Geology (Environmental Geoscience)

Do you love science and have an inquisitive mind about how our planet works? Gain a strong foundation in geology with an emphasis on environmental geoscience on our contemporary Geology (Environmental Geoscience) BSc. You will acquire specialist hands-on experience through field and laboratory work, as well as industry work placement opportunities. Geology is a profession in great demand, and upon graduation, you will have the potential to enjoy successful careers ranging from environmental geochemist and geological engineer to hydrologist and exploration geologist.

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 (NSS 2025, 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)

Our world is facing a huge environmental threat, and we need solutions to counter the rapid impact of humans on the planet. Gain the skills needed to meet this challenge on our Geology (Environmental Geoscience) BSc. You will acquire a broad understanding of geology and gain a comprehensive insight into human interactions with the Earth’s environment.

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

Your geology studies will include exploring 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.

This environmental geoscience pathway will deepen your scientific understanding of key topics, including how humans affect our planet and biosphere: from climate change to biodiversity loss, the sustainable use of resources, and the practical skills needed for robust sample collection and processing.

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.