| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2023-09-01 | - |
Program Overview
Explore the mysteries of the planet and develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth as a complex system. On this integrated master's degree in geology, you'll cover all aspects of geology, from climate change to geoengineering. You'll gain the knowledge and skills for a high-level career in geoscience or to continue your scientific research.
This geology master's will provide you with extensive, in-depth knowledge of subjects such as:
physical volcanology
plate boundary tectonics
natural resources and sustainable development
marine geology
environmental geoscience
current and past climate change
In the final year, you'll choose a topic and carry out your own research investigation. You'll work with our academic experts and world-class analytical facilities.
After you graduate, your expertise will be in high demand in the geological industry. Whether you choose to focus on the need for raw materials, the environmental sector or engineering geology.
As a master in geology you can:
gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the subject
examine past climate events to help predict climate change
develop ways to discover new natural resources and exploit known ones responsibly
understand natural hazards and help avoid them
study volcanoes and the behaviour of magma
As part of this course you can:
study in a world-leading research institution,
National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
access superb, industry-standard facilities, including the National Oceanographic Library and 150 laboratories
go on field trips and residential field courses, both in the UK and abroad
gain career benefits through our many links to geological companies
develop transferable skills such as teamwork, written and oral communication, planning, presentation, data collection and analysis
Our MSci Geology courses are accredited by
The Geological Society of London
, meaning our teaching is of the highest quality and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists.Program Outline
This degree programme let you develop an extensive and in-depth knowledge of all of the fundamental aspects of cutting-edge geology.
The first 2 years consist mostly of compulsory modules. In your final 2 years, you'll have a larger selection of optional modules.
The research project is an important part of your final year.
Year 1 overview
You'll get a thorough introduction to mainstream geology. You'll study earth materials and ocean biogeochemistry, and learn key skills for geoscientists.
You can also choose 2 optional modules, of which, one must be a Mathematics module.
Year 2 overview
A set of core and compulsory Geology modules will further advance your knowledge.
You'll learn key geological skills, which replicate best practice in the industry. You'll also go on a residential trip for a mapping exercise. This will develop skills in communication and analysis, and train you to visualise geological structures in 3D.
Other modules include structural geology and a study of the origin, structure and composition of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Year 3 overview
You'll further advance your geology knowledge by studying the evolving Earth, microfossils and other specialist topics. Along with these compulsory modules, you'll have a wide range of options within geology and in related disciplines.
For example, you can study environmental and engineering geology, and explore their roles in environmental and engineering management.
A modules on palaeoclimatic change will let you explore records of climate changed locked in marine sediments and ice sheets.
Year 4 overview
You'll undertake an individual research project. This could involve an external organisation (for example, a research institution) or be hosted by one of the National Oceanography Centre Research Groups.
We expect you to take the initiative in choosing a research topic and contacting supervisors and external sponsors.
You'll also choose from a range of specialised optional modules.
The Barrel Award module is a team project to compete in an international competition. It is organised by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Want more detail?
See all the modules in the course.
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For Academic year 202324
A-levels
AAB including one acceptable science subject (minimum of grade B)
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
More information about A-levelsA-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including one acceptable science subject, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows: ABB including one acceptable science subject (minimum of grade B)
or
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 at one Higher Level Science subject
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology and Computer Science.
More information about International Baccalaureate DiplomaInternational Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
or
BTEC
D in the BTEC Extended Certificate plus AA in A Level to include one science subject. We do not accept the BTEC National Diploma/ BTEC National Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level to include one science subject.
RQF BTEC
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
More information about BTECQCF BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level to include one science subject. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level to include one science subject.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
orEntry requirements filter options
Show more entry requirementsIrish Leaving Certificate Scottish Qualification offers Cambridge Pre-U Welsh Baccalaureate
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 including one science subject
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2016)
AAAABB to include one science subject
Irish certificate additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at ILC Grade C or 04, the equivalent of GCSE grade C/grade 4.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the
University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF)
for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
D3, D3, M2 in three Principal subjects including one science subject at a minimum of M2
Cambridge Pre-U additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.
Welsh Baccalaureate
AAB from 3 A levels including one acceptable science subjects or AA from two A levels subject including two acceptable science subjects and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Other requirements
UK students
International students
Other ways to qualify
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Find the
equivalent international qualifications
for our entry requirements.English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need all of the following scores as a minimum:
IELTS score requirements
overall score
6.5
reading
6.0
writing
6.0
speaking
6.0
listening
6.0
We accept other English language tests.
Find out which English language tests we accept.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
our
Access to Southampton scheme
for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as
recognition of prior learning
)Find out more about our
Admissions Policy
.Science Foundation Year
The Science Foundation Year will give you the skills and knowledge to progress to this course if you don't have the right qualifications for direct entry.
It could be the right option if you:
are studying for A levels in subjects other than those we normally ask for
are a mature applicant with skills and experience from employment and can show recent study
you come from a part of the world where the education system is different from the British A level system
Find full details on our
Science Foundation Year page
.
Students requiring a visa to study in the UK
In addition to the University’s own English language proficiency requirements, the UK Home Office sets its own minimum standards for applicants requiring a visa to study in the UK. The current requirements are that:
English Language Tests
The University of Southampton accepts the following UKVI Secure English Language Tests:
Secure English Language Tests
must be dated within the two years immediately preceding the programme start date
as set out in any offer letter issued by the University.The University of Southampton also accepts the following English Language Tests:
Tests taken at a centralised test centre/venue:
iBT
(Test of English as a Foreign Language) The University of Southampton does not recognise MyBest scores and will only accept scores taken in one sitting within the 2 years immediately preceding the programme start date. Please note, we currently do not accept the TOEFLiBT
Paper Edition.Tests taken at home:
Non-SELT English Language Tests
must usually be dated within the two years immediately preceding the programme start date
as set out in any offer letter issued by the University.
Notes:
* You must present both certificates for the LanguageCert Level 1 Certificate in ESOL International (Bands FY, A, B, C, D, E) and the LanguageCert Level 2 Certificate in ESOL International (Bands F, G, H, I)
The University does not recognise any test not listed above.
