Geology (North America) MESci (Hons)

Due to the impact of COVID-19 we're changing how the course is delivered.

The first two years of this four-year degree are shared with the BSc programme whilst the final two years provide more advanced training. Year Three is spent at a partner university in North America.

Field-based training is key. You will gain skills in analysis, synthesis, problem solving, research and reporting, while experiencing a different and diverse culture and learning environment.

The number of places available on this degree programme is limited. If you apply, but do not achieve the required grades, you will be offered a place on either F601 or F600, provided you obtain the required grades for those programmes.

This degree is accredited by the Geological Society of London, satisfying the requirements of Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.

Programme in detail

In Years One and Two we provide core training in all key areas of geology. After Year Three in North America, you can choose from modules specific to the four-year programme including Volcanic processes, Geohazards, Geodynamics and Rock deformation. Year Four field classes visit Northern Spain or Tenerife.

In Year Four, you will work within one of our research groups and complete a major geological research project. This will involve development of research and communication skills through a project proposal, literature review, journal-style manuscript and conference-style talk.

This programme is recognised under the ‘Accreditation of Geoscience First Degree’ scheme of the Geological Society of London and is suitable for a professional career in geosciences.

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Fieldwork opportunities

A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. The field work is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.

Department Key Facts

Number of first year students

140 Earth, Ocean and Ecological Sciences Year One undergraduates in 2014

Graduate prospects

84% in work or further study after six months, with an average salary of £20,000 (range £17K-£25K)

National Student Survey

93% of our students were satisfied overall with their course in the National Student Survey 2014

Department resources

State of the art practical laboratories

External endorsements

All our degrees are accredited by the Geological Society of London, or (for Geophysics (Physics)) by the Institute of Physics.

Facts and figures

Ranking

8th in the Complete University Guide 2015
11th in the Guardian University Guide 2015
8th in the Sunday Times / Times University Guide 2015

Why this subject?

Benefit from access to our world-class teaching facilities

Our award-winning, teaching laboratories are the most advanced in Europe and offer you an inspiring environment to learn in. You’ll be taught to confidently use state-of-the-art research and industry standard equipment during your degree.

Have confidence for the future with our accredited degree programmes

Our accredited programmes demonstrate that you have gained the skills necessary for a professional career, enabling you to become professionally chartered. Geology degrees are recognised by the Geological Society of London and Geophysics degrees are recognised by the Institute of Physics. You will build the skills necessary for many areas of employment from environmental protection and consultancy, planning and conservation, through to the petroleum, geotechnical and mineral extraction industries and careers in scientific research or academia.

Develop academically with support from our network of staff and access to research groups

You’ll be taught by research active staff, at the forefront of their chosen fields, learning about cutting-edge science before it appears in textbooks. You’ll also have the opportunity to undertake project work within the Department’s research groups.

Fulfil your potential in a supportive environment

Our excellent staff to student ratio means you will never be an anonymous student in an enormous class and you’ll have the opportunity to get to know all staff in the Department. You will have fortnightly tutorials with a member of academic staff in Years One and Two, and you will be assigned a personal tutor, who can offer guidance and support throughout your time at the University. We also have a very active Earth Sciences student society ‘The Herdman Society’, which runs academic and social events from guest lectures and fieldtrips to gala dinners, symposiums and sports events.

Complement your studies with extensive fieldwork opportunities

By the time you graduate, our extensive field training will have equipped you with the specific practical skills necessary for a career in Earth Sciences, and you will have developed transferable life-skills and independent thinking*.

*A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and fieldwork. The fieldwork is carried out at various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.