Program Overview

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MSci Geology (F603)

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.

Learn with experts whose research feeds directly into your studies at the cutting edge of scientific developments. Recent options have included Volcanic Hazards, Global Tectonics, Mineral Resources and Hydrogeology.

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 key 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 MSci is accredited by TGS.

Overview

Typical offer

• A-level standard offer: ABB
• A-level contextual offer: BBC
• Go to entry requirements for the full entry criteria and contextual offer eligibility.

Programme duration

• 4 year(s) full-time.
• Part-time study is not available for this course

Application method

• UCAS (Code: F603)

Location

• Clifton campus

Fees

• £9,535 per year, home students
• £30400 per year, international students
• More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.

Fees quoted are for 2025 entry only. Fees for 2026 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2025.

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.

International qualifications

• The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

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 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)
• Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.

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.
• Further information about English language requirements and profile levels

Related courses

• BSc Geology
• MSci Geology with Study Abroad
• Environmental Geoscience
• Geography
• Palaeontology and Evolution