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Study Geology, why & how to study

Are you keen to discover more about the dynamics of the Earth, its resources and economics? Geology could be the subject for you.

Geologist Checking the Soil

CONTENTS

  1. What’s Geology?

  2. What Geology degrees can you study?

  3. What do you need to get onto a Geology degree?

  4. What topics does a Geology degree cover?

  5. How will you be assessed?

  6. Why study Geology?

  7. What do Geology graduates earn?

  8. What jobs can you get as a Geology graduate?

  9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

  10. Similar subjects to Geology

  11. Have any questions?

What’s Geology?

Geology is the scientific study of our solid ‘Earth’. It looks at how the Earth is made up, and how it changes over time.

Courses give insight into the history of the Earth through the study of plate tectonics and past climates. Topics you might cover include glaciers, floods, groundwater flow – even dinosaur evolution.

Geology also involves the investigation of how minerals can be discovered and utilised. You’ll look at materials and properties, and gain technical experience in practical labs and field work.

Take a look at the university league table for Geology.

What Geology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Geology are usually awarded with a BSc (Bachelor of Science). Often you can opt for an integrated master’s degree, which is an extra year of study. You’ll gain an MSc (Master of Science), MGEol (Master of Geology), or similar.

Geology degree courses include:

Geology BSc/MSc/MGeol

Courses typically give you a broad understanding of geology and earth science. You'll study topics like minerals, rocks, fossils, landforms and geological processes.

Find Geology courses.

Earth Sciences BSc/MESc (Master of Earth Sciences)

This is more interdisciplinary, where you’ll look at all the areas related to the Earth. This includes geography, physics, biology, meteorology, oceanography and environmental science.

Search for Earth Sciences courses.

Environmental Geoscience BSc/MSc

You can learn about how to apply geological methods to respond to environmental issues. For instance, you’ll learn about how things like hydrology relate to geological hazards and pollution.

Find Environmental Geoscience courses.

Other options

You’ll find plenty of joint-honours degree options. You can combine your Geology course with various other subjects, such as Astrophysics or Geography.

Degrees may include an integrated foundation year or master’s. Universities often offer opportunities to study abroad and take part in professional placements.

What do you need to get onto a Geology degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for a Geology degree will depend on the university, ranging from 96–192 UCAS tariff points. Qualifications may include:

  • A Levels: AAAA–CDD
  • BTECs: D*D*D*–MMP
  • Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–AA)
  • International Baccalaureate: 39–32
  • Universities will usually ask that you have studied: one or more sciences at A Level (or equivalent)

Good to have

  • Maths, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, geography or further maths
  • General studies A Level may not be accepted
  • Work experience or shadowing isn’t expected. But you could try university departments, related companies like geotechnical consultants, the British Geological Survey or the British Antarctic Survey (in Cambridge, not Antarctica!)
  • Volunteering in a museum geological department, with the Earth Heritage Trust or a local geology trust
  • Identifying areas of interest from books or the websites of the Geological Society, British Society for Geomorphology, Geologists’ Association (which also hosts free lectures), British Geological Survey or Time for Geography website
  • Taking part in competitions such as the National Schools Geology Challenge or a university-run essay prize
  • Visits to sites of geological interest
  • STEM summer schools, if eligible, such as UNIQ or Sutton Trust

Other requirements for this subject include:

  • Pass in the practical element of science taken at A Level
  • Interviews may be held by some universities

What topics does a Geology degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

  • Engineering and mining geology
  • Fundamentals of geology
  • Geochemistry and ocean chemistry
  • Geoinformatics
  • Hydrogeology
  • Palaeobiology
  • Petrology
  • Physics, chemistry and biology for earth sciences
  • Rocks, minerals and fossils
  • Sedimentology
  • Solar system science
  • Structural geology and tectonics
  • Volcanology

How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the module:

  • Coursework
  • Essays
  • Exams
  • Oral presentations
  • Practical reports
  • Final-year dissertation or research project

Why study Geology?

Geology combines the best of natural history and geography. During your degree course, you'll explore the origins of our modern landscape, and how we discover, use and manage natural resources. You’ll gain specialist scientific skills plus valuable transferable skills useful in any career.

Career-specific skills:

  • Geological skills including fieldwork and lab skills, mapping and environmental impact assessments
  • Data handling and analysis, including the ability to draw inferences from incomplete data

Transferable skills:

  • Collaboration
  • Communication
  • Critical and analytical thinking
  • Numeracy and IT skills
  • Presentation
  • Problem solving
  • Research

Professional accreditation:

  • Degrees may be accredited by the Geological Society, providing a pathway towards Chartered Geologist status

The course is very diverse, covering lots of topics and doing so using a range of learning methods. I found that learning through lectures, practical classes and hands-on work (e.g. fieldwork, essays, practical sessions) made even the more difficult subjects easier to understand.

Rachel, University of Aberdeen

What do Geology graduates earn?

Geology graduates can expect an entry-level salary from £17,000–£24,000.

As your career progresses your salary will depend on the field in which you work.

Work in the oil and gas sector may pay well – with average salaries of £97,000 reported by the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain. However, it faces the challenge of climate change and moves to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

There's potential for geologists to be involved in environmental solutions. These range from geothermal energy to carbon capture and storage (CCS). Another option is the remediation of brownfield sites for development. Hydrogeologists, geologists or geoscientists working in these areas can earn £30,000–£50,000. Salaries depend on the employer, their experience and the role.

What jobs can you get as a Geology graduate?

Geology degrees can lead to jobs in civil engineering, energy, mining or hydrology. Numerous companies, such as Amey, offer graduate schemes in this subject. Careers could include:

  • Academic researcher
  • Engineering geologist
  • Environmental geologist
  • Exploration manager (minerals and ore deposits)
  • Geochemist
  • Geophysicist (oil and gas)
  • Geoscientist
  • Geotechnical engineer
  • Groundwater modeller
  • Hydrogeologist
  • Lecturer
  • Minerals surveyor
  • Mudlogger
  • Quarry manager
  • Science educator or writer
  • Seismologist
  • Soil scientist
  • Teacher
  • Volcanologist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

You will probably need a degree in Geology or a related area to study it at postgraduate level.  Examples of taught master’s and research degrees include:

  • Earth Sciences MPhil/PhD
  • Ecological Survey Techniques PGCert
  • Flood Modelling and Management MSc
  • Hydrology and Water Resources Management MSc
  • Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology MSc

You could also complete a PGCE to become a secondary school teacher.

Similar subjects to Geology

If you’re interested in the planet and its systems, or other planetary systems, you could consider:

Search undergraduate Geology courses now!

Have any questions?

Do you have questions about studying Geology? You can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!

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