Geology (MSci)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

 

This is a four-year full-time course and you study for your Bachelors and Masters degree at the same time. The first three years are structured in the same way as the BSc course and then in year four you will complete your Masters qualification.  

 

In your first year you will study core modules and get a strong foundation in geology. In year two to four there are core and optional modules so you have some flexibility to choose to study the areas that you’re most interested in. Year four is focussed on a major independent research dissertation that marks the culmination of your studies. 

 

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, microscopy and, representing data in geographical information systems (GIS).

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 at 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 (e.g. Exploration 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 structures resulting from earthquakes and mountain building.

 

You can select from optional modules that open pathways to environmental or mineral resource geology, or to the study of landscapes and surface features. During this year you will gain skills and experience in sampling, data collection and analysis ready for your dissertation in year three.

 

We will go on residential field trips to Central and West Wales, Dorset and overseas as well as regular day trips to sites across South Wales.

 

In the summer between year two and three, you will do a five-week independent mapping project to prepare for your dissertation in year three. You can choose to do this in the UK or overseas. In the past students have chosen to study areas in North Wales, Scotland, Ireland, Norway, Northern Spain, Southern France or the French Alps.

 

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 third 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 and Geodynamics. For your optional modules you can choose from a range of specialist modules covering subjects like advanced fieldwork, natural hazards and resilience, environmental and engineering geology, ancient climates, and much more.

 

Year four
Year four is when you study for your Masters. Your core modules include your dissertation (60 credits) and a fieldwork module. For your optional modules you can choose from topics like business and consultancy or environmental modelling.

 

You can choose to do your Masters dissertation on any topic related to Environmental Geography that we can supervise in the School. You can either choose from a list of potential projects circulated by the School or you can work with a supervisor to design a project in an area you’re particularly interested in.

 

You will work one-to-one with a research supervisor throughout the year and possibly with a wider group of research students. Some of our best Masters research projects have been published in the scientific literature.

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

Geologists play a central role in society today. We need geology to locate sustainable sources of water, energy and minerals, to recognise and mitigate hazards, and to assess land for constructing roads or buildings.

 

With a geology degree, you can choose to work in a variety of different roles including an engineering geologist, a hydrogeologist, a mineralogist, and an environmental consultant. You will also have essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education and planning are looking for.

 

Your advanced research skills, innovation and initiative from your Masters will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry. Many senior positions in geology-related careers ask for a minimum of a Masters level qualification and it is often the entry-level qualification for PhD research programmes.

 

Some of our past students now work for the British Geological Survey, the Environment Agency, Digirock, Boliden Mining, Network Rail, Balfour Beatty and the engineering and mining consultancy Royal Haskoning DHV.