A three-year BSc, F64B
Delivered by the Department of Earth Science and Engineering; the degree focuses on planets, moons, asteroids and comets and on geological and geophysical processes in the Solar System.
Undergraduate · Imperial Earth and Planetary Science
Imperial Earth and Planetary Science: planets as well as the Earth
Imperial's Earth and Planetary Science BSc is the department's route for students drawn to planets, moons, asteroids and comets as well as the Earth. It asks for Mathematics plus one of five sciences, which makes it more flexible than Geophysics and less open than Geology. Because the first two years are shared with the department's other degrees, the decision is really about the third-year direction you want.
Official information · last verified for 2027 entry
What Imperial asks for in Earth and Planetary Science
Taken from Imperial's Earth and Planetary Science BSc course page and read on 31 October 2026. For a normal 2028-entry application, made in 2027, every requirement below is last verified for the previous cycle and may change; Imperial's 2028-entry requirements and dates are awaiting publication.
AAA with Mathematics plus a science
The A-level standard is AAA including A in Mathematics and A in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology or Physics. The IB standard is 38 points with 6 in Mathematics and one of those subjects at Higher Level.
Shared first two years
Students take core subjects alongside students from the department's other Earth Science degrees.
Third-year choice
Students choose optional geology or physics modules such as astrobiology, planetary physics and ore deposits.
No test; an interview
Imperial says the department does not use a test. Applicants likely to meet the requirements are invited to an interview, which may be online.
Official sources
Read on 31 October 2026 on Imperial's Earth and Planetary Science BSc course page, which describes 2027 entry. Imperial's Department of Earth Science and Engineering pages, the MSci version, the module descriptions, fees and the 2028-entry values were not read and are not stated.
The degree
Earth science with a planetary focus
Imperial presents the degree as interdisciplinary, combining geosciences, physics, chemistry, mathematics, engineering and computing, with planetary missions as the motivating context. The first two years are shared with other earth-science students. In the third year students choose from optional geology or physics modules, so the course can lean either way.
Which degree in the department?
Three degrees, three subject rules
Comparing the subject rules is the quickest way to see where each degree sits.
Earth and Planetary Science if
you take Mathematics plus one science and want planets in the mix.
Geology if
you want any two of six subjects and independent field mapping. Avandy's Imperial Geology guide covers it.
Geophysics if
you take Mathematics and Physics and want a modelling-led degree. Avandy's Imperial Geophysics guide covers it.
Entry rules
Mathematics plus a science, no test, an interview
A-level applicants need AAA including A in Mathematics and A in one of Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology or Physics. IB applicants need 38 points with 6 in Mathematics and one of those subjects at Higher Level. There is no test. Applicants likely to meet the requirements are invited to an interview, which may be online. This page states no scores.
A decision framework
Three questions before you commit
This is Avandy's own framework, not Imperial's.
Is the planetary angle what draws you?
That is what separates this degree from Geology and Geophysics.
Is Mathematics a strength?
It is required at A level and Higher Level.
Which third-year direction appeals?
Optional modules lean towards geology or physics.
Planning for 2028 entry
Planning for 2028 entry: what carries over and what is awaiting publication
Applying for 2028 entry means applying in 2027, under rules Imperial has not yet published for that cycle. Each item below carries one of two labels. Last verified for 2027 entry means Imperial published it for the previous cycle and it may change. Awaiting publication for 2028 entry means Imperial has not yet published it.
Grades, subject requirements, the test position and the interview arrangements: last verified for 2027 entry
These are the best guide to what to prepare. Imperial has not confirmed them for 2028 entry.
The UCAS deadline, test windows and interview dates: awaiting publication for 2028 entry
Check Imperial's course page for the 2028-entry values when they appear.
What to do now
Confirm Mathematics and your second science, and compare the three earth-science course pages.
Support
Independent support with course choice and preparation
Avandy provides independent academic and admissions support. It is not affiliated with Imperial College London or any of its colleges or departments. Preparation sits within the Avandy Trinity Advisory Model: a Strategic Admissions Consultant, a PhD-level Academic Mentor and a Subject-specific Tutor, working to the actual requirements of each course. Support here means course-fit advice, subject mentoring and ethical preparation; Avandy gives no scores or probabilities and does not supply interview or test questions. No outcome is promised.
Questions
Questions applicants ask
What does Imperial Earth and Planetary Science require?
AAA including A in Mathematics and A in Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology or Physics, or IB 38 with 6 in Mathematics and one of those at Higher Level, in Imperial's wording for 2027 entry.
Is there an admissions test?
No. Imperial says the department does not use a test.
Is there an interview?
Yes. Applicants likely to meet the requirements are invited, and the interview may be online.
How does it differ from Geology?
It focuses on planets and the Solar System and requires Mathematics, where Geology accepts any two of six subjects.
Do I choose a direction?
In the third year students choose optional geology or physics modules.
Are these the rules for 2028 entry?
No. They are Imperial's wording for the 2027 application cycle. Check the course page again when Imperial publishes its 2028-entry requirements.
Students and families
Talk to us about Imperial Earth and Planetary Science
Tell us about the student's curriculum, their mathematics and science subjects, their interest in planets and whether this degree or Geology or Geophysics is the better fit, the universities on the list, and the intended year of entry. A senior adviser will review the academic profile before recommending how to prepare.