Program Overview

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Geology (MSci)

Award

Integrated Masters degree in Science

Typical Offer

AAB-ABB

Duration

4 years

Course Type

Full-time

Campus

Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton)

UCAS Course code

F601

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Open days and visits

Geology (MSci) starting September 2023 for 4 years

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Clearing 2025: this course will be available in Clearing

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About this course

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 behavior 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.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Entry requirements

Academic year filter options

For Academic Year 2025/26

A-levels

AAB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B)

OR

ABB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B)

A-levels additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 in two Higher Level acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level preferred science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Environmental Science and Geography

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects.

OR

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subjects.

Additional information

Acceptable A Level science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Preferred A level Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Access to HE Diploma

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit

Access to HE additional information

A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include two accepted/preferred science subjects.

OR

H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to include two preferred science subjects.

Irish certificate additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

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.

Cambridge Pre-U

D3, D3, M2 to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects

OR

D3, M2, M2 to include two preferred science subjects.

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Welsh Baccalaureate

AA from two acceptable/preferred science A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate

OR

AB from two preferred science A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate.

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology.

Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

T Level

Not accepted for this course. Applicants with a T Level in a relevant subject should apply for the Science Foundation Year

Other requirements

• UK students
• International students
• Other ways to qualify

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.

Course structure

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.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules in year 1:

• Coevolution of Life and Earth
• Dynamic Earth
• Earth Materials
• Earth and Ocean System
• Fieldwork for Geoscientists
• How to be Scientifically Literate
• Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry

Year 2 modules

You must study the following modules in year 2:

• Exploration Geophysics and Remote Sensing
• Geochemistry
• Geohazards
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists
• Palaeobiology
• Sediment in the Environment
• Structural Geology and GIS

Year 3 modules

You must study the following modules in year 3:

• Earth Resources for the Green Transition
• Earthquake and Volcano Seismology
• Independent Mapping Project
• The Evolving Earth

You must also choose from the following modules in year 3:

• Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System
• Environmental and Engineering Geology
• Ocean and Earth Science Research Training
• Palaeoclimate Change
• Volcanic and Mantle Processes

Year 4 modules

You must study the following modules in year 4:

• Advanced Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Scientists
• Advanced Independent Research Project
• Contemporary Topics in Ocean and Earth Science

You must also choose from the following modules in year 4:

• Carbon Storage in the Sub-Surface Environment
• Climate and Climate Change
• Environmental Radioactivity and Radiochemistry
• Seafloor Exploration and Surveying 2
• The Ground Beneath Our Feet: The Geological History of the last 2 Million Years

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

• lectures
• classes and tutorials
• coursework
• individual and group projects
• independent learning (studying on your own)

Course time

How you'll spend your course time:

• Year 1
• Year 2
• Year 3
• Year 4

Year 1

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 34%
  • Independent learning: 66%
• Assessment:
  • Written exam: 62%
  • Coursework: 18%
  • Practical exam: 20%

Year 2

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 36%
  • Independent learning: 64%
• Assessment:
  • Written exam: 42%
  • Coursework: 29%
  • Practical exam: 29%

Year 3

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 39%
  • Independent learning: 61%
• Assessment:
  • Written exam: 46%
  • Coursework: 15%
  • Practical exam: 39%

Year 4

• Study time:
  • Scheduled learning & teaching: 24%
  • Independent learning: 76%
• Assessment:
  • Written exam: 9%
  • Coursework: 53%
  • Practical exam: 38%

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Richard Stockey is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Commercial awareness
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Adaptability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Oil, gas and petroleum sector,
• groundwater industry,
• environmental consultancies,
• civil engineering and construction companies.

Careers directly related to this course:

• Engineering geologist
• Environmental consultant
• Geochemist
• Geophysicist
• Geoscientist
• Hydrogeologist
• Mudlogger
• Well site geologist

Wider career opportunities:

• Drilling engineer
• Energy engineer
• Environmental engineer
• Minerals surveyor
• Quarry manager
• Sustainability consultant

Example job titles of Southampton MSci Geology graduates*:

• Catastrophe modeler
• Geospatial graduate
• Gradate engineering geologist
• Graduate environmental technologist
• Hydrographic geophysical surveyor
• Project geologist
• Medical laboratory assistant
• Environmental consultant

Job prospects for MSci Geology graduates

• Average professional salary: £28k
• In a skilled profession or further study: 87%
• Graduate employment rate: 98%

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,535.
• EU and international students pay £28,800.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

• UCAS course code: F601
• UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

• predicted grades
• academic achievements
• personal statement
• academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email:
Tel:+44(0)