Geology

Key features of the course

• Observe, describe and analyse rocks, fossils, minerals and landforms.
• Explore our award-winning OpenSTEM Labs and online databases for current research data.
• Gain key science skills in critical thinking, communication and problem-solving.
• Opportunities to gain fieldwork experience, both outdoors and within virtual environments.

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 develop skills valued in a range of careers within and beyond geoscience, such as numeracy, interpretation of partial datasets, spatial visualisation, working across different scales and project planning. You’ll also gain a broad understanding of scientific concepts and the scientific method. You’ll be an independent learner with tested capabilities, equipped to make decisions about your future.

You’ll gain some important transferable skills that boost your employability, including:

• digital literacy
• communication
• self-motivation
• practical skills
• problem solving
• collaboration

Career relevance

The Government has identified a shortage of skilled geoscientists to fill professional geoscience roles. This diploma will help you move towards that goal.

This diploma will also equip you with a broad skillset that you can turn to a variety of jobs in government, the private sector, consultancies and environmental charities. Examples include the following career areas:

• science communication and public engagement
• data analysis and processing
• environmental monitoring and conservation
• teaching
• energy management
• resources

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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