Exploration Geology (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

This is a three-year full-time degree. In your first year you will study core modules and get a strong foundation in exploration geology. In year two and three there are core and optional modules so you have some flexibility to choose to study the areas that you’re interested in.   

 

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

 

Year one
In your first year you will study core modules designed to give you a solid foundation in the science of Geology. We start with the basic principles, and cover topics like Earth’s surface plates and internal structure, the minerals that make our planet and the evolution of life through billions of years of geological time. You will develop essential skills like mapping and surveying, representing data in geographical information systems (GIS) and microscopy.

 

We will go on local field trips across South Wales and a week-long residential field trip to Pembrokeshire in West Wales to build on your learning from lectures and practical classes.

 

All of the degrees in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences study the same first semester. After semester one you can decide whether you want to continue with your original choice or switch to one of the other degrees (such as Geology or Environmental Geoscience).

 

You earn 120 credits for the year with each core module worth 20 credits.

 

Year two
In your second year you will build on the knowledge from year one and start exploring more advanced concepts like sedimentary processes, the origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks and the formation of mineral deposits and hydrocarbon resources. You will gain skills and experience in surface and underground mapping, sampling, data collection and analysis ready for your dissertation in year three.

 

We will train you to map on residential field trips to Pembrokeshire and North Wales, study source rocks and reservoirs for oil and gas in Dorset and explore for base and precious metals on surface and underground in a historic gold mine.

 

From year two you can also take part in our Exploration Alumni mentoring scheme. We will partner you up with a recent graduate that’s working in the sector you’re interested in and they can offer practical advice on things like professional skills, career development and which optional modules are the most relevant to your career ambitions.

 

In the summer between year two and three you will do a five-week independent project to prepare for your dissertation in year three. This will either be an applied mapping project or an industry placement. In recent years exploration students have mapped in Scotland, Wales, Ireland and Spain and carried out placement projects with companies exploring in Greenland, Senegal, Canada, Finland, Turkey and Serbia.

 

You earn 120 credits for the year. This is made up of 40 and 20 credit core modules and a choice of 20 credit optional modules.

 

Year three
In your final year you will have more freedom to shape your degree and choose modules that fit with your career ambitions. You will also develop essential professional skills and knowledge that all employers are looking for.

 

You earn 120 credits for the year. The core modules include your dissertation, Mineral Exploration and Evaluation and Petroleum Geology, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis. You will carry out projects using industry standard exploration software and work individually and as teams to carry out regional exploration for metals and hydrocarbons using historical datasets donated by industry.

 

A level
ABB-BBB. If you have grade B in the relevant language A-level you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

 

International Baccalaureate
32-31 overall or 665 in 3 HL subjects. If you have grade 6 in the relevant language at HL you will have access to the languages advanced pathways.

 

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

 

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

 

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

 

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

 

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

 

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

Our graduates have been leaders in the minerals, metals and energy exploration industries for over 100 years and you can become part of this ongoing story. With a degree in Exploration Geology, you have a range of career options open to you and can apply for roles like an exploration geologist, a hydrogeologist, a mineralogist or an environmental consultant. The practical and business-focused aspects of the degree will give you essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education and planning are looking for.

 

Some of our past students have gone on to work for North American Nickel, Mineco, Karelian Gold Ltd, 6 Alpha Associates, Gemfields Ltd, Terravision Exploration Ltd, Bibby Hydromap and the engineering and mining consultancies SRK, Golder Associates and Royal HaskoningDHV. Many of our students that spent time in industry as part of their dissertation project went on to work for the same organisation after graduation.