Geology with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Why study this course

Year abroad

Learn while you travel and experience the landscapes or coastlines, education and culture of a different country with the opportunity to complete a year studying at a university abroad.

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.

Flexible course

In most cases, you can request a transfer to a programme with a professional placement year or to the MSci at the end of the first year.

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.

Professionally accredited

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

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 the science of Geology impacts our lives today. You will develop skills in fieldwork, data capture, analysis and confident decision making.

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 go on overseas field trips, in the past we’ve been to Spain and Cyprus.

On this four-year programme, you will have the opportunity, subject to academic performance, to spend one academic year studying at one of our partner universities abroad. Studying abroad is a fantastic opportunity to experience other cultures and viewpoints, learning the different styles and approaches to your subject in another country and exploring new physical environments, landscapes and coastlines. You will get the chance to make new friends and contacts from around the world. Plus, you will have the opportunity to develop a wealth of life skills and strengths that will help you to compete in an increasingly global workplace, such as adaptability, resourcefulness, and resilience.

Careers and placements

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.

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 HaskoningDHV.

Placements

Yes.  The opportunity to undertake a study placement in year three at a partner institution in another country.  In recent years, study has been available at universities in the USA, Canada, Australia, Sweden and the Netherlands.