Geological Sciences

Each year of the course includes a combination of compulsory core modules and optional modules which allow you to follow your areas of interest.

Specialist “pathways”, supported by close links with industrial partners, ensure that the education we deliver prepares you for employment in a range of geoscience careers. The first year programme is common to all our geology degrees, so there is no need to specify your intended pathway until later. From year 2 you select optional modules to follow one of four “pathways” designed to help you to acquire skills in particular areas of geology:

The Geology Pathway provides a broad geological base and if you continue on this pathway throughout your degree you can choose freely from a wide range of modules.

The Petroleum Pathway provides focused education in exploration geophysics, sedimentology, structural geology, and hydrocarbon resource geology. It is recommended for students intending to pursue a career in the hydrocarbons industry.

The Environmental Pathway provides education in aspects of environmental geology. It is recommended for students intending to pursue a career in environmental and engineering geology, or those considering working for a geoconsultancy company. You might choose modules that study the hydrological cycle, natural hazards, and waste management.

The Minerals Pathway focuses on aspects of geology relevant to ore position, mineral exploration and resource development. It is an ideal route for students considering a career in minerals exploration or mining geology.

Course structure

These are typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.

Modules Year 1

Compulsory modules

• Ice Age Environments and the Quaternary Evolution of the British Isles 10 credits
• Computing and Data Analysis 10 credits
• Geology 1 30 credits
• Geology 2 30 credits
• Geology Tutorials 10 credits

Optional modules

• Natural Hazards 10 credits
• Vertebrate Evolution 10 credits
• Introductory Chemistry for Earth and Environmental Scientists 10 credits
• Gold and Precious Metals 10 credits
• The Atmosphere of Planet Earth 10 credits
• Intermediate Mathematics for Environmental and Geophysical Scientists 10 credits
• Advanced Mathematics for Environmental and Geophysical Scientists 10 credits
• Mathematics for Earth and Environmental Scientists 10 credits
• Mathematics for Earth, Environmental and Geographical Scientists 10 credits

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Chemistry of the Earth 10 credits
• Deformation Processes 10 credits
• Sedimentary Processes 10 credits
• Research and Career Skills 10 credits
• Geology Field and Map Skills 20 credits
• Palaeoecology, Palaeobiology and Evolution 10 credits
• Mineralogy and Petrology 20 credits
• Sedimentary Basins and Hydrocarbon Resources 10 credits
• Introduction to Geophysics 10 credits

Optional modules

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