Geology BSc

Our Geology course offers a broad education in the geosciences from the processes that govern the Earth’s surface and interior, to the interactions between society and the Earth.

You’ll study all the essential geoscience 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; natural hazards and climate change; geotechnics; geological mapping and fieldwork; the sustainable management of natural resources and the development of clean geoenergy.

There’s a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge in the real world through practical hands-on learning and field trips, and you’ll be equipped with all the geological skills necessary to understand and work in the modern world.

Our degrees are professionally accredited by The Geological Society.

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 Geology (International) MGeol, BSc.

A top university for Earth Sciences

You’ll join a large and vibrant school, that brings together expertise ranging from geology and geophysics, environmental science, meteorology and climate science, to environmental social science.

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.

The first and second year focus on building your skillset in core modules, while the final year is dedicated to the application of these skills to a variety of geological topics in a combination of core and optional modules.

Throughout the degree you will study themes such as:

The Rock Cycle - You’ll get a broad introduction to geological materials by exploring how the rock cycle, driven by plate tectonics and Earth surface processes, creates, alters and destroys minerals and rocks.

Habitable Planet - You’ll look at big picture geology; the formation and evolution of the Earth; what makes it habitable for life; how it functions as a planet; and you’ll learn the fundamental aspects of chemistry, maths and physics you’ll need to study the Earth.

Field, Research and GIS skills - You’ll start developing the key skills needed to become an Earth scientist, from collecting, recording and interpreting data in the field to using computing packages, such as Geographic Information System (GIS) software.

Shaping the Earth - Using the geological history of the British Isles as an example you’ll explore how plate tectonics and global geological processes have shaped the Earth through time, and how the palaeontological record illustrates the evolution of life on our planet.

3D Earth - Discover the three-dimensional nature of geological structures, sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks, and how to describe and interpret these in two- and three-dimensions using geological maps and cross sections over the fourth dimension - time.

Geology and Society - Explore the complex interactions between the geosciences and society, illustrating the diverse roles of geoscientists, including topical case studies on natural resources, geohazards and infrastructure.

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: ABB , 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

  Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above. Must be in relevant subjects.

• BTEC

  DDM 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

  34 points overall, with 16 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects, one of which must be in mathematics or a science subject.

• Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)

  AAABBB/H2H2H2H3H3H3 in two relevant subjects, must be in mathematics or a science subject.

• Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers

  AABBB overall with BB in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AABBBB. To include 2 relevant subjects one of which must be in a mathematics or a science subject

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 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

Offer holders 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, 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: £23,750 (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><p><strong>In light of covid-19, no international field trips will run in the academic year 2020/21.</strong></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 available.

Geology graduates are highly regarded by employers for their skills in detailed observations, 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 such as renewable energies.

Our graduates have secured positions including:

• Project Engineer, Fugro Geoconsulting Ltd

• Geoscientist, ExxonMobil

• Technical Assistant, Heritage Insight Ltd

• Explorationist, Brunei Shell Petroleum

The transferable skills that you acquire throughout your degree will help you in many employment sectors.

Careers support

All years of study include a strong emphasis on applying your knowledge in the real world through practical hands-on learning and field trips.

We are committed to enhancing employability and offer a range of initiatives to ensure you receive the highest level of support throughout your studies. Read about careers and employability

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.

You may also be interested in our integrated Masters, which includes a year studying in Australia, Canada, New Zealand or the USA.

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.

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 includes a variety of field course destinations in the UK and abroad such as Ireland or Cyprus. 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 four week independent mapping project in a location chosen from areas such as the Isle of Skye, the Peak District, the Cornish coast, 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.