Geology

Overview and aims of the Programme To find solutions to some of the biggest problems facing our planet today we need to understand the Earth’s history and processes. Geologists use their knowledge of past climates and hazards to understand and address the challenges we face from issues like climate change and natural disasters.

On our Geology course you will explore how rocks and minerals are formed, how animals evolve over geological time, what causes earthquakes and volcanoes and how the science of Geology impacts on our lives today. You will develop skills in fieldwork, data capture, analysis and confident decision making.

We make the most of our location and take regular field trips in South Wales to explore how geology impacts on the landscapes and the industry of the region. There will also be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past we’ve been to Spain and Cyprus.

We’ve worked with industry to design our degree so you graduate with the specialist skills needed to be a professional geologist.

You don’t need to have studied Geology already as we’ll be starting year one with the basic principles to bring everyone to the same level.

Distinctive Features of the Programme

Professional accreditation - our Geology degree is accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK. This accreditation keeps us connected to industry and allows our graduates to become chartered Geologists.

Student satisfaction - Belong to a small and friendly community voted close to the top among all Russell Group Universities in the main category of Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019.

Flexible degree schemes - all of the School’s degrees have a common first semester that introduce you to geosciences and geography. You can then decide whether to stay with your chosen degree or switch to another in the same School. BSc Geology students also have the most flexibility in years two and three with a range of optional modules to choose from.

Hands-on fieldwork - you will get plenty of opportunity to develop your fieldwork skills with regular day trips and residential trips in Wales and overseas. South Wales has a diverse geological history and there are lots of outstanding natural landscapes for us to explore. A mapping trip to Spain is also included in your course fees.

World leading experts and facilities – you will be taught by world-leading earth scientists and have access to the latest technologies and training for surveying and mapping geological features.

Access to the British Geological Survey and National Museum of Wales - our school is in the same building as the Welsh office of the British Geological Survey and next door to the National Museum of Wales. We use the exhibition galleries of the National Museum and material from its collections to enhance our teaching. The British Geological Survey Wales also provide ideas for student projects and advice on professional skills and careers.