
About this program
Bachelor's Degree in Geology
On this BSc Geology course, you'll understand the nature, dynamics and evolution of the processes that shaped the Earth over the past 4 billion years. You can visit world-famous sites of geological interest, and access facilities, including the largest Earth and marine sciences library in Europe. You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges, or continue your studies.
Geology holds the key to many issues we face today, including the balance between using natural resources and protecting the environment.
You'll graduate as a bachelor of geology, and your expertise will be in high demand in the geological industry. Whether you choose to focus on the need for raw materials, the environmental sector or engineering geology.
With a geology degree you can:
- gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the subject
- examine past climate events to help predict climate change
- develop ways to discover new natural resources and exploit known ones responsibly
- understand natural hazards and help avoid them
- study volcanoes and the behaviour of magma
Depending on your grades, you can apply to study abroad at one of our partner universities. There you'll take specialist modules and projects that are not available in the UK.
As part of this course you can:
- study in a world-leading research institution, National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
- access superb, industry-standard facilities, including the National Oceanographic Library and 150 laboratories
- go on field trips and residential field courses, both in the UK and abroad
- gain career benefits through our many links to geological companies
- develop transferable skills such as teamwork, written and oral communication, planning, presentation, data collection and analysis
Our Geology courses are accredited by The Geological Society of London, meaning our teaching is of the highest quality and approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists.
Admission requirements
A-levels
ABB including one acceptable science subject (minimum of grade B)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 at one Higher Level Science subject.
BTEC
- D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AB in A Level to include one science subject.
- We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AB grades in A Level to include one science subject.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
International Students
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
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Program content
Year 1
- Dynamic Earth
- Dynamic Landscapes
- Earth Materials
- Earth and Ocean System
- Introduction to Ocean Biogeochemistry
- Key Skills for Geoscientists
- The Living Earth
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
- Mathematical Methods for Scientists 1a
- Quantitative Earth and Ocean Sciences
Year 2
- Exploration Geophysics and Remote Sensing
- Geochemistry
- Geohazards and Earth Resources
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists
- Palaeobiology
- Sedimentary Systems and Processes
- Structural Geology and GIS
Year 3
- Independent Mapping Project
- The Evolving Earth
You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:
- Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
- Environmental and Engineering Geology
- Global Tectonics
- Palaeoclimate Change
- Petroleum Geology and Mineral Resources
- Seafloor Exploration and Surveying
- Sediments: Modern and Ancient
- Volcanic and Mantle Processes
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please visit the university website for more information.
Tuition
- The full tuition price for local/UK students is £9,250
- The price for International/Non-UK students is £23,720
Qualification
- Final award: Bachelor of Science with Honours (BSc (Hons))
- Name of award: Geology
- Interim Exit awards:
- Bachelor of Science (Ordinary Degree)
- Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE)
- Diploma of Higher Education (DipHE)
- FHEQ level of final award: Level 6
Continuing studies
This degree is also a good basis for further study at postgraduate level.
Career paths
Geoscientists are in high demand, and many of our graduates are now working in rewarding geology careers as environmental geologists, engineering geologists and geochemists.
A wide range of geology graduate jobs are open to you in areas such as:
- environmental and geological consultancy
- oil, gas and mineral exploration
- geological monitoring and surveying
- geotechnical engineering and remote sensing
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About this institute

University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a top 100 global University with a top 15 UK University place. We are a founding member of the prestigious Russell Group, as demonstrated by our research intensity. We have a wonderful global community, with...
Why study at University of Southampton
The University of Southampton is a welcoming and close knit student community of roughly 22,000 students. We have an international student population which makes up just under 30% of our student body which is wonderful. With 98% of our graduates going into work or further study 6 months after graduation, we offer the chance to study at a world leading Russell Group University whilst safe in the knowledge you will be well on your way to succeeding your chosen career.
Contact info
University of Southampton
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