Geology

Key features of the course

• Observe, describe and analyse rocks, fossils, minerals and landforms.
• Use our award-winning online OpenSTEM Labs, plus do optional hands-on fieldwork.
• Gain critical thinking, communication, collaboration and problem-solving skills.
• Choose science and technology modules that complement your Earth science modules.

Entry requirements

There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.

At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.

Even though there are no entry requirements, there are some skills that you’ll need to succeed. If you’re not quite ready for OU study we can guide you to resources that prepare you, many of which are free.

Answer a few quick questions to check whether you’re ready for study success

• Stage 1 includes an option module, Questions in science (S111) – check you’re ready to study this module.
• Stage 1 also includes optional mathematics modules – check you’re ready to study these modules.

Skills for career development

You’ll gain practical experience, spatial skills, appreciation of different scales, confidence with incomplete data sets, and develop resilience during independent projects. All are sought-after assets relevant to many careers, including many outside geoscience. You’ll also understand your strengths and interests and be ready for your next step – whether that’s further study or employment.

You’ll also gain important transferable skills that prove your all-round ability and, including:

• communication
• digital literacy
• problem solving
• self-motivation
• team working.

Career relevance

The Government has identified a shortage of skilled geoscientists to fill professional geoscience roles. And geology graduates are also well-placed to succeed at both scientific and non-scientific jobs.

Possible career areas include:

• data analysis and processing, including Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing
• engineering geology
• environmental management, monitoring, remediation and conservation
• exploration and extraction of natural resources
• geohazard mitigation: seismology, volcanology
• research and investigation
• science communication and public engagement
• teaching
• waste management, recycling and sustainability.

Potential employers include conservation bodies; environmental and geoscience consultants; government agencies; mining and energy companies; science media and others.

Exploring your options

Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.

In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):

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