Program Overview

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BSc (Hons) Geology with Foundation Year

The BSc (Hons) Geology with Foundation Year is a four-year undergraduate degree program designed for students who are interested in geology but do not meet the standard entry requirements for the three-year BSc (Hons) Geology degree. The foundation year provides an additional year of study to equip students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence to succeed in their chosen degree program.

About the Course

The course explores the forces that shape our planet, tackling critical challenges such as reducing natural hazard risks, understanding environmental change, and driving the clean energy transition. Students will have the opportunity to develop their skills in a range of areas, including microscopy, fieldwork, and career planning.

Foundation Year

The foundation year is designed to provide students with a comprehensive introduction to earth sciences, chemistry, biology, and mathematics. The year is divided into four core modules:

• Becoming a Successful Global Scientist: This module introduces students to the major global environmental challenges facing society today and helps them develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in higher education.
• Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences: This module covers the fundamental concepts and analysis methods for chemical, environmental, and earth system sciences.
• Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes: This module builds on the core ideas introduced in the first semester, introducing a range of additional physical, earth, and environmental concepts.
• Sustainable Development Project: This module introduces students to group work, where they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today.

Progression Routes

After successfully completing the foundation year, students can progress onto one of the following degree programs:

• BSc (Hons) Geology
• BSc (Hons) Physical Geography and Geology
• BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience

Fieldwork and Facilities

The course includes a range of fieldwork opportunities, both locally and internationally, to provide students with hands-on experience in diverse and dynamic environments. Students will also have access to cutting-edge facilities, including a 5G interactive microscope laboratory and palaeomagnetic laboratories.

Careers

Geologists are in demand globally, and this course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to pursue a range of career paths, including environmental consulting, mining, geotechnical engineering, hydrogeology, petroleum geology, academic research, government agencies, natural disaster management, environmental law, and education.

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the course are:

• UK students: ｣9,790 per year (full-time study)
• International students: ｣19,200 per year (full-time study)

Entry Requirements

The typical offer for the course is 32 UCAS points, and students may be eligible for a contextual offer. The course also requires GCSE English and mathematics at grade C/4 or above, and A levels in science subjects.

English Language Requirements

To be accepted onto the course, students must have a suitable English language qualification.

Research Areas

The course is taught by expert staff who are skilled researchers in their field, and the university has a range of research areas, including:

• Centre for Research in Earth Sciences (CRES)
• Plate tectonics
• Climate change
• Modern surface processes
• Evolution of life on Earth

Student Life

The university offers a range of student services, including accommodation, student groups, and support for students with disabilities. The city of Plymouth also provides a unique and vibrant environment for students to live and study.