Program Overview

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MSci Engineering Geology and Geotechnics - 2026 entry

Overview

An advanced course designed to prepare you to tackle site investigation, ground engineering and remediation associated with civil engineering infrastructure projects and the safe supply of critical raw materials. MSci Engineering Geology and Geotechnics focuses on understanding the Earth, its processes and resources, and the engineering properties of rocks and soils. Gain technical experience through over 70 days of fieldwork as well as laboratory classes, optional industry placement and independent research possibilities. Study in Cornwall with access to world-class geology on your doorstep. Taught at Exeter’s Penryn campus by Camborne School of Mines, a combined geoscience and mining department with an international reputation for research-inspired teaching and excellent graduate prospects.

UCAS code

F615

Duration

4 years

Entry year

2026

Campus

Penryn Campus

Discipline

Geology

Contact

Web: Enquire online Phone: +44 (0)

Typical offer

• A level: ABB
• IB: 32/655
• BTEC: DDD–DDM

Contextual offers

• A-Level: BBC
• IB: 28/554
• BTEC: DMM

Overview

Year 1

During your first year, which is shared with all Geology students, you will gain a solid foundation in geology and the geosciences. You will undertake nine one-day field classes to iconic locations across Cornwall during terms 1 and 2, and attend a one-week residential field class in Pembrokeshire during early May.

Compulsory modules

• CSM1042: Dynamic Planet (15 credits)
• CSM1031: Earth and Environmental Chemistry (15 credits)
• CSM1043: Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones (15 credits)
• CSM1044: Earth History and Palaeontology (15 credits)
• CSM1036: Field Geology and Geological Maps (30 credits)
• CSM1041: Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists (15 credits)
• GEO1405B: Earth System Science (15 credits)
• CSM1904: CSM Professionalism Year 1 (0 credits)

Year 2

In Year 2, you will further develop core geological skills as well as your ability to collect and analyse geological data. Fieldwork includes seven one-day field classes, a residential field course in Devon and Dorset, and training in geological mapping on the Isle of Skye.

Compulsory modules

• CSM2182: Structural Geology and Tectonics (30 credits)
• CSM2183: Sedimentology and Stratigraphy (30 credits)
• CSM2184: Geological Mapping Techniques (15 credits)
• CSM2185: Geotechnics (15 credits)
• CSM2327: Igneous and Metamorphic Geology (15 credits)
• CSM2328: Igneous and Metamorphic Processes (15 credits)
• CSM2904: CSM Professionalism Year 2 (0 credits)

Year 3

A key aspect of year three teaching is its flexibility: in addition to the core modules you get to tailor your geological development to the topics which interest you most. The optional modules you’ll be choosing from cover a selection of continually-evolving subjects tackling a variety of global environmental challenges. The ‘Engineering Geology field course’ provides an opportunity to examine an outstanding area of geology famous for its tectonic and mining history, and typically cycles between Spain and Cyprus.

Compulsory modules

• CSM3417: Dissertation Project (30 credits)
• CSM3038: Surface Excavation Design (15 credits)
• CSM3047: GIS for Geologists (15 credits)
• CSM3152: Hydrogeology (15 credits)
• CSM3904: CSM Professionalism Year 3 (0 credits)
• CSM3416: International Field Class (15 credits)

Optional modules

• CSM3415: Surveying and Digital Mapping (15 credits)
• CSM3041: Tunnelling and Excavation Design (15 credits)
• CSM3049: Contaminated Land Management and Remediation (15 credits)
• CSM3151: Exploration Techniques (15 credits)
• CSM3409: Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development (15 credits)

Final year

During year four you will undertake an extensive research project on a contemporary topic of your choice, working at the forefront of science in collaboration with one of our world-class research groups. Your final year will also include an overseas field trip as well as a module in research frontiers that will introduce you to the cutting edge of geosciences research.

Compulsory modules

• CSMM439: Research Project (75 credits)
• CSMM423: Fourth Year Fieldclass (15 credits)
• CSMM440: Research Frontiers in Earth Science (30 credits)
• CSMM904: CSM Professionalism MSc (0 credits)

Fees

Please note: The fees for students starting in 2026 have yet to be set. The fees provided below are the fees for students starting in 2025 and are for guidance only. We will post the fees for 2026 entry shortly.

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

• UK students: £9,535 per year
• International students: £30,900 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

Fieldwork

All our Geology degree programmes provide a wealth of practical experience of working in the field at amazing locations across the UK and abroad.

The first year includes a six-day residential field course in Pembrokeshire along with nine one-day field-classes in Cornwall. The second year includes 34 days of fieldwork, in locations that include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The third year includes a geological field course in Cyprus, Italy or southern Spain.

Fieldwork is assessed through field notebooks, technical reports, and practical field-based assignments.

Learning and teaching

Learning on campus

Learning and teaching are delivered through a combination of lectures, ‘hands on’ practical classes, seminars, tutorials, field-based teaching, and independent study. Laboratory practical classes will develop your understanding of a range of geological topics and help put theory into practice.

On average you will have 18 teaching hours per week and will need to undertake additional independent study (e.g., directed reading, assignments, and project work). You can expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.

Our geology degrees are also flexible; you can transfer between any of our BSc and MSci degrees during your first year.

Research-led culture

You will benefit from being taught by experts active in internationally-recognised research. In doing so, you will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field, and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary between modules and may include individual or group reports, presentations, practical write-ups and exams. More innovative assessment techniques are also used, and may include the use of websites, posters, social media, videos, science communication, and dragons-den style presentations. You must pass the first year in order to progress to the second year, but your first-year marks do not count towards your final degree classification.

Support

• Personal Tutor: You will have a Personal Tutor available for advice and support throughout your studies.
• Study skills: Help with essay writing, research skills, time management, presentations and more.
• Modern language courses
• Health, wellbeing and general support

Your future

Geologists are required to help the global community deal with a range of environmental problems related to climate, energy, water, air pollution, natural hazards, supply of raw materials, and more.

Geology and geoscience degrees not only prepare you to tackle the world’s biggest environmental challenges, but they also lead to high employment rates and decent salaries, with graduate opportunities in the UK and around the world. The Camborne School of Mines Association and the award-winning University of Exeter Careers Service have the skills and a strong network of alumni to help you find employment.

Employer Visits

We provide regular ‘Pint and Pasty’ employer events throughout term that allow our students to network and meet with potential employers, and learn more about possible career paths.

Career Paths

Our graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities in a range of subjects, including mineral exploration, hydrogeology, geophysics, geotechnics, and environment-related industries. Graduates also go on to roles outside of geology, utilising the array of transferable skills they have developed. Recent graduates work in fields as diverse as the UK civil service, Arup Geotechnics, the National Trust, the Ministry of Defence and Geomarine Ltd.

The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Geology but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:

• Chartered Surveyor
• Engineering Project Manager
• Project Engineer
• Engineering Professional
• Estimator, Valuer or Assessor
• Environment Professional
• Financial Accounts
• IT Operations Technician
• Laboratory Technician
• Physical Scientist

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Career opportunities for geologists are limitless. Our programmes provide the essential skills for employment in a modern workplace, including discipline specific skills like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geological mapping and fieldwork, mineral deposit identification and exploration, scientific programming, and use of technical software, in addition to transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and quantitative data analysis.

Geologists from the University of Exeter are recognised as being articulate, resourceful and diligent, and claim great job satisfaction and excellent salaries.