Program Overview

MSci Geology with Study Abroad (F609)

2026 entry | view 2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (UK top ten for Geology, QS World University Rankings by subject 2025).

If you are curious about our planet and interested in finding solutions to global problems, this course is for you. Learn about the physics, chemistry, and history of the Earth through hands-on examination of Earth materials such as rocks, minerals, and fossils, and use remote sensing techniques to explore the structure and chemistry of its inaccessible areas.

You'll be taught by renowned experts whose research feeds directly into your studies, meaning you'll learn at the cutting edge of scientific developments. Recent options have included Volcanic Hazards, Global Tectonics, Mineral Resources, and Hydrogeology.

Your third year is spent abroad studying at one of our partner universities overseas, where you'll study units comparable to those offered at Bristol. Recently, students have been to North America, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand. To find out more about studying abroad, visit the Centre for Study Abroad.

MSci courses allow you to invest in your skills development by studying more advanced material in greater depth during your final year, preparing you for further research or boosting your career opportunities.

We have a large geology collection and practical study spaces, giving you plenty of opportunities to get a real feel for geology in practice.

You will gain plenty of hands-on experience, with over 40 days of fieldwork both in the UK and overseas, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee. Field trips are a huge part of why our school community is so close-knit, giving you the chance to get to know your coursemates and staff while honing your practical skills.

The skills developed throughout your studies are highly valued by employers, from scientific and technical skills including coding, modelling, lab skills, and data analysis, to transferable skills such as communication, creativity, and resilience.

Accreditations

Our Geology with Study Abroad MSci is accredited by TGS.

Overview

• Typical offer:
  • A-level standard offer: ABB
  • A-level contextual offer: BBC
• Programme duration: 4 year(s) full-time. Part-time study is not available for this course.
• Application method: UCAS (Code: F609)
• Location: Clifton campus, Placements
• Fees:
  • £9,535 per year, home students
  • £30,400 per year, international students

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

• A-level standard offer: ABB including two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography, and Marine Science.
• A-level contextual offer: BBC including BB in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography, and Marine Science.
• BTEC: DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
• International Baccalaureate Diploma: 32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography, and Marine Science.
• International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer: 29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography, and Marine Science.
• European Baccalaureate: 77% overall, with 8.0 in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography, and Marine Science.
• Scottish Qualifications Authority: Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography, and Marine Science.
• Access to HE Diploma: Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit from units in two science-related subjects.
• Welsh Baccalaureate: Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales or the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
• Cambridge Pre-U: Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.

Selection process

• Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement are found in the University admissions policies and procedures.
• If applying with extenuating circumstances please see our policy.
• Full information about our selection processes for Geology with Study Abroad can be found in the Admissions Statement.

Applicants must also meet these requirements

• GCSE profile requirements: Higher numeracy requirement (6 or B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent)
• English language requirements: If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
  • IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all skills
  • GCSE English Language grade C or 4
  • an alternative qualification outlined in our Profile level C.

Related courses

• BSc Geology
• MSci Geology
• Environmental Geoscience
• Geography
• Palaeontology and Evolution

Next steps

• Visit us at an open day
• Download a prospectus
• Find out how to apply
• Make an enquiry