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
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.