Geology (MSci)

Why study this course

This accredited four-year Master's degree investigates the formation of Earth and its constant evolution with a focus on learning how to conduct research.

Professionally accredited

Accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.

Flexible course

In most cases, you may request a transfer to programmes with a professional placement year, with a year of study abroad, or to the MSci. You may also request a switch to another course in the School at the end of the first semester.

Fieldwork opportunities

We take regular field trips in the UK and overseas to help you develop strong fieldwork skills. The cost of compulsory field trips is included in the course fees.

No prior knowledge needed

You don’t need to have studied Geology to take this course. We start with the basics to bring everyone to the same level.

Local connections

Based in the same building as the Welsh office of the British Geological Survey and next door to the National Museum of Wales.

To find solutions to some of the biggest problems facing our planet today we need to understand the Earth’s history and processes. Geologists use their knowledge of past climates and hazards to understand and address the challenges we face from issues like climate change and natural disasters.

On our Geology course, you will explore how rocks and minerals are formed, how animals evolve over geological time, what causes earthquakes and volcanoes and how geology impacts our lives today. You will develop skills in fieldwork, data capture, analysis and confident decision making. We’ve worked with industry to design our degree so you graduate with the specialist skills needed to be a professional geologist.

We make the most of our location and take regular field trips in South Wales to explore how geology impacts the landscapes and the industry of the region. There will also be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past we’ve been to Spain and Cyprus.

The MSci involves the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to do a fourth year of study where you work on an exciting research project with an academic from the School and their research staff. You will develop advanced skills in research and gain experience in scientific writing and presentation at a professional level.

Accreditations

• Geological Society

Careers

Career prospects

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.