Geology BSc (Hons)

Overview

Could you develop the skills needed to tackle climate change, understand global catastrophes and solve declining energy sources while understanding how the earth is formed?

On this professionally accredited BSc (Hons) Geology degree course, you’ll examine the complex formation of our planet and how it has changed through time. You’ll study rocks, minerals and fossils as well as geological map work. You'll spend plenty of time out of the classroom in the field using the latest techniques.

With the skills to become a professional geologist, you’ll be set for a career in areas such as mining, the petroleum industry, geotechnical engineering and teaching.

Accredited by

This course is accredited by the Geological Society.

On this BSc (Hons) Geology degree course, you’ll:

• Develop skills to become a professional geologist, on a course that’s accredited by the Geological Society of London
• Go on field trips to locations such as the Bristol Channel, Isle of Wight, Northwest Scotland, the Jurassic Coast in Dorset, Brittany in France and Cyprus
• Learn hands-on in our freshly refurbished petrology lab with binocular and polarizing microscopes
• Have access to modern petrology and palaeontology teaching laboratories stocked with many hand specimens and thin sections of rocks, minerals and fossils
• Tailor your studies to focus on areas of geology that interest you most and support your career ambitions
• Undertake a final year project in a location of your choice, in the UK or overseas
• Have the opportunity to learn a language and earn credit towards your degree as part of the University's Institution-Wide Language Programme

Careers and opportunities

With this degree you could go on to work in the extractive minerals industry, mining, oil and gas sectors, geological engineering or do further study at Master's or PhD level. You'll also have transferable communication and IT skills suitable for a career in business, commerce or education.

What can you do with a Geology degree?

Roles our graduates have taken on include:

• mining geologist
• well-site geologist
• geotechnical engineer
• teacher

When you finish the course, our Careers and Employability service can help you find a job that puts your skills to work. We can help you identify placements, internships and voluntary roles to build your links in the industry. After you leave the University, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years as you advance in your career.

You can also join the Portsmouth Geology Alumni Group to get careers advice from former students.