 full or partial graduate scholarships across the collegiate University in 2024-25. You will be automatically considered for the majority of Oxford scholarships , if you fulfil the eligibility criteria and submit your graduate application by the relevant December or January deadline. Most scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit and/or potential. 

For further details about searching for funding as a graduate student visit our dedicated Funding pages, which contain information about how to apply for Oxford scholarships requiring an additional application, details of external funding, loan schemes and other funding sources.

Please ensure that you visit individual college websites for details of any college-specific funding opportunities using the links provided on our college pages or below:

Please note that not all the colleges listed above may accept students on this course. For details of those which do, please refer to the College preference section of this page.

Further information about funding opportunities for this course can be found on the department's website.

Annual fees for entry in 2024-25

Further details about fee status eligibility can be found on the fee status webpage.

Information about course fees

Course fees are payable each year, for the duration of your fee liability (your fee liability is the length of time for which you are required to pay course fees). For courses lasting longer than one year, please be aware that fees will usually increase annually. For details, please see our guidance on changes to fees and charges .

Course fees cover your teaching as well as other academic services and facilities provided to support your studies. Unless specified in the additional information section below, course fees do not cover your accommodation, residential costs or other living costs. They also don’t cover any additional costs and charges that are outlined in the additional information below.

Continuation charges

Following the period of fee liability , you may also be required to pay a University continuation charge and a college continuation charge. The University and college continuation charges are shown on the Continuation charges page.

Where can I find further information about fees?

The Fees and Funding  section of this website provides further information about course fees , including information about fee status and eligibility  and your length of fee liability .

Additional information

Many projects have associated costs such as field work, computing, consumables and laboratory costs. These are usually covered by scholarships advertised by the Department of Earth Sciences, but not always covered by scholarships the students may have been awarded from elsewhere. Students will need to establish with their supervisor whether they have funding available to cover any such costs.

Living costs

In addition to your course fees, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

For the 2024-25 academic year, the range of likely living costs for full-time study is between c. £1,345 and £1,955 for each month spent in Oxford. Full information, including a breakdown of likely living costs in Oxford for items such as food, accommodation and study costs, is available on our living costs page. The current economic climate and high national rate of inflation make it very hard to estimate potential changes to the cost of living over the next few years. When planning your finances for any future years of study in Oxford beyond 2024-25, it is suggested that you allow for potential increases in living expenses of around 5% each year – although this rate may vary depending on the national economic situation. UK inflationary increases will be kept under review and this page updated.

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. Please note that ‘college’ and ‘colleges’ refers to all 43 of the University’s colleges, including those designated as societies and permanent private halls (PPHs). 

If you apply for a place on this course you will have the option to express a preference for one of the colleges listed below, or you can ask us to find a college for you. Before deciding, we suggest that you read our brief  introduction to the college system at Oxford  and our  advice about expressing a college preference . For some courses, the department may have provided some additional advice below to help you decide.

The following colleges accept students on the DPhil in Earth Sciences:

• Campion Hall
• Exeter College
• Hertford College
• Kellogg College
• Linacre College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Edmund Hall
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• University College
• Wolfson College
• Worcester College
• Wycliffe Hall

Before you apply

Our  guide to getting started  provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application. You can use our interactive tool to help you  evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive .

If it's important for you to have your application considered under a particular deadline – eg under a December or January deadline in order to be considered for Oxford scholarships – we recommend that you aim to complete and submit your application at least two weeks in advance . Check the deadlines on this page and the  information about deadlines and when to apply  in our Application Guide.

Application fee waivers

An application fee of £75 is payable per course application. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:

• applicants from low-income countries;
• refugees and displaced persons; 
• UK applicants from low-income backgrounds; and 
• applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria.

You are encouraged to  check whether you're eligible for an application fee waiver  before you apply.

Readmission for current Oxford graduate taught students

If you're currently studying for an Oxford graduate taught course and apply to this course with no break in your studies, you may be eligible to apply to this course as a readmission applicant. The application fee will be waived for an eligible application of this type. Check whether you're eligible to apply for readmission .

Application fee waivers for eligible associated courses

If you apply to this course and up to two eligible associated courses from our predefined list during the same cycle, you can request an application fee waiver so that you only need to pay one application fee.

The list of eligible associated courses may be updated as new courses are opened. Please check the list regularly, especially if you are applying to a course that has recently opened to accept applications.

Do I need to contact anyone before I apply?

Before you apply, you should identify an academic member of staff who is willing to supervise you and has the resources to support your proposed research project. You should do this by contacting them directly. Details of academic staff, including their research interests and contact details, can be found on the department's website.

Completing your application

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents .

For this course, the application form will include questions that collect information that would usually be included in a CV/résumé. You should not upload a separate document. If a separate CV/résumé is uploaded, it will be removed from your application .

If any document does not meet the specification, including the stipulated word count, your application may be considered incomplete and not assessed by the academic department. Expand each section to show further details.

Proposed field and title of research project

Under the 'Field and title of research project' please enter your proposed field or area of research if this is known. If the department has advertised a specific research project that you would like to be considered for, please enter the project title here instead.

You should not use this field to type out a full research proposal. You will be able to upload your research supporting materials separately if they are required (as described below).

Proposed supervisor

If known, under 'Proposed supervisor name' enter the name of the academic(s) who you would like to supervise your research. Otherwise, leave this field blank.

Referees: Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete. Please note that you may still be required to ensure your third referee supplies a reference for consideration.

Professional references are acceptable if you have been away from academic study for more than five years; otherwise at least two of your references should be on your academic background.

Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement and motivation.

Official transcript(s)

Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.

More information about the transcript requirement is available in the Application Guide.

Research proposal: A maximum of 1,000 words

You should submit an outline of your proposed research, written in English. The overall word count should include any bibliography.

If possible, please ensure that the word count is clearly displayed on the document.

This will be assessed for:

• the feasibility of successfully completing the project in the time available for the course (a maximum of four years)
• commitment to the subject, beyond the requirements of the degree course
• preliminary knowledge of research techniques
• capacity for sustained and intense work
• reasoning ability
• the ability to absorb new ideas, often presented abstractly, at a rapid pace.

Your research proposal should focus on your research interests and experience rather than personal achievements, interests and aspirations.

Written work: A maximum of 500 words

You should submit a piece of written work with the following title:

"Discuss a research problem within the Earth sciences, briefly outline the information required to solve it, and suggest a line of research that - if conducted - could fill this knowledge gap."

The word count does not need to include brief footnotes or any bibliography.

The written work need not relate closely to the proposed area of study, but should be an area that you feel comfortable discussing as it may come up if invited for interview.

• comprehensive understanding of the subject area
• understanding of problems in the area
• ability to construct an defend an argument
• powers of analysis
• powers of expression.

Start or continue your application

You can start or return to an application using the relevant link below. As you complete the form, please  refer to the requirements above  and  consult our Application Guide for advice . You'll find the answers to most common queries in our FAQs.

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Up to a week's notice of closure will be provided on this page - no other notification will be given

12:00 midday UK time on:

Friday 19 January 2024 Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships

Friday 1 March 2024 Applications may remain open after this deadline if places are still available - see below

A later deadline shown under 'Admission status' If places are still available,  applications may be accepted after 1 March . The 'Admissions status' (above) will provide notice of any later deadline.

*Three-year average (applications for entry in 2021-22 to 2023-24)

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This course is offered by the Department of Earth Sciences

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10 Top Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement 

Your Oxford Human Sciences personal statement is a crucial component in your Oxford application. It gives you a chance to articulate why you’re particularly interested in Human Sciences and to distinguish yourself from other applicants. While Oxford admissions tutors are most interested in your academic performance and ability, a great personal statement could make all the difference between you and a candidate with the same grade. Additionally, it offers the Oxford interviewer a focal point to base discussions around your personality and interests. Ultimately, they can deduce your commitment to the subject you’re applying for. 

To help guide you through the process, our Oxford application experts have compiled a list of top 10 tips. It includes everything you should and should not do for your Human Science Personal Statement for the 2024/25 application cycle. 

Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary degree course which enables students to study humans from multiple interconnecting perspectives across the biological and social sciences. Underlying the degree concept is the recognition that it is important to understand connections among biological, social, and cultural phenomena in order to address the major issues and problems humans face in a rapidly changing world. When planning out your Oxford Human Sciences personal statement, make sure you research Oxford’s achievements and use it as a guide to illustrate your interest in Human Sciences. 

Top 5 Tips for an Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

Tell your story.

Your story of how you considered a degree in Human Sciences’ and why you applied to Oxford should be what distinguishes you from other applicants. Outline why you want to pursue a degree in Human Sciences. Consider your future career plans, extra-curricular work. Also address why you chose to study at Oxford over all other universities.

What makes you suitable

Your application should demonstrate what makes you an ideal candidate to study Human Sciences at Oxford. What skills or experience do you have? Since it’s such a varied degree, are there any experiences you can draw on that not only make you suitable for studying Human Sciences but also to be an Oxford University student. 

Read around the subject you’re applying for

The competition at Oxford will be great. Extracurricular reading is a good way to stand out from other students and this can range from reading books or journals. A typical book is ‘The Selfish Gene’ by Richard Dawkins, or a podcast such as ‘ Hidden Brain .’ Be sure to have some things to talk about as you may be questioned at an interview.

Proofread & read your work out loud

Once you’re happy with the content of your draft, check it and then check it again! Useful people to ask to proofread your work include a teacher in the field, a current Oxford student, and a student who is studying Human Sciences. Oxbridge Mind also offer a personal statement check . By allowing people to take a look at your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement, they would be able to pick up mistakes or name improvements that you may have missed.

Why Human Sciences

What was it that first got you interested in Human Sciences? Consider why you would be an ideal Oxford candidate too. What skills or experience do you have? Examples include analytical and critical thinking skills. What careers will this degree open for you and how does this align with your own plans for the future.

Top 5 things to AVOID for your Oxford Human Sciences Personal Statement

Writing a list of achievements.

Reflect and expand on some key points to demonstrate your understanding and what you have learnt from them rather than listing achievements which will appear tedious. Talk about the skills you have gained from the work you have undertaken. How have these skills furthered your desire to study Human Sciences, and to study at Oxford University.

Don’t write anything that isn’t true

Don’t exaggerate. You may be asked to provide evidence of your stated achievements, or if you are interviewed you may be asked detailed questions about things you’ve mentioned. It will reflect poorly on you if you are unable to answer questions about your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement. 

Copying someone else’s personal statements

Don’t plagiarise. Do not copy someone else’s UCAS personal statement or use something you have found on the internet. UCAS uses software to check every personal statement for plagiarism.

Not reflecting on or justifying your point

Write succinctly and explain points without repeating yourself. Examples include analytical skills, and other transferable skills. Remember, quality is always better than quantity- it’s better to expand on a few points than to list every point you can without going into detail.

Don’t sound unprofessional

Steer clear of slang, clichés and quotes. It will sound repetitive to Oxford admissions tutors to hear about how students are “passionate” about their subject or that they have a “thirst for knowledge”. Write about your personal experience with your Human Sciences’ journey, and allow the Oxford admissions tutors to do the rest.

If you’re unsure whether you’ve covered everything in your Human Sciences Oxford personal statement, why not book a personal statement check where our experts will give you feedback within 24 hours and you can even have a 1-1 online session on how to improve your statement.

→What is Oxford Human Sciences?

Oxford Human Sciences is an interdisciplinary field of study that combines aspects of biology, psychology, anthropology, and sociology to better understand human behavior and health. Students studying Human Sciences at Oxford University will explore the social, cultural, biological, and evolutionary aspects of human beings, as well as how they interact with their environment.

→What should I include in my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement?

Your personal statement should highlight your academic background and relevant experiences, as well as your motivation for studying Human Sciences at Oxford. You should also demonstrate your critical thinking skills, ability to analyze complex issues, and passion for understanding human behavior.

→How long should my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement be?

Oxford University recommends that your personal statement should be no longer than 4,000 characters, or about 500 words. It is important to be concise and focus on the most relevant and compelling aspects of your experience and qualifications.

→What qualities are Oxford Human Sciences admissions looking for in applicants?

Oxford Human Sciences admissions are looking for applicants who demonstrate a strong academic record, critical thinking skills, creativity, and a genuine interest in understanding human behavior. They also value experiences that demonstrate leadership, teamwork, and communication skills.

→How important is the personal statement in the Oxford Human Sciences admissions process?

The personal statement is an important part of the Oxford Human Sciences admissions process, as it provides admissions officers with insights into your academic background, experiences, and motivation for studying Human Sciences. It is an opportunity to showcase your unique perspective and strengths as an applicant.

→Can I get help with my Oxford Human Sciences personal statement?

Yes, there are a range of resources available to help you with your personal statement, including online guides, writing workshops, and tutoring services. However, it is important to ensure that the content of your personal statement is entirely your own and reflects your own thoughts and experiences.

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UC San Diego-Led Science Teams Selected as Finalists for NASA Science Missions to Understand Our Changing Climate

Each team will receive $5 million to conduct concept studies for new satellites.

• Lauren Fimbres Wood - [email protected]

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Published date, share this:, article content.

Two teams led by scientists from UC San Diego’s Scripps Institution of Oceanography are among four selected by NASA to put forward concept studies for future satellite missions to help better understand how our planet is responding to climate change.

The proposals are part of NASA’s new Earth System Explorers Program that conducts satellite-based science missions designed to enable Earth system research. The call for proposals for this initiative sought missions that would advance understanding of climate change factors such as greenhouse gases, the ozone layer, ocean surface currents, and changes in ice and glaciers around the world.

“NASA’s selection of not one, but two teams led by UC San Diego is monumental,” said UC San Diego Chancellor Pradeep K. Khosla. “This selection demonstrates our world renowned leadership in earth observation and satellite remote sensing. Through our longstanding institutional commitment to understanding and protecting the planet, UC San Diego is advancing new discoveries, developing policy recommendations and creating solutions for climate change that will benefit all of humanity.”

The two UC San Diego-led teams are helmed by Scripps glaciologist Helen Amanda Fricker and Scripps physical oceanographer Sarah Gille , who have both been involved in prior NASA satellite missions. As finalists, their teams will each receive $5 million to conduct a one-year mission concept study. After the study period, NASA will choose two proposals for satellites to launch in 2030 and 2032, with a budget of $310 million for each chosen investigation. 

Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE)

The proposal led by Fricker is called Earth Dynamics Geodetic Explorer (EDGE) . Its goal is to observe the three-dimensional structure of terrestrial ecosystems like forests and the surface features of glaciers, ice sheets and sea ice as they change in response to human activity. According to the EDGE team, monitoring these shifting ecosystems and melting polar regions can help science and society mitigate the effects of climate change. 

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Fricker was a member of NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and land Elevation Satellite (ICESat) Science Team and is the current science team lead for ICESat-2, launched in 2018 . These missions use a technology called laser altimetry which sends laser pulses to the Earth’s surface and records the time it takes them to return to the spacecraft. This technology allows scientists to determine the height of the Earth's surface, and the height and structure of any vegetation. Also in 2018, the Global Ecosystem Dynamics Investigation (GEDI) instrument was deployed onto the International Space Station (ISS), and together these satellites have been vital in monitoring the whole Earth . This research would be brought to bear in EDGE, Fricker said. 

“The EDGE team brings together vegetation and cryosphere scientists to work towards a shared goal of developing an instrument to measure these vital signs of our planet,” said Fricker, who also serves as the co-director of the Scripps Polar Center . “EDGE will have the capability to measure the density of the rainforest in the Amazon and depths of individual cracks in glaciers, enabling improved tracking and understanding of our planet’s biodiversity, changes in carbon storage, and rate of ice loss contributing to sea-level rise.” 

EDGE builds on and advances the laser technology on GEDI and ICESat-2 through the use of new technology with an increased density of laser beams that will map the planet using five 120-meter wide strips . This provides much higher resolution and accuracy, enabling a more comprehensive view of the dynamics of the Earth’s surface. This unprecedented resolution of the depth, height and structure of terrestrial and ice systems, will allow scientists to precisely measure changes as they are happening. This enables the tracking of carbon stored in forests and ice at the poles, providing a real-time look at how the planet is responding to climate change, and if it is crossing critical tipping points that will cause abrupt or irreversible change.

EDGE will fly on Maxar’s 500 spacecraft , and expand the footprint of our planet that is monitored. The GEDI instrument on the ISS only covers as far north as Canada and south to Chile, but EDGE’s orbit goes all the way to the poles providing global coverage of vegetation and allowing for dense mapping around the edges of ice sheets and sea ice pack. 

EDGE orbit (orange tracks) extends to the polar regions allowing  for dense mapping around the edges of ice sheets and sea ice pack. Credit: EDGE.

“Satellites lay down their tracks like wrapping a ball of yarn, with the highest concentration at the top and bottom,” said Fricker. “EDGE’s orbit choice places this concentration in our most critical regions for studying effects of climate change at the poles. The agility of the Maxar spacecraft allows EDGE to target high-priority regions.”

According to Fricker, the data from EDGE will transform understanding of how Earth’s carbon and ice stores are changing. It will be used to inform Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports and policymakers about projected future conditions, helping society prepare for and adapt to climate change.

The EDGE team is comprised of 25 scientists and engineers from around the world, including leadership that includes John Armston from the University of Maryland and Bryan Blair and Scott Luthcke from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center. Scientists from the University of Maryland, U.S. Forest Service, George Mason University, Boise State University, Northern Arizona University, U.S. Geological Survey, Bristol University, National University of Singapore, and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institution round out the team for terrestrial ecosystem structure, while the ice elevation team features scientists from the University of Washington, University at Buffalo, Colorado School of Mines, the Australian Antarctic Division and Fricker's alma mater , the University of Tasmania.

Ocean Dynamics and Surface Exchange with the Atmosphere (ODYSEA)

The second UC San Diego-selected concept is led by Gille and called the Ocean Dynamics and Surface Exchange with the Atmosphere (ODYSEA) . This satellite will measure ocean surface currents globally for the first time and will simultaneously measure winds over the ocean.   

The understanding of the planet as a coupled system requires measurement at the air-sea interface, where the ocean meets the atmosphere.  In this transition zone between ocean and atmosphere, clouds form, storms initiate, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere is absorbed by the ocean, and nutrients are transported into ocean ecosystems. ODYSEA will provide understanding of these interactions that is critical to understanding our weather and climate, as well as marine ecosystems.

“ODYSEA fills an important gap in wind and ocean current tracking, and will be a game-changer in understanding how the ocean and the atmosphere exchange gases, heat, and energy, which is one of the greatest challenges in climate science,” said Gille. 

Gille has experience with NASA missions for surface winds and sea surface height.  She currently leads one of the science teams for another satellite mission to monitor the planet, called Surface Water and Ocean Topography (SWOT) , which launched in December 2022. 

The ODYSEA satellite will offer entirely new capabilities by measuring daily global surface currents and their interactions with winds, providing data that will improve weather and climate predictions​.​​ These data can show how ocean currents influence the atmosphere, and improve weather, climate and ocean circulation models. This information is also useful for search-and-rescue operations and tracking events like oil spills. 

The technology powering ODYSEA will be a Doppler scatterometer. Scatterometers use radar signals to measure wind speed and direction. A new innovation, ODYSEA will also measure the speed and direction of surface currents by taking advantage of the Doppler shift in the radar signal due to the motion of the ocean surface. The Doppler scatterometry technique, which forms the basis for ODYSEA, was demonstrated through a prior airplane-based experiment called S-MODE.  

Gille likened the Doppler shift to the sound of an ambulance in transit. “This is the reason why the pitch of an ambulance siren changes depending on whether the ambulance is driving toward you or away from you. If the ambulance is coming toward you, the sound waves get shorter and the pitch increases. Similarly, since ocean currents move, they will shift the wavelengths of the returned radar signal detected by ODYSEA.”

The international team led by Gille is a U.S./French collaboration and includes more than 20 partners, including Deputy Principal Investigators Melanie Fewings from Oregon State University and Mark Bourassa from Florida State University, Project Scientist Tong Lee from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), as well as French Lead Scientist Fabrice Ardhuin from the Laboratoire d'Océanographie Physique et Spatiale.  Other team members are located at Jet Propulsion Lab, the French space agency CNES (Centre National D’Etudes Spatiales), Colorado School of Mines, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, NOAA, the US Naval Research Lab, and multiple French research organizations.   

Now that Fricker and Gille’s teams have been selected by NASA, both groups will in the next year finalize the technical capabilities of each mission, demonstrate feasibility and refine satellite design so the missions can be executed on time and on budget. NASA will then choose two of the four accepted proposals to move forward to launch. 

“The NASA Earth System Explorers Program presents a transformative opportunity to advance our understanding of the planet, and it’s an incredible honor to have two missions led by our outstanding faculty selected for consideration,” said Margaret Leinen, Vice Chancellor for Marine Sciences at UC San Diego and Director of Scripps Oceanography. “I know I’ll be cheering for both of them.” 

For more information about NASA’s Earth System Explorers Program, visit: https://explorers.larc.nasa.gov/2023ESE/ . 

Learn more about research and education at UC San Diego in: Climate Change

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