The information on this page is accurate for students entering the programme from September 2025. For students who entered the programme before September 2025, you can find the details of your programme: BSc Geology
Geology is the study of planet Earth. It is a broad multidisciplinary science that seeks to understand the formation and history of our planet, the active processes that shape its surface, and how humans can live sustainably on it. Our degree covers a wide spectrum of geological topics, from fundamental scientific theories, such as plate tectonics and planetary habitability, to solving critical environmental problems. Students will develop a deep understanding of how the Earth functions as a geologically active planet, gaining the specialist skills and knowledge required to investigate the processes that shape our natural world. As professional geologists, our graduates apply these skills to tackle key global challenges, such as the mitigation of geohazards, sustainable management of natural resources, and alleviating the climate crisis by achieving the net-zero transition.
The multidisciplinary nature of the BSc Geology programme provides students with a holistic view of the Earth and a broad understanding of the interactions that occur between its core, mantle, crust, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere. We consider fieldwork to be a key aspect of our programme, integral to developing the observational and analytical skills required to understand the 3D structure of our planet and its evolution over time. Over the course of the degree we visit numerous field locations around the UK and beyond, learning how to use the information contained within the rock-record to reconstruct Earth’s tectonic and environmental history. From the history of life to the rise and fall of mountains, or the causes and consequences of volcanic eruptions and earthquakes, the BSc Geology degree is ideally suited to anyone interested in a scientific exploration of the dynamic processes that give Earth its distinct geological character. We also have a strong focus on the human aspects of the geological sciences, looking at how our society interacts with the planet and the crucial contribution geologists can make to protecting the environment and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
Key skills developed during the degree include the ability to evaluate and synthesise complex datasets, to think over vast scales of space and time, and to use 1D and 2D data to construct 3D models of the Earth. It is skills such as these that ensure Geology graduates are high demand across a wide range of sectors. The BSc Geology degree programme is accredited by The Geological Society of London, giving graduates fast-track progression towards obtaining Chartered Geologist status, a key professional qualification for careers in many geoscience disciplines, including engineering geology, resource exploration, and environmental consultancy. In addition to the three-year BSc option there is also the possibly of spending an additional year either studying abroad at a partner university or working in a relevant sector during an industrial placement.
(For students entering from September 2025 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE1045 | Solid Planet | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1078 | Skills for Geoscientists | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| SOEE1080 | Living Planet | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1090 | Earth Surface Processes | 20 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1700 | Dynamic Planet | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates will be required to study 20 credits from the following optional modules:
Basket 1: Candidates who do not have A-level Maths or Chemistry at grade C or above should take the relevant courses from this basket. Candidates who already have these A-levels (or an equivalent qualification) may not take these modules.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE1135 | Foundation Chemistry | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1481 | Foundation Mathematics 1 | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Basket 2: Candidates with sufficient credits available may take up to 20 credits from this basket.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE1034 | Natural Hazards | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1120 | Vertebrate Evolution | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1281 | Atmosphere | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1302 | Advanced Mathematics 1 | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE1312 | Advanced Mathematics 2 | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE1541 | Foundation Physics | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Candidates may choose a 10 credit discovery module in place of an optional module from basket 2, subject to timetabling constraints.
(For students entering from September 2025 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
Advanced skills for Geologists - 20 credits
SOEE2941 - Investigating the shallow subsurface - 20 credits
SOEE2961 - Resources from Rocks and Minerals - 10 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE2900 | Petrology and Geochemistry | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2910 | Palaeoenvironmental Analysis | 20 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | |
| SOEE2950 | Sedimentary Basins and their Resources | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE2980 | Global Tectonics | 20 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
(For students entering from September 2025 onwards)
[Learning Outcomes, Transferable (Key) Skills, Assessment]
View Timetable
Candidates will be required to study the following compulsory modules
Frontiers in Geological Sciences - 20 credits
Advanced Geological Field Skills - 10 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE3073 | Independent Field Projects (GS) | 40 | Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) | PFP |
Candidates will be required to study 50 credits from the following optional modules:
Basket 1: Candidates must choose 20 credits from this basket.
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE3020 | Geothermal Energy: Engineering, Societal and Governance Challenges | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3110 | Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3112 | Environmental Risk: Science, Policy and Management | 10 | Not running in 202526 | |
| SOEE3171 | Volcanic Processes | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3600 | Ore Deposits and their Exploitation | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) |
Basket 2: Candidates must choose 30 credits from this basket.
SOEE3061 - Environmental Geomorphology and Sedimentology - 10 credits
| Code | Title | Credits | Semester | Pass for Progression |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SOEE3135 | Engineering Geology | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3282 | Groundwater | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3470 | Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics | 10 | Semester 1 (Sep to Jan) | |
| SOEE3480 | Past Global Environmental Systems | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) | |
| SOEE3630 | Strategic Energy Issues | 10 | Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) |
Last updated: 29/04/2025 13:17:01
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