(Full time) 2021 start
Geology (International) MGeol, BSc
Overview
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.
Study abroad
You will spend your third year studying at one of our international partner universities in Australia, New Zealand, Canada or the USA. This year is fully integrated into your course, so it counts towards your final degree classification, and you take only MSc-level modules during your fourth and final year.
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.
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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 & 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.
Module details
Take a look at the module descriptions to find out more about what you will study.
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
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, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA including two from: Biology, Chemistry, Geology, Geography, Mathematics, Physics. If Geography and Geology are taken together, another science is preferred as third subject.
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 English language and Mathematics qualification.
Other course specific tests:If you do not achieve the higher grades required for this four-year programme, we guarantee you a place on the BSc programme (provided you achieve the grades required for the BSc). A successful performance during years 1 and 2 will support an application to transfer back to this Integrated Masters programme.
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BTEC
D*D*D 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.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D2, D3, D3 including two relevant subjects.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in two relevant subjects.
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Irish Leaving Certificate (higher Level)
A1A1AAAA/H1H1H2H2H2H2 in two relevant subjects.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB overall with AA in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAAAA. To include 2 relevant subjects.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the Schools 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.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.
For alternative qualification offers please contact the admissions team.
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
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2024
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £24,500 (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>Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional fields trips.</p><p>We hope to run our fieldwork activities as planned for the 21/22 academic year, but it might not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually reviewing the situation and will communicate any decisions to applicants and offer holders at the earliest possible opportunity.</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
Career opportunities
MGeol graduates are highly regarded by employers for their teamwork, problem solving, IT and data handling and manipulation skills, as well as for the breadth of experience that they have acquired as part of their year studying abroad. Our graduates go on to successful careers in industry or with government bodies, or pursue PhD research as the first step on a career in academia.
Our graduates have secured positions including:
Research Scientist, CSIRO
Analyst, Thomson Reuters
Senior Geologist, BP Exploration Ltd
Our strong research tradition means that our graduates are also found working as researchers in government organisations and universities around the world.
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 and work placements
Your year abroad
On this course, your year abroad replaces the third year of your degree (it does not add an additional year to your studies). During the year, you will follow the geophysics course at your host institution and will return to Leeds to complete the final year of study at masters level.
We have partnerships with universities across the world.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.