Geology

Summary:

Explore the Earth from its core to its atmosphere. On this integrated masters in Geology, you will investigate everything from rocks, fossils and volcanoes to oceans and climate systems, building a complete understanding of how our planet works.

With a strong focus on fieldwork your studies connect directly to the landscapes and systems you explore.

Based at our Waterfront Campus at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, you will be part of a research-led environment, preparing you for careers in industry or the next step into advanced research.

Key features of the course:

Build your expertise through an applied and multidisciplinary degree with a strong focus on fieldwork.

Study at our Waterfront Campus, based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, a global hub for ocean and earth science research.

Shape your degree around your interests with flexible module choices.

Learn through lectures, laboratory work and fieldwork, developing practical skills valued by employers.

Take part in extensive field-based training across the UK and Europe, including opportunities such as studying volcanic processes in Tenerife and completing an independent mapping project.

Join a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally for Earth and Marine Science (QS World Rankings by Subject 2026).

Be part of a university where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/23, published 2025).

Student support:
You will be supported throughout your studies by academic staff who will mentor your development and help you build the expertise needed for your future.

They will guide your module choices, support your academic progress and help you plan your next steps, whether that is a career in industry or further study.

Further information:

This course is open to UK and international applicants and, depending on the modules you choose, is predominantly based at our Waterfront Campus.

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. Here's what you might expect, from each year of study:

Year 1: An introduction to fundamental topics for understanding the earth system, alongside developing key analytical and field skills.
Year 2: Develops depth of knowledge in a broad range of earth science topics alongside developing advanced field skills.
Year 3: Choose specialist modules and put into practice independent analytical and field skills by undertaking an Independent Mapping Project.
Year 4: Conduct a novel piece of independent research alongside choosing specialist modules from a range of advanced topics.

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation.

The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects, and independent learning.

We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, and written and practical exams.

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

• The Geological Society