Geology (Applied Geophysics)

Are you curious about how the planet works? Do you have a passion for science? Our Geology (Applied Geophysics) BSc will provide you with a contemporary education in geology, with a specialist focus on applied geophysics techniques. You’ll develop practical skills and experience through fieldwork and laboratory assignments and benefit from industry work placement opportunities to boost your employability. Geology graduates are highly employable and can embark on careers such as geochemists, geophysicists and seismologists.

Why choose this course?

• This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London

• Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork

• Geology ranked Top 10 in England (2025 NSS, broad-based universities)*

• No prior knowledge of geology is required and there are no formal exams

• Top 20 in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (Guardian University League Table, 2025)

Harness your enthusiasm for science and learn the skills to tackle some of society's biggest environmental challenges. Keele’s Geology (Applied Geophysics) BSc programme develops your fundamental geology knowledge and skills while allowing you to gain in-depth expertise in applied geophysics techniques and their practical applications. This prepares you for a dynamic career as a geologist, a profession that is in high demand.

Never studied Geology before? We've designed this programme to provide you with a solid grounding in the subject during year one, laying the foundation for advanced study in years two and three.

Your geology studies will include exploring the Earth’s origins, the evolution of life, and the exploration, extraction, and management of its natural resources. As an interdisciplinary subject, it draws on geography, environmental science, chemistry, biology, and physics. You will develop an understanding of Earth’s and other planets' structures and explore the physical, chemical, and biological processes occurring deep beneath our feet.

The Applied Geophysics elements of the programme will focus on areas such as developing skills in geophysical research, examining the use of geophysics in geotechnics, ground engineering, geoforensics and environmental monitoring.

We place a strong emphasis on developing practical skills, equipping you with the methods and techniques needed for future employment. You will gain hands-on experience using equipment, samples, and digital resources in our state-of-the-art Central Science Labs while gathering, analysing, and interpreting your own research data through residential and one-day field courses. There are study abroad and work placement options, and Keele’s campus serves as a ‘living laboratory’ with 600 acres of natural environment for fieldwork.

*We have compared the positivity ratings of all participating UK institutions using the NSS 2025 sector data to determine Keele's position relative to other broad-based universities (i.e. excluding specialist institutions and further education colleges).

About Keele

Keele University was established in 1949 by the former Vice-Chancellor of Oxford University. Founded to meet the needs of a changing world, Keele has always had a pioneering vision to be a different kind of university.

We excel in both teaching and research, with some of the most satisfied students in England, and research that is changing lives for the better at a regional, national and global level.

Our beautiful 600-acre campus is one of the biggest in Britain – but all the most important services and facilities are on your doorstep, with accommodation, teaching spaces, facilities including a medical centre, sports centre and pharmacy, and a range of shops, eateries and entertainment venues – including the Students’ Union – clustered around the centre.

Course Modules

For a list of indicative modules please visit the course page on the Keele University website.