Geology

We are walking on billions of years of Earth history. In this geology degree, you will learn how to piece it all together to understand how our planet works, and see how geologists make a difference to society and the planet.

Our Geology degrees gives you a broad training in the geosciences, from the structure and history of our planet and life on Earth, to the natural resources that geologists need to manage for a sustainable future. You may have already discovered that every rock tells a fascinating story: perhaps it was formed in a volcano, or preserves dinosaur remains, or a chemical signature of past oceans, or a rare mineral with high-tech applications. Our Geology degree helps you piece it all together to arrive at a profound understanding of our planet and the role of the geoscientist in today’s world.

The first year lays the foundations by introducing you to the full spectrum of geoscience topics, including the rock cycle, palaeontology, natural resources, and geological maps. You will undertake a field trip to the beautiful Isle of Arran in Scotland where you can put into practice everything you have learn on campus. In the second year you will develop your skills and understanding, and in the third year, develop specialist expertise to help realise your potential. You can choose optional modules to reflect your developing interests, and take field trips to UK and overseas locations. By choosing the Geology degree, you will have more option choices than students on specialist degree streams, though it’s easy to change at the end of the first year if you discover a particular interest in palaeontology or applied and environmental geology. Explore the different modules in detail using the links on this page.

BSc or MGeol: what's the difference?
Apply for a BSc degree if you want an ideal three-year route to becoming a professional geologist or you’re looking to pursue further geological studies through a specialist MSc course.

Apply for a four-year MGeol degree if you are looking to fast-track your professional geological employment or to continue on to PhD research after graduation. MGeol courses include a major cutting-edge independent research project on a topic chosen by you, giving you the opportunity to work with specialist analytical facilities, learn the skills required to succeed in a research environment and potentially see your work published in a peer-reviewed journal. Plus you may be able to spend your third year abroad.

It is possible to transfer between the BSc and the MGeol up to the end of Year 2.