Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences
About This Programme
A 125-credit degree covering earth systems, geology, geophysics, remote sensing and planetary sciences, with tracks in Petroleum Geosciences (ABET-ANSAC accredited), Planetary Sciences, or Atmospheric and Environmental Sciences. Prepares graduates for energy, mining, climate science, environmental consulting and the UAE Space Agency.
Course Highlights
- Petroleum Geosciences track accredited by ABET (Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission, ANSAC)
- Covers geology, geochemistry, geophysics, remote sensing and planetary science
- Summer field-geology course plus a senior research/design project
- Strong ties to the UAE energy and space sectors
What You'll Study
Four-year programme with geology, geochemistry, geophysics and remote-sensing laboratories, a summer field-geology course, and a senior project; includes a Petroleum Geosciences track.
Year 1
- Academic English I3 credits
- General Chemistry I4 credits
- Grand Challenges4 credits
- Calculus I4 credits
- Academic Development & Success1 credit
- Academic English II3 credits
- University Physics I4 credits
- Calculus II4 credits
- Earth Systems Science3 credits
Year 2
- Physics of the Earth4 credits
- Introduction to Geochemistry3 credits
- Introduction to Arabic and Islamic Heritage - in English3 credits
- Introduction to Computing - Python4 credits
- Earth Materials3 credits
- The Evolving Earth4 credits
- Geological Maps3 credits
- Calculus III3 credits
- Data Science and Artificial Intelligence3 credits
Year 3
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology3 credits
- Sedimentology4 credits
- Structural Geology4 credits
- MATLAB for Earth Scientists3 credits
- Business-Humanities Elective3 credits
- Fundamentals of Innovation and Entrepreneurship3 credits
- Remote Sensing and Geomatics4 credits
- Solid Earth Geophysics4 credits
- Career Preparation1 credit
- Environmental Geology3 credits
- Business-Humanities Elective3 credits
- Field Geology4 credits
Year 4
- Planetary Science4 credits
- Senior Research Project3 credits
- EPSS Elective3 credits
- EPSS Elective3 credits
- Senior Design Project II3 credits
- EPSS Elective3 credits
- EPSS Elective3 credits
- Enhancing Employability and Job Readiness1 credit
Petroleum Geosciences Track (core, in place of general electives)
- Structural Geology4 credits
- Petrophysics and Logging4 credits
- Reservoir Geophysics4 credits
- Seismic Reflection Interpretation4 credits
Entry Requirements
Shortlisted applicants sit the Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT) in Mathematics and Physics. Preferable tests that strengthen an application: Math SAT 700, or a score of 3 in AP Calculus AB or BC, AP Physics C Mechanics or Electricity and Magnetism, AP Chemistry or AP Biology; no other AP subject is considered.
Careers
Graduates work in petroleum geoscience, mining, environmental and water resources, geospatial and remote sensing, and planetary science, or continue to graduate study.
Accreditation & Professional Recognition
Licensed by the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA); the Petroleum Geosciences track is accredited by the ABET Applied and Natural Science Accreditation Commission (ANSAC).
Programme Details
Award
Bachelor of Science in Earth and Planetary Sciences
Start Date
August 2026 (Fall)
Typical Offer
~80-90% in Maths and Physics or Chemistry; IELTS 6.0 / TOEFL iBT 79; pass the Khalifa University Admission Test (KUAT) and a video interview
Duration
4 years
Qualification
Bachelors
Subject Area
Natural Sciences
Campus
Abu Dhabi
Course Type
Bachelor of Science
Study Pattern
Full time
Delivery Format
In person
Tuition Fee
AED 81,250/yr
Apply online at ugapply.ku.ac.ae for the Fall intake (deadline 2 March 2026); the application fee is AED 200. Scholarships are assessed automatically at admission - UAE nationals admitted directly study on a full tuition scholarship with accommodation, transport and textbooks, and international undergraduates compete for five merit tiers.