Study Geology, why & how to study

CONTENTS

1. What’s Geology?

2. What Geology degrees can you study?

3. What do you need to get onto a Geology degree?

4. What topics does a Geology degree cover?

5. How will you be assessed?

6. Why study Geology?

7. What do Geology graduates earn?

8. What jobs can you get as a Geology graduate?

9. What are the postgraduate opportunities?

10. Similar subjects to Geology

11. Have any questions?

What’s Geology?

Geology is a branch of scientific study focusing on the composition of solid earth and how its make-up changes over time.

It gives insight into the history of the Earth by studying plate tectonics and past climates. Topics studied could include glaciers, floods, groundwater flow – even dinosaur evolution. Geology also involves the investigation of how minerals can be discovered and utilised.

What Geology degrees can you study?

Undergraduate degrees in Geology include:

• Astrophysics and Geology BSc
• Earth Sciences MESc
• Environmental Geoscience BSc
• Geography and Geology BSc
• Geology BSc/MSci/MGeol

Degrees may offer an integrated foundation year or master’s. Options include a year in industry or year abroad.

What do you need to get onto a Geology degree?

Must have

Entry requirements for a Geology degree will depend on the university, ranging from 96–192 UCAS tariff points. Qualifications may include:

• A Levels: AAAA–CDD
• BTECs: D*D*D*–MMP
• Scottish Highers: AAAAA–BBBB (Advanced Highers: AAB–AA)
• International Baccalaureate: 39–32
• Universities will usually ask that you have studied: one or more sciences at A Level (or equivalent)

Good to have

• Maths, chemistry, physics, biology, geology, geography or further maths
• General studies A Level may not be accepted
• Work experience or shadowing isn’t expected but you could try university departments, related companies like geotechnical consultants, the British Geological Survey or British Antarctic Survey (in Cambridge, not Antarctica!)
• Volunteering in a museum geological department, with the Earth Heritage Trust or a local geology trust
• Identifying areas of interest from books or the websites of the Geological Society, British Society for Geomorphology, Geologists’ Association (which also hosts free lectures), British Geological Survey or Time for Geography website
• Taking part in competitions such as the National Schools Geology Challenge or a university-run essay prize
• Visits to sites of geological interest
• STEM summer schools, if eligible, such as UNIQ or Sutton Trust

Other requirements for this subject include:

• Pass in the practical element of science taken at A Level
• Interviews may be held by some universities

What topics does a Geology degree cover?

Typical modules for courses in this subject include:

• Engineering and mining geology
• Fundamentals of geology
• Geochemistry and ocean chemistry
• Geoinformatics
• Hydrogeology
• Palaeobiology
• Petrology
• Physics, chemistry and biology for earth sciences
• Rocks, minerals and fossils
• Sedimentology
• Solar system science
• Structural geology and tectonics
• Volcanology

How will you be assessed?

Courses are assessed in a variety of ways, depending on the module:

• Coursework
• Essays
• Exams
• Oral presentations
• Practical reports
• A final year dissertation is common

Why study Geology?

Geology combines the best of natural history and geography. During your degree course you'll explore the origins of our modern landscape, as well as the ways we discover, use and manage natural resources. Along the way you’ll gain specialist scientific skills plus valuable transferable skills useful in any career.

Career-specific skills:

• Geological skills including fieldwork and lab skills, mapping and environmental impact assessments
• Data handling and analysis, including the ability to draw inferences from incomplete data

Transferable skills:

• Collaboration
• Communication
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Numeracy and IT skills
• Presentation
• Problem solving
• Research

Professional accreditation:

• Degrees may be accredited by the Geological Society, providing a pathway towards Chartered Geologist status

The course is very diverse, covering lots of topics and doing so using a range of learning methods. I found that learning through lectures, practical classes and hands-on work (e.g. fieldwork, essays, practical sessions) made even the more difficult subjects easier to understand.

Rachel, University of Aberdeen

What do Geology graduates earn?

Geology graduates can expect an entry-level salary from £17,000–£24,000.

As your career progresses your salary will depend on the field in which you work.

While work in the oil and gas sector pays well – with average salaries of £97,000 reported by the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain – it faces the challenge of climate change and moves to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.

However, there's potential for geologists to be involved in environmental solutions. These range from geothermal energy to carbon capture and storage (CCS) or the remediation of brownfield sites for development. Hydrogeologists, geologists or geoscientists working in these areas can earn £30,000–£50,000, depending on the employer, their experience and the role.

What jobs can you get as a Geology graduate?

Geology degrees can lead to jobs in civil engineering, energy, mining or hydrology. Numerous companies, such as Amey, offer graduate schemes in this subject. Careers could include:

• Academic researcher
• Engineering geologist
• Environmental geologist
• Exploration manager (minerals and ore deposits)
• Geochemist
• Geophysist (oil and gas)
• Geoscientist
• Geotechnical engineer
• Groundwater modeller
• Hydrogeologist
• Lecturer
• Minerals surveyor
• Mudlogger
• Quarry manager
• Science educator or writer
• Seismologist
• Soil scientist
• Teacher
• Volcanologist

What are the postgraduate opportunities?

Postgraduate opportunities may be limited to those with degree-level competence in Geology or a related area. Graduates with a Geology degree could also complete a PGCE to become a secondary school teacher.  Examples of taught master’s and research degrees at postgraduate level include:

• Earth Sciences MPhil/PhD
• Ecological Survey Techniques PGCert
• Flood Modelling and Management MSc
• Hydrology and Water Resources Management MSc
• Soil Mechanics and Engineering Geology MSc

Similar subjects to Geology

If you’re interested in the planet and its systems – or other planetary systems, you could also consider:

• Astrophysics
• Civil Engineering
• Ecology
• Geography & Environmental Science
• Physics & Astronomy

Have any questions?

If you have questions about studying Geology, you can email our experts at ask@thecompleteuniversityguide.co.uk. We’ll be happy to hear from you!