TEF Gold Undergraduate course

BSc (Hons)

Geology

Go on a journey through deep time to discover how the evolution of Earth holds the key to our sustainable future.

Our typical offer

112 UCAS points

Top lab facilities

Hone your microscopy skills in one of Europe’s leading 5G connected microscopy teaching laboratories.

Exciting field work

From Pompeii to Death Valley, and numerous local fieldtrips to discover the outstanding geology of the Southwest, our field trips offer exciting hands-on experience.

Career focus

Boost your career prospects though our extensive geo-careers fair, industry placements, and study abroad.
BSc (Hons) Geology

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About

Our Geology degree programme explores the forces that shape our planet while tackling today's critical challenges such as reducing natural hazard risks, understanding environmental change, and driving the clean energy transition.

Paul ColeDr Paul Cole
Associate Professor of Volcanology

This course is for you if...

you're passionate about rocks, minerals and fossils and want to understand how they hold the key to creating a more sustainable future
Planet earth with leaf
you enjoy hands-on experience in the outdoors or the laboratory
Microscope
you are looking for a friendly and supportive teaching environment with hands-on career support
Three hands together, depicting collaboration
you thrive in real-world, non-exam-based assessments
person with lines around their head, depicting experience

Details

Year 1

From day one you’ll dive into the world of Earth Sciences, laying the foundations of geological knowledge that will set you up for success throughout your university journey. Your first year will equip you with essential skills and core knowledge, empowering you to tackle sustainable development challenges alongside developing an understanding of topics such as plate tectonics, climate change, and evolution. Hands-on learning will be a key part of your experience, as you study minerals, rocks, fossils, and geological structures in our cutting-edge 5G microscope laboratories. Plus, get ready for exciting fieldwork in the stunning landscapes of the UK’s Southwest and Southern Italy, where you'll explore the real-world impact of geohazards.
Girl using microscop

Core modules

GEES1201
Sustainable Geoscience 20 credits

Kick off your degree by gaining an understanding of the important role of geoscientists in solving today’s biggest environmental issues (e.g. the energy transition, sustainable development) alongside exploring the fundamentals of Earth history and structure (e.g. plate tectonics, climate change, evolution of life). Through field, tutorial and lecture-based teaching this module will support your transition to university.

60% Coursework

40% Practicals

GEES1202
Earth Materials and Resources 20 credits

Discover Earth’s building blocks and how dynamic Earth processes shape geologic materials. You will gain the observational skills needed to unravel how the Earth works, including getting hands on using our 5G-enabled microscope lab. You will learn to read geological maps and use them to decipher the sequence of geological events that have shaped our planet’s history. See the Earth in a whole new light!

70% Coursework

30% Remotely delivered assessments

GEES1203
Climate, Tectonics and Hazards 40 credits

Develop your knowledge of climate and hazards. Through hands on practicals, field work and lectures learn how sedimentary rocks and fossils illuminate past, present and future climatic and oceanographic changes, and use maps and GIS to explore landscapes, earthquakes and volcanoes. Consolidate knowledge in the field, putting into practice new skills and seeing hands on the effects of geohazards on people and places.

50% Coursework

25% Practicals

25% Tests

GEES1204
The Life and Death of an Ocean 40 credits

Explore how Earth's shifting plates and their dynamic surface systems shape our planet and get hands-on practical experience in tectonics and learning how to unravel ancient environments through sedimentological and palaeontological evidence. Discover how the Earth's past has been recorded in the rocks beneath our feet.

35% Coursework

35% Practicals

30% Remotely delivered assessments

Year 2

Year 2 takes you on a journey from the Earth’s surface to its core, exploring deep ocean basins and travelling through geological time to uncover key moments in Earth history. You'll sharpen your observational, analytical and interpretive skills, using them to tackle some of the most exciting geological questions. You'll also learn the art of creating geological maps and gain hands-on experience with field techniques, including geophysical equipment. For those looking to broaden their horizon even further, you can seize the opportunity to study your second year abroad in incredible locations like Canada, USA or Europe.
Geology field trip

Core modules

GEES2000
Placement Preparation 0 credits

This module explores the role of placements, work experience and volunteering for enhancing employability whilst at university and as a future graduate. It considers placement options (types, durations) and supports students in developing applications and preparing for interviews.

100% Assessments

GEES2201
The Earth Surface and Critical Zone 40 credits

Explore the Earth’s surface and shallow subsurface now and through Deep Time. Develop the skills and knowledge used by geoscientists to find and manage resources like groundwater or geothermal energy, store energy or hazardous fluids, build safe infrastructure and understand hazardous phenomena and climate impacts. Work on real-world projects that integrate remote sensing, geophysics, field and lab-based investigations.

50% Coursework

25% Practicals

25% Remotely delivered assessments

GEES2202
The Earth's Interior and Resources 40 credits

Investigate the Earth’s Interior to understand how magmatism, tectonics and fluid flow control the development of sustainable resources. Through a case-study approach you will combine state-of-the-art rock microscopy, structural geology and geophysics to evaluate the Earths internal processes. Fieldwork and seismic imaging with industry software will allow you to apply this knowledge to real-world situations.

50% Coursework

25% Practicals

25% Remotely delivered assessments

GEES2203
Ocean Geoscience 20 credits

Dive into the geoscience of ocean basins. Develop your in-depth understanding of mid-ocean ridges, palaeoceanography, and ocean hazards. Use new practical skills, case studies and datasets to investigate mid-ocean ridge processes, to understand how microfossils and other proxies are used in reconstructing past oceanographic conditions, and to explore ocean geohazards.

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

GEES2204
The Building of Britain 20 credits

Explore the thrilling geological history of the British Isles. Discover how the north collided with the south after a plate tectonic journey across a 4000 km wide ocean. Get hands-on with fossils, rocks, and geological maps to reconstruct ancient environments, volcanoes, and mountain belts. This module will take you on an exciting journey through time, revealing the forces that shaped the UK's stunning landscapes!

50% Coursework

50% Remotely delivered assessments

Optional placement year

Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills in the workplace and gain valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry. 
Sharpitor Field Trip

Core modules

GEES3000
Placement 0 credits

This module is a placement position, where a student undertakes a programme of work within a host company or organisation. The placement occurs within a yearlong period, meeting minimum duration requirements. Students experience applying their degree, experience professional practice, develop enhanced subject-related knowledge and skills, and undergo personal-professional development.

100% Coursework

Final year

In your third year you will elevate your data analysis skills to a professional level. Your dissertation project will be an exciting opportunity to collect and analyse data independently, whether in the field or the lab. Alongside core modules that deepen your geological expertise, you’ll have the chance to choose from a range of sustainability-focused optional modules, allowing you to tailor your final year to your passions and interests. For those craving adventure, you can take your learning beyond the classroom with advanced fieldwork opportunities in incredible locations like Namibia or Death Valley, USA, where you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience and refine your professional field skills.
Geology student

Core modules

GEES3201
Geoscience Research Project 40 credits

Realise your passion for Earth science by conducting a research project on an exciting scientific question. Choose a project from a wide range of Earth Science topics (e.g. volcanology, palaeontology, remote sensing, structural geology). Use cutting-edge fieldwork, lab techniques, or digital tools to explore your chosen area, gaining hands-on experience and developing valuable subject specific and transferable skills.

85% Coursework

15% Practicals

GEES3202
Professional Field and Core Analysis 20 credits

Ready to rock the world of geology? Get set to apply your skills in the field and the lab, working solo and within a dynamic team. You'll dive into geological mapping and rock core analysis, using top-notch industry tools. A hands-on experience will help you master job tendering, data analysis, and reporting for real commercial clients. It's not just learning, it's about becoming a pro and preparing for an awesome career!

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

GEES3203
Frontiers in Geoscience 20 credits

Explore the frontier of geosciences and study a selection of current, globally relevant topics where geoscience can lead the way towards a more sustainable future. Get familiar with state-of-the-art research to decide for yourself how the opportunities, challenges and solutions can be balanced to deliver for society.

100% Coursework

Optional modules

GEES3002
Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential 20 credits

Embark on exploration of critical, real-world challenges in an exciting field context. Collaborate in multidisciplinary teams to tackle a core issue through a research project of your own creation. Sharpen your existing expertise and develop important transdisciplinary skills that prepare you to face career challenges beyond university with confidence and innovation.

100% Coursework

GEES3204
Environmental and Resource Geoscience 20 credits

Sharpen your skills ready for industry, tackling some of the most urgent environmental issues facing the world today, from pervasive mining pollution in post-industrial catchments to the role of the subsurface in decarbonisation. You will engage in hands-on workshops, solving problems associated with past industry, as well as getting to grips with state-of-the-art software and real-world datasets.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

GEES3205
Tectonics and Geohazards 20 credits

Explore one of the World’s most tectonically active and hazardous regions to understand the cause and impact of tectonics on hazards (earthquakes, volcanics, landslides, tsunami, floods) and resources (water, minerals, energy). Develop skills to evaluate the influence of active tectonics on these hazards, either through an overseas field trip (e.g. California) or through application of GIS and remote sensing.

100% Coursework

GEES3206
Environmental Change Through Earth History 20 credits

The Earth’s environments are changing fast. Learn how studying past environmental change helps us understand the impacts of current and future human induced environmental change. Using advanced techniques in geochemistry and palaeontology, you’ll explore past events to predict future impacts, equipping you with the skills to tackle the environmental challenges of tomorrow.

50% Coursework

50% Practicals

 
 
 
 
 

Optional pathways

We offer the opportunity to choose an integrated masters (MGeol) and enrich your undergraduate degree with an additional year at postgraduate level.
We also offer a foundation year to gain further knowledge of a subject before starting a full degree course.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Experience

[

Our Earth Sciences degrees were ranked overall fifth in UK for overall student satisfaction.
Complete University Guide 2025

>

89.3% of Earth and marine sciences students were satisfied with teaching.
Guardian Best UK Universities Guide 2025

@

Top 15 UK universities for earth and marine sciences, geology and geophysics.
QS World University Rankings by subject 2023
 

Fieldwork to exciting destinations

We believe the best way to learn Geology is through direct experience, which is why our fieldwork programme focuses on hands-on experience in diverse and dynamic environments.
From local trips around Devon and Cornwall to international destinations like Italy, Sicily and Southern California, you'll gain skills, confidence, and expertise in geological research methods.
You'll also explore how geologists contribute to tackling global challenges such as renewable energy and sustainable resource management, all while building lasting friendships and strong connections with fellow students and academic staff.
Frontiers in fieldwork
In your final year you have the opportunity to embark on a novel international field trip to explore real-world challenges working with professional scientists and local communities.
For the academic year 2025/2026, fieldwork will be based in Namibia, South West Africa, working with scientists from the Gobabeb Research Institute and local communities. The fieldtrip, focused on issues related to the Sustainable Development Goals, will take place in the spring of 2026.
 
Geology Field trip

The field trips are what inspired me the most to continue pursuing a career in geoscience. I loved the hands-on learning, both out in the field and in the labs.

Amy Lloyd, BSc (Hons) Geology graduate

Central Italy field trip (Vesuvius and Central Apennines)

At the end of Year 1, all Earth Sciences students travel for a residential field trip to Italy which, unlike the UK, is tectonically active and the site of hazardous volcanoes, earthquakes and related processes such as landslides.
 
 

Facilities to support your learning

You will have access to a range of cutting-edge resources and facilities to support your learning in the field and in the laboratory.
You might find yourself identifying petrography and petrology (the analysis of rocks under the microscope), microfossils, pollen and other materials, in our 5G interactive microscope laboratory; analysing rock and sediment in our palaeomagnetic laboratories, using a variety of specialist software programmes; or developing skills in remote sensing and Geographical Information Science (GIS).
Europe’s first 5G interactive microscope labs enable students to get up close with science
 

Explore the world 

Our exchange programme gives you the opportunity to study in Europe, Canada, USA and other locations abroad.
“Combining my studies at Plymouth with the opportunity to live in two countries (Canada and China) at opposite sides of the world and experience the student life there was fantastic.”
Ben McGrarth took part in an international exchange with the University of Manitoba (Winnipeg, Canada).
Overseas study and work opportunities
Ben McGrath Earth Science graduate
 

Put learning into practice

Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills, refine your career ambitions and gain valuable industry experience. Placements take place all over the UK and indeed the world and employers have included:
UK Hydrographic office, Gardline, Fugro, Sibelco, Imerys, Geotechnical Engineering Ltd, Bridgeway Ltd and Redrock Ltd.

Working in industry allowed me to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge I had gained during the first years of my studies and the practical application of these skills.

Ellis, BSc (Hons) Geology graduate.
 
 
 
 

Learn from experts

You will learn from expert, accessible, and supportive staff who are skilled researchers in their field
Our research embraces the broad spectrum across Earth Sciences, from plate tectonics to climate change, to modern surface processes, to the evolution of life on Earth.

Journey to the Bottom of the Celtic Sea

Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the South West.

Dr Matt Bailey Ross Lecturer in Environmental and Engineering Geology


Lecturer in Environmental and Engineering Geology

Dr Uwe Balthasar Lecturer in Palaeontology


Lecturer in Palaeontology

Professor Sarah Boulton Deputy Head of School and Associate Head of School - Marketing and Recruitment


Deputy Head of School and Associate Head of School - Marketing and Recruitment

Show all
 
 
 

Enrich your studies – join the Geology Society

The University's Geology Society provides a platform for you to meet, socialise with and learn from fellow students across Geology and geology related disciplines.
Socials and events are hosted throughout the year including the annual Christmas Ball, walks on Dartmoor and guest speakers.
 
Geology student society (GeolSoc)
 
 
 

Life in Plymouth

Plymouth's maritime history and coastal location have an undeniable influence on life in the city. The walk from our main campus to the seafront is only about one mile, providing loads of opportunity to relax and unwind during your studies. You don’t need to leave the city to get to the coast!
 

The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.

Jenna
Current student

Students sitting on the Barbican
Life in the city
Discover what Plymouth and its unique geographical location have to offer
Accommodation halls internal
Explore your accommodation options
Discover our range of student accommodation options and find out how you can get a guaranteed place in halls
Our large student population, active Students' Union, and abundance of student-led clubs and societies blend to create a busy and vibrant student scene

Careers

Helen in Australia

The course gave me a good understanding of geology and the different vocations I could pursue after graduating. The career planning module which ran alongside the dissertation in my final year, really helped me to think about what job I wanted to do and where I wanted to do it.

Helen Davey
BSc (Hons) Geology graduate, working as an Underground Mine Geologist in Australia

 
 

Open the door to a successful future

Geologists are in demand globally. From meeting challenges associated with sustaining energy supplies, to developing low-carbon economies, and understanding, designing and mitigating against changing climates, there are many exciting opportunities available to you. 
Many of our graduates work in areas such as environmental consulting, mining, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, petroleum geology, academic research, government agencies, natural disaster management, environmental law, and education. 
Discover things to consider when choosing a career or considering further study after studying a geology degree . 
  • ]

    97% of our Earth science graduates are in work or further study

  • [

    88% of Earth science graduates in highly skilled work said their degree was a formal requirement or gave them an advantage

  • >

    85% of Earth science graduates agree that their current activity is meaningful

*Data is from the Graduate Outcomes Surveys covering the three years of 2019/20 – 2021/22. Graduates were surveyed 15 months after graduating. Data displayed is for UK-domiciled, first degree, full-time graduates who are working, studying or looking for work.
 

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

 
 
 
Tuition fees for new full-time students starting in 2025-2026 or
 2026-2027.
Full-time study
£9,535 per year
Part-time study
£795 per 10 credits
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
£1,430
 
 
 

Tuition fee price changes
In November 2024, the UK Government announced an increase to tuition fees and maintenance support for 2025/26 academic year, setting the standard tuition fee and student maintenance loan at £9,535 per year and the University’s tuition fees were increased to this rate.
The UK Government has indicated that further fee increases may be announced this year and in subsequent years. If the UK Government does so, the University may increase annual tuition fees in subsequent years, which may include the fees for the 2026/2027 academic year, in line with the Student Contract and all times in line with the maximum tuition fee caps set by the Government. More information about  fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2025-2026 academic year.
Full-time study
£18,650 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,905
 
Optional placement year completed in the UK
£1,430
 
 
 
Tuition fees for full-time international students starting in 2026-2027 academic year.
Full-time study
£19,200 per year
Optional placement year completed in the UK
To be confirmed
 
Optional placement year completed outside the UK
To be confirmed
 

Tuition fee price changes
Our fees are reviewed on an annual basis. Fees and the conditions that apply to them are the most up to date but are still subject to change in exceptional circumstances. More information about fees and costs of studying .
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Fund your studies

As an undergraduate at Plymouth, there are plenty of funding options available, including tuition fee loans, living cost loans, scholarships, bursaries and support funds.
 

Supporting students with the cost of living

The cost of living in the UK has risen faster than household income, meaning that most people will have less to spend on essential goods and services. This is an ongoing situation that is likely to affect everyone in some way.
The University provides advice and guidance and has a range of services, facilities and offers to help students with rising everyday costs.
 
Careers Hub

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Entry requirements

Our typical offer
112 UCAS points

You may be eligible for a contextual offer

Contextual offers: Typically, the contextual offer for this course is 8 points below the advertised tariff. A contextual offer is an offer to study at university that takes into account individual circumstances that are beyond your control, and that can potentially impact your learning and your exam results, or your confidence in applying to university.

Check your eligibility for a contextual offer

GCSE
All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) English and Mathematics at grade C / 4 or above.

A levels
112 points including a minimum of 2 A Levels in a science subject (see subject list below) or 120 points including 1 A Level in a science subject (see subject list below).
We accept the following A level subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology.

18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma
DMM to DDM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

All Access courses
Pass an Access to HE Diploma (science based) with at least 33 credits at merit. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.

T level
Merit overall from any science pathway.

International Baccalaureate
28 - 30 points overall to include science related subjects.

Extended entry requirements

To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
 

Ready to apply?

All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS.com. Please refer to the course facts below when completing your application for this course.
 
UCAS course code
F601
Institution code
P60
Duration

3 years
(+ optional placement)
Course type

Full-time
Study location
Plymouth

    • Other routes into this course

    The following courses are available as routes into this programme.

    BSc (Hons) Geology with Foundation Year

    Discover how Earth’s evolution shapes a sustainable future. Our foundation year is the perfect pathway if you’re interested in geology but don’t yet meet degree entry requirements. Complete it to progress onto one of our earth science degrees.

     

    Entry requirements

    We welcome applicants with international qualifications and we accept a range of qualifications from across the globe.
     
    Our typical offer
    112 UCAS points
     
     

    BSearch entry requirements for your country

    5

    English language requirements

    To be accepted onto a degree course with us, you must have a suitable English language qualification. 
     

    Ready to apply?

    As an international student, you can apply for this course through UCAS or an agent in your country.
     
  • Find an agent
    • UCAS course code
    F601
    Institution code
    P60
    Duration

    3 years
    (+ optional placement)
    Course type

    Full-time
    Study location
    Plymouth

    Other routes to this course

    The offers foundation, first-year and pre-masters programmes that lead to University of Plymouth degrees. Courses are specially designed for EU and international students who are missing the grades for direct entry to the University, and include full duration visa sponsorship. You can start in January, May or September, benefitting from small class sizes, top-quality tuition and 24/7 student support.
    Find out more at plymouth.ac.uk/upic or contact our team at info@upic.plymouth.ac.uk
     
     
     

    Visit us at an undergraduate on-campus open day

    Open days are the best way to get a feel for studying an undergraduate degree at the University of Plymouth.
     
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    The results of the National Student Survey (NSS) and the Graduate Outcomes survey (GO) are made available to prospective students and their advisors through the Discover Uni website.