BSc (Hons) Geology
University of Portsmouth
Key Information
Campus location
Southsea, United Kingdom
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
3 - 4 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
GBP 9,250 / per year *
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
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* for UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students/EU residents | £18,300/year: international students
Scholarships
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Introduction
Geology is the study of the earth beneath our feet – 4.5 billion years of rich and fascinating history.
On this BSc (Hons) Geology degree course, accredited by The Geological Society of London, you’ll examine the complex natural processes that have shaped our planet's evolution through geological time – including tectonics, climate change and natural hazards.
By learning how the earth's natural resources were formed, you'll develop skills essential to addressing global challenges and transitioning towards a green economy, such as how to tackle climate change, understand global catastrophes and solve declining energy sources.
Course highlights
- Conduct experiments in our geoscience labs, stocked with industry-standard Leica polarising microscopes, laser ablation geochemistry and electron microscopes, plus rock, mineral and fossil specimens to examine
- Do hands-on fieldwork in world-class geological locations in Cornwall, the Scottish Highlands and France, and explore local south coast geology on field trips to the Isle of Wight and the Jurassic Coast in Dorset
- Boost your employability with a one-year work placement in industry at an organisation such as a geotechnical engineering company
- Tailor your studies to focus on areas of geology that interest you most and complete 4 weeks of independent fieldwork for your final year project in the UK or overseas
Accredited by:
This course is accredited by The Geological Society.
Gallery
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Modules
Year 1
Core modules
- Earth Materials – 20 credits
- Engineering Geology and Geohazards – 20 credits
- How the Earth Works – 20 credits
- Quantitative Methods – 20 credits
- Science for Earth Systems – 20 credits
- Sedimentology and Palaeontology – 20 credits
There are no optional modules this year.
Year 2
Core modules
- Advanced Geological Field Techniques – 20 credits
- Building Blocks of the Crust – 20 credits
- GIS and Remote Sensing – 20 credits
- Professional Skills for Geoscientists – 20 credits
- Sedimentary Processes and Facies Analysis – 20 credits
- Structural Geology – 20 credits
Optional modules
- Overseas Study – 60 credits
Placement year
- Work Placement Year – 120 credits
Year 3
Core modules
- Earth Evolution and Plate Tectonics – 20 credits
- Geology Project – 40 credits
- Mineral Resources & Exploration – 20 credits
Optional modules
- Applications of Palaeontology and Sedimentology – 20 credits
- Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Sciences – 20 credits
- Climate Change – 20 credits
- Environmental Pollution and Waste Management – 20 credits
- Hazardscapes – 20 credits
- Introduction to Teaching – 20 credits
- Oceans, Climates and Environments – 20 credits
- Quarternary Geology & Geomorphology – 20 credits
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry, and some optional modules may not run every year. If a module doesn’t run, we’ll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Placement year
After your second year, you can do an optional work placement year to get valuable longer-term work experience in the industry. Placements give you the opportunity to apply what you've learnt so far in a real workplace, boosting your employability and making you attractive to employers after graduation.
You can work for a company or organisation here in the UK or overseas, or you could go independent by setting up and running your own business with other students.
Students have completed work placements at top organisations, including Shell and Structural Soils.
Whichever route you choose, you'll receive support and guidance. Our specialist team of Science and Health Careers advisors can help you with finding a work placement and improving your employability skills. They'll provide you with a database of placement vacancies, support with your job search – including help with applications and interviews – and support throughout your placement year.
Study abroad
You'll also have the opportunity to study abroad at one of our partner universities. Studying overseas is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your CV and experience a different culture as an international student.
Many of our students describe their time spent studying abroad as truly life-changing, as well as an excellent way to stand out to future employers.
Fieldwork
You'll have lots of opportunities to do fieldwork on your geology degree in locations in the UK and overseas.
Click on the image below to view it in more detail and learn more about the geology fieldwork our previous students have taken part in.
We also work to make all field trips as accessible as possible and to provide virtual field trip alternatives for those unable to get out in the field.
Rankings
Earth systems and environmental sciences at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 4th of all post-1992 universities for research quality.
Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2021
Career Opportunities
Geologists investigate the immense processes that have enabled life to evolve on our planet, from those that cause earthquakes and volcanic eruptions to the formation of vast mountain ranges and metal resources in the Earth's crust.
They have a unique and diverse set of skills critical to many modern-day environmental issues, including the shift to a low carbon economy. Geologists work to understand, locate and sustainably manage the earth's resources, so we can continue to use them to build future cities and infrastructure without harming the environment. This means geologists are in high demand – in 2020, the role of geologist was added to the UK shortage occupation list.
Work to preserve the earth's precious natural resources
In this BSc (Hons) Geology degree, you'll study rocks, minerals and fossils as well as geological map work, spending plenty of time in the lab and in the field using the latest geological techniques.
You'll gain transferable skills such as observing and documenting data in detail, presenting, analysing and synthesising complex datasets, being able to visualise problems in three dimensions and how to use (3D) GIS software.
When you graduate, you'll be ready for a career in a variety of sectors, including engineering geology and geotechnics, the extractive minerals industry, mining, environmental consultancy, hydrogeology, renewable energies, teaching or research. You could also go on to study at the postgraduate level, such as in our MSc Engineering Geology.
You can also join the Portsmouth Geology Alumni Group to get career advice from former students.
What jobs can you do with a geology degree?
Roles our graduates have taken on include:
- mining geologist
- well-site geologist
- geotechnical engineer
- geographical information system (GIS) mapper
- offshore geophysicist
- engineering geologist
- geo-environmental engineer
- contaminated land technician
- teacher
Graduate destinations
Organisations our graduates have gone on to work in include:
- GEA
- Gardline
- SOCOTEC
- Global Map Aid
- National Physical Laboratory (NPL)
- Land Referencing Services (LRS)
Ongoing careers support
After you graduate, you can get help, advice and support for up to 5 years from our Careers and Employability Service as you advance in your career.
Facilities
Student Testimonials
English Language Requirements
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