Geology

Discover the processes that have shaped the Earth, so you can tackle some of the biggest environmental issues we face today.

Geologists play a vital role in addressing major global challenges, like securing minerals for clean technologies, managing natural hazards, ensuring water and energy security, and understanding climate change. Our BSc Geology degree equips you with the scientific knowledge and practical expertise needed to tackle these pressing issues.
You’ll explore the Earth’s structure, history, and the dynamic processes that shape its surface, from the formation of continents and mountain ranges to the forces driving earthquakes, volcanoes, and climate change.
You’ll learn to decode the geological record preserved in Earth’s rocks, minerals, and fossils, building a deep understanding of how our planet works and its evolution over billions of years. You’ll also learn how to apply that knowledge to tackle challenges involving natural resources, geological hazards, and environmental issues.
Through classroom learning, laboratory analysis, and immersive fieldwork, you’ll develop the core skills of a professional geologist: observing and interpreting geological features, analysing Earth’s materials, and solving complex geological problems.
Upon graduation, you’ll be a skilled geologist ready to help solve the key challenges facing humanity and contribute to securing the future of our planet.

Why study at Leeds

• Engage with world-leading research: Our globally-renowned research, which tackles complex global challenges such as climate change, energy security and natural hazard management, feeds directly into your course and shapes your learning with the latest thinking.

• Learn from expert tutors: Experience expert teaching from a team of leading specialists with extensive experience across the breadth of geological sciences, such as public health, charities, and governmental organisations.

• Access excellent facilities: Access specialist facilities, featuring extensive lab spaces, including our Earth visualisation lab, and computer clusters fully equipped with the latest technology.

• Put theory into practice: Get your hands dirty with fieldwork activities, where you’ll advance your research skills and gain real-world experience highly valued by employers in industry.

• Broaden your prospects: Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate with our exciting study abroad programmes and work placement opportunities.

• Engage with your peers: Join one of our societies, such as RocSoc, where you can meet like-minded people at events such as comedy and film nights, trips and through sports. You could even be elected as a member of the committee, a great opportunity to develop your management and leadership skills.

Rankings and awards
11th in the world for Geology, QS World University Rankings by Subject 2026

Where this degree could take you
Graduates from our School have secured employment in a rich variety of organisations, including:

• Project Engineer, Fugro Geoconsulting

• Technical Assistant, Heritage Insight

• Director, Agates Geoscience

• Mapping Geologist, British Geological Survey

• Geoscientist, ExxonMobil

• Geotechnical Engineering, British Waterways

• Geo-environmental Consultant, WSP

• Geology and Chemistry Teacher in Further Education, Derby College

• Engineering Geologist, BAM Ritchies

• Petrophysicist, Equinor

Careers support
Top 10 most targeted for 10+ years by the UK's leading employers, The Graduate Market 2026, High Fliers Research
At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one.
Our Careers Service has the global expertise and sector-spanning industry partnerships that, combined, go way beyond simply helping you get a job. They provide you with the resources you need to upskill and achieve the future you aspire towards – even in the face of lightning-paced change.

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

• The Geological Society