BSc (Hons) Geology with Geography with a Placement Year

Course Overview

Explore the classical areas of earth sciences in this modern degree that will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges.

Our BSc Geology with Geography with a Placement Year degree explores questions such as: What happens during an earthquake? What’s going on inside an erupting volcano? How does a meteorite impact affect the Earth? Why do flash floods happen and can we stop them?  Why do some landslides carry on for years, but others develop very quickly?

This course combines geology and geography where you’ll follow a programme that takes a very modern approach to Earth science – one that links geology with physical geography, human society and a multitude of surface and environmental processes. You’ll get out in the field or into the lab to use the principles of geology and physical geography to explore topics including plate tectonics, natural resources, geochemistry, earthquakes, volcanoes, soil health and water quality. You’ll also explore the important relationships between these topics and other disciplines in geography and across the environmental sciences – an opportunity not usually available in traditional geology departments. What’s more, you’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending your third year on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience whilst developing your skills, knowledge and industry contacts.

Studying Geology with Geography will help you understand the solid Earth and the societal consequences of its processes – such as volcanoes, earthquakes and floods. You’ll explore the interaction of human society and the Earth using geology, geography, social science and the core sciences, with the opportunity to focus on areas that interest you. As well as an introduction to geology and the earth system, in your first year you’ll gain an important foundation in research skills, and exposure to a range of environmental problems in relation to the climate, natural hazards, land use, biodiversity and sustainability.  As you progress through the course, you’ll be able to specialise choosing from a wide range of modules covering topics such as plate tectonics, sediments, volcanoes, earthquakes, earth resources and ancient climates.

Our vast research expertise means that we provide world-class teaching, and our international reputation ensures you’ll have a wealth of career opportunity after you graduate. You’ll be held in high esteem in the wider geosciences community for the high levels of laboratory, field and transferable skills you’ll acquire during the course. You’ll also benefit from a flexible and adaptable degree programme, where conventional subject boundaries are dissolved to give you an integrated learning experience. Check out this solar water pump start-up project, founded by UEA graduates.

This course is open to

UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.

We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.

You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.

English and Mathematics

All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.

We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.

Typical International Entry Requirements

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

A levels

ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.

International Baccalaureate

32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.

INTO UEA

If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.

English Foreign Language

Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading): 

• IELTS:  6.0  overall (minimum  5.5  in all components) 

We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.

Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.

If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.

Deferred Entry

We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.

Admissions Policy

Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.

Recent Study

We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.

Employability

As a Geology with Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers and have a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, private sector or governments, in the areas of geological resource management, economic and social development, planning, or policy making. Alternatively, you could pursue an MSc or PhD in geology, geography or a related discipline.

During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and at our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical and geological skills.

Examples of careers that you could enter include:

• Geoscientist
• Engineering geologist
• Geological consultant
• Earth Sciences technician
• Cartographer

Discover more on our Careers pages.