Geological Sciences BSc

The Geological Sciences BSc offers a broad and deep education in the geological processes that govern the evolution of the Earth’s surface and interior.

You’ll study all the essential earth science disciplines: the sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic origins of rocks and minerals; the evolution of life on earth; plate tectonics and the structural deformation of rocks; earthquakes, volcanoes, landslides and other natural hazards; geological mapping and fieldwork; and the use of geological natural resources. Specialist “pathways” allow you to develop interests in petroleum, minerals and the environment.

There's a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge in the real world through practical hands-on learning and field trips, in national and international destinations.

You'll be taught by staff at the cutting edge of research wordlwide and you'll have access to outstanding facilities.

Extending this degree

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement or overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. Read "Study abroad and work placements".

We also offer an Integrated Masters (combining bachelor and Masters level study), where you spend a year studying abroad at a partner university and return to Leeds to study MSc-level modules in your final year. Read Geological Sciences (International) MGeol, BSc.

A top university for Earth Sciences

If you study in our School of Earth and Environment you’ll join one of the largest and most vibrant schools in the country. We are one of the few universities that has brought together the complete range of geoscience and environmental disciplines under one banner.

Excellent relationships with industry

We attract industry sponsorship and maintain excellent relationships with major companies in the sector, such as BP and GETECH. Their developing commercial requirements inform and influence the development of our course content.

Accreditation

This course has been accredited by The Geological Society of London, the recognised professional body for geoscientists.

An accredited degree is the first step to becoming a Chartered Geologist, an increasingly important professional qualification for those aiming at geotechnical and geo-engineering careers.

Each year of the course includes a combination of compulsory core modules and optional modules which allow you to follow your areas of interest.

Four specialist pathways run throughout the programme and you’ll be introduced to all of them in your first year, choosing those that interest you most in subsequent years:

• The Geology pathway provides a broad geological base.
• The Petroleum pathway provides focused education in exploration geophysics, sedimentology, structural geology, and hydrocarbon resource geology. It is recommended for students intending to pursue a career in the hydrocarbons industry.
• The Environmental pathway provides education in aspects of environmental geology. It is recommended for students intending to pursue a career in environmental and engineering geology, or those considering working for a geoconsultancy company.
• The Minerals pathway focuses on aspects of geology relevant to ore position, mineral exploration and resource development. It is an ideal route for students considering a career in minerals exploration or mining geology.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Learning and teaching

Most modules combine lectures with practicals, workshops or seminars, depending on the subject. These are enhanced with skills classes, fieldtrips and small group academic tutorials. You can expect to study in a variety of settings, from large lecture theatres to computer clusters, seminar rooms, tutorials, laboratories, visualisation suites and out in the field. Our state-of-the-art building, hosting specifically equipped facilities such as the EArth Visualisation Laboratory, is in the centre of the campus and provides an ideal working environment, and offers quiet study and coffee areas when you are not in class.

We offer research-led teaching across the breadth of our disciplines, from specialists in their field. As Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you’ll be studying amongst staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.

On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

You'll be assessed through a variety of methods, specifically designed to help students learn, whatever their preferred learning style. We use both coursework and exams, but with a general progression from an emphasis on exams in year 1 towards an emphasis on coursework in your final year.

Entry requirements

A-level: AAB , including two from biology, chemistry, geology, geography or environmental studies (not both), mathematics, physics.

Offers exclude general studies. You don’t need to have a qualification in geology to study this course, as we start from first principles.

GCSE: English and Mathematics at grade C (4) or above, or an equivalent appropriate English language and Mathematics qualification.

• Access to HE Diploma

  60 credits overall with at least 45 credits at Level 3, including 30 credits at Distinction and 15 at Merit. Must be in relevant subjects.

• BTEC

  DDD in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information.

• Cambridge Pre-U

  D3, M1, M1 including two relevant subjects.

• International Baccalaureate

  35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  AAAABB/H2H2H2H2H3H3 in two relevant subjects.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB overall with AB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAABB. To include 2 relevant subjects.

Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.

Alternative entry

We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.

Access to Leeds is a contextual admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.

Find out more about Access to Leeds and contextual admissions.

If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.

International

We accept a range of International Qualifications. For more information please contact the Admissions Team.

International Foundation Year

International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

How to apply

Apply to this course through UCAS. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Visit Days

Offerholders will be invited to a post-application Visit Day as this gives you the opportunity to meet our staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course. During the day you’ll find out more about studying at Leeds, have your questions answered and have an informal one-to-one meeting with an academic member of staff, to check that it’s the right course for you and your career plans.

After you apply we will send you a link to book your place on the applicant day, if you are unable to attend ​or have previously attended an admissions event at Leeds then please let us know.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024

Fees

UK/EU: See fees section below

International: £22,750 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.

Read more about paying fees and charges.

Additional cost information

<p>While the School heavily subsidises or covers the cost of all compulsory taught field courses, you may have to supplement these trips depending on the destination you choose. There will however always be a free option for you to select. You may incur some costs for some optional fieldtrip modules. Full details are available on request.</p>

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.

Scholarships

Scholarships are available.

Geology graduates are highly regarded by employers for their skills in teamwork, problem solving, IT and data handling and manipulation.

Studying Geology at Leeds opens the door to a wide range of careers. The solid scientific basis of your course and the fieldwork involved gives your degree a high value in a number of employment sectors. Oil and mineral industries are the traditional employers for geologists, but you’ll also find career opportunities in new and expanding areas of engineering and environmental protection. The transferable skills that you acquire throughout your degree will help you in many employment sectors.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Project Engineer, Fugro Geoconsulting Ltd
• Geoscientist, ExxonMobil
• Technical Assistant, Heritage Insight Ltd
• Explorationist, Brunei Shell Petroleum

If you wish to continue with further study, you could enhance your employment prospects even further by taking a vocational MSc degree in Leeds – with industry sponsored scholarships and other funds available.

Careers support

We recognise that employability is an increasingly important consideration for prospective undergraduates. With this in mind, pathways through our Geological Sciences degree enable you to focus your studies towards a favoured aspect of the discipline, helping you to maximise your chances of employment in major geoscience sectors. All years of study include a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge in the real world through practical hands-on learning and field trips, with a mix of national and international destinations.

The School of Earth and Environment is committed to enhancing employability and offers a range of initiatives to ensure our students receive the highest level of support throughout their studies. Read about careers and employability on the School website

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.

Study abroad

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year study abroad degree by spending an additional year overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. You don’t apply directly to this course, instead you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.

To be eligible for Study Abroad you’ll need to maintain a good average in your assessments in years 1 and 2 and, for some destinations, you may have to show you have the necessary language skills.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

You may also be interested in our integrated Masters, which includes a year studying in Australia, Canada or the USA. Read Geological Sciences (International) MGeol, BSc.

Year in industry

You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year industrial degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study. This allows you to gain valuable hands-on experience, and earn a salary, before you complete the final year of your degree.

The School has strong connections with industry and will help you through the search, application and interview process. You may end up working in or near Leeds, near your home, or perhaps overseas. The School will provide guidance and assistance throughout the process and will support you during your placement, liaising with your employer to ensure that your work is of value to your academic development.

Read more about Year in Industry on the School website.

Fieldwork will be an essential element of your degree, and is one of the most enjoyable and sociable parts of the course for students and staff alike. The Geology programme at Leeds includes a variety of field course destinations in the UK and abroad. The Leeds degree includes residential field trips in every year, during which you will learn basic field and geological mapping skills, study sedimentary metamorphic and structural processes, and investigate natural resource, hazard and geo-environmental issues. Your field training culminates in a six week independent mapping project in a location chosen from areas such as the Isle of Skye, the Peak District, the Cornish coast, the Alps, the Pyrenees, the West Coast of Ireland, and Greece.

Because we recognise the value of field experience the school heavily subsidises or covers the transport and accommodation costs for all compulsory taught fieldcourses and many optional field trips, we also contribute to the cost of your independent mapping project.