BSc Geology
  • Undergraduate
  • BSc

Geology

Focus on the study of the Earth and how its interior, surface and atmosphere interact in this professionally accredited degree.

Focus on the study of the Earth and how its interior, surface and atmosphere interact in this professionally accredited degree

Explore specialist areas such as palaeobiology and oceanography

Engage in fieldwork to put your knowledge into practice and develop valuable skills

Showing course information for 2024 View 2025 course information

Course key facts

  • Qualification

    • BSc

  • Duration

    3 years

  • Start date

    October 2024

  • UCAS course code

    F600

  • Study mode

    Full-time

  • Fees

    • £9,250 Home

    • £40,940 Overseas

  • Delivered by

  • Location

    • South Kensington

  • Applications: places

    4 : 1 (2022)

Minimum entry standard

  • AAA (A-level)

  • 38 points (International Baccalaureate)

View full entry requirements

Course overview

By studying Earth's internal core, crust, oceans, atmosphere, and the solar system, we can gain a better understanding of how our planet works.

In this course, you'll combine traditional observational and field skills with numerical and analytical fundamental science to understand the Earth more quantitatively.

You'll benefit from our internationally leading research programme, as well as lectures and case studies from business and academic leaders.

You'll also have the opportunity to explore specialist areas such as palaeobiology and oceanography in further detail across a series of optional modules.

Our courses place a strong emphasis on fieldwork, where you'll learn essential skills and apply your knowledge in real-world settings.

In your final year, you'll also complete a research project or dissertation in an area of your interest.

Structure

This page is updated regularly to reflect the latest version of the curriculum. However, this information is subject to change.

Find out more about potential course changes.

Please note: it may not always be possible to take specific combinations of modules due to timetabling conflicts. For confirmation, please check with the relevant department.

You’ll take the following core modules.

You’ll also choose  three optional modules.

 

Core modules

  • Deforming the Earth
  • Dynamic Earth and Planets
  • Geology in the Field
  • Life over Deep Time
  • Physical and Surface Processes
  • Programming for Geoscientists
  • Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
  • Volcanism and Internal Processes

Optional Modules

  • Maths Methods 2 or Life over Deep Time
  • Chemistry for Geoscientists or Low Temperature Geochemistry

You’ll study the following core modules.

 

 

Core modules

  • High-temperature Geochemistry
  • Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
  • Maps and Structures
  • Palaeontology and Optical Petrology
  • Pure and Applied Geophysics
  • Remote Sensing Earth and Planets
  • Rocks and Structures in the Field
  • Sediments and Stratigraphy
  • Solar System Science

You’ll study all core modules. 

You’ll also choose six optional modules, two from Group A and four from Group B. 

A maximum of three can be level 7 modules from Group B during this year.

 

Core modules

  • Independent Project
  • Integrated Advanced Field Geology
  • I-Explore

Optional modules – Group A

  • Continental Tectonics
  • Climate
  • Near-surface Seismic Imaging
  • Advanced Remote Sensing

Optional modules – Group B (Level 6)

  • Advanced Programming
  • Astrobiology
  • Earth Systems
  • Environmental Seminars
  • Geological and Coastal Engineering
  • Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
  • Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
  • I-Explore
  • Mining Environmental Management
  • Ore Deposits
  • Planetary Surfaces
  • Tectonics of the Oceans

Optional modules – Group B (Level 7)

  • Advanced Exploration Geophysics
  • Applied Geomorphology
  • Collisions and Craters
  • Geodynamics
  • Geohazards
  • Geological Reactive Transport
  • Geophysical Inversion
  • Magmatic Processes and Products
  • Meteorites
  • Minerals Processing
  • Palaeobiology
  • Palaeoceanography
  • Planetary Chemistry
  • Planetary Physics

Professional accreditation

This degree is professionally accredited by the Geological Society of London.

With a professionally accredited degree, you’ll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. Professional accreditation also provides international recognition of your qualifications, which you can use to launch a career abroad.

Our BSc courses in Earth Science also reduce the number of years of post-graduation experience you need in order to register as a Chartered Geologist (CGeol). This is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in the geosciences industries, and can help you to enhance your career prospects and earning potential.

The current accreditation agreement started in the 2017–18 academic year, and is due to be renewed in 2023.

Associateship

In addition to your degree, you’ll receive the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines (ARSM) upon completion of this course. This associateship is awarded by one of our historic constituent Colleges.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching and learning methods

  • Person at lectern giving speech
    Lectures
  • Four students sitting in a tutorial
    Tutorials
  • Field work
  • A group of people interacting
    Group exercises
  • Laboratory work

Balance of assessment

Key

  • Coursework
  • Practical
  • Examination

Year 1

  • 15% Coursework
  • 20% Practical
  • 65% Examination

Year 2

  • 10% Coursework
  • 15% Practical
  • 75% Examination

Year 3

  • 15% Coursework
  • 35% Practical
  • 50% Examination

Assessment methods

  • A person completing a written exam
    Written examinations
  • Person completing coursework
    Coursework
  • Reports
  • Poster project
    Poster presentations
  • Person giving seminar
    Seminars
  • Oral assessments

Entry requirements

We consider all applicants on an individual basis, welcoming students from all over the world.

How to apply

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Applications are closed for 2024 entry.

Tuition fees

Home fee

2024 entry

£9,250 per year

Overseas fee

2024 entry

£40,940 per year

Your future career

Globe

In today's global challenges, earth science graduates are needed more than ever.

Skills

Develop the essential core knowledge and skills for an earth sciences career.

Man with a rocket in his mind

Become a geologist, geochemist, or geophysicist with highly sought-after skills in space-related jobs.

Cap and degree

Our graduates often pursue further study in master's programs or doctoral research.

Man standing under a sign pointing different directions

Other potential career paths include geologists, risk consultants, geophysicists, consultants and research assistants.

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Terms and conditions

There are some important pieces of information you should be aware of when applying to Imperial. These include key information about your tuition fees, funding, visas, accommodation and more.

Read our terms and conditions

You can find further information about your course, including degree classifications, regulations, progression and awards in the programme specification for your course.

Programme specifications