Year 1

You will have a broad introduction to geoscience and discover the role of geology and geoscientists in today's society.

Modules

• First Year Tutorials
• The Rock Cycle – Our Dynamic Earth (double module)
• Micro to Macro: From Rock Properties to Plate Tectonics
• Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic Record
• Natural Resources and the Environment
• Geological Maps and Structures
• Introductory Field Course (Arran)

All four of our geoscience subjects have the same first year so you can transfer between subjects before Year 2 if you wish to. This is the same as Year 1 of the MGeol.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

You will learn about more advanced aspects of geosciences such as the conditions required to form magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

Core modules

• Geological Field Skills (Spain, Anglesey and a field skills training trip)
• Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes
• Depositional Processes and Environments
• Earth and Ocean Systems
• Structure and Tectonics
• Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation

Option modules

Choose one option module from:

• Principles of Geophysics
• Introductory Mineral Deposits
• Major Events in the History of Life

This is the same as Year 2 of the MGeol. It is possible to switch to the MGeol at the end of your second year if your performance meets a set level.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Optional Year in Industry

If you want to, you can take a year out between your second and third years and spend that time working in industry.

If you choose to do this, you’ll take a module in your second year that will help you to find a work placement and prepare you for the workplace. Throughout your placement, there will be structured support available to you from specialist staff at the University.

You’ll benefit from real-world experience in a commercial setting, enabling you to make an easier transition from studying to working after you finish your degree. It will also strengthen your CV significantly in preparation for entering the graduate labour market. On top of all this, you’ll be paid a salary for your placement.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Final Year

During your final year you will have the opportunity to take your degree in the direction that you want. The core modules will ensure that you are advancing in the essential areas of geology. Optional modules provide the chance to continue with the fundamental principles of geology at an advanced level or specialise in the areas that fascinate you.

Core modules

• Independent Field-Based Project

Plus your Dissertation

Field Courses

Choose one field course from:

• Physical Volcanology - Tenerife
• Applied Geology Field Course
• Basin Evolution and Palaeoenvironments Field Course - Wales
• Archaeological Geophysics Field Course

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

• Environmental Geoscience
• Petroleum Reservoir Petrophysics
• Concepts in Sedimentology and Stratigraphy with Applications to Reservoir Geoscience
• Diversity and Evolution of Vertebrates
• Geophysical Data Analysis

And two option modules from

• Earth Science in Education
• Planetary Science
• Reflection Seismology
• Geological Application of Microfossils
• Mineral Exploration and Evaluation
• Advanced Mineral Deposits
• Stable Isotopes in the Environment

This is the same as Year 3 of the MGeol.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork can be one of the most stimulating and enjoyable experiences of your time on a Geology degree. Your field begins in the very first week of your studies with a day spent investigating the fascinating local geology of Leicestershire.

In Year 1, the Introductory Field Course takes place on Arran, a Scottish island with more geological variety per square kilometre than virtually anywhere else in the world. You’ll rapidly develop observation and recording skills through active participation in scientific discovery. 

In your second year you will focus on developing the skills that will enable you to carry out your own geological fieldwork in a variety of terrains. We’ll guide you through this with field trips to Spain, Anglesey and the Lake District.

In your third year, you will carry out an Independent Field-based Project. You get to choose your own field area, allowing you to develop your geological interests (and showcase an impressive range of transferable skills!). Depending on the specialist modules you choose, there are also trips available to Tenerife, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire.

If you study for (or transfer onto) a four-year MGeol course, your final year will include an overseas trip as well as something more local. Some research projects can involve fieldwork, too.

And you’ll be pleased to know our staff are involved in field-based research worldwide, ensuring that our teaching draws on active field experience.

• Find out more about fieldwork opportunities.

Fieldwork locations may vary and are subject to availability.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.