Course summary

With our Geology MSci you will study the science of our planet’s evolution – understanding how it has been shaped over billions of years and what it will be like in the future. It truly is a global science. From monitoring volcanic eruptions and investigating climate change, through to unravelling the disappearance of the dinosaurs or finding acceptable ways to dispose of nuclear waste, a Geology degree at Birmingham will give you a broad-based knowledge of Earth sciences. The MSci Geology programme gives you the opportunity to develop independent research skills and follow your interest in the Earth sciences more fully. It is an ideal background for academic research or employment as a professional geoscientist. Our extensive fieldwork programme and flexible range of options allows you to specialise in the topics that interest you. You may go on to work in the mining or oil industry, hydrogeology, pollution control or environmental protection; or you could opt to become a geophysicist, geotechnical engineer, work for the British Geological Survey, carry out research or go into teaching. A Geology degree from Birmingham sets you up for a wide range of exciting careers. Year 1 of the programme shares several modules with the Geology and Physical Geography programme, and it is possible to transfer between these courses in your first year. You also have the option of transferring onto the Geology with an International Year MSci programme, depending on performance. A varied fieldwork programme builds on a variety of lecture and laboratory based teaching, providing you with a range of practical scientific skills. The first year of the course provides you with a strong foundation in geology through a range of exciting core modules. You will build on this in the second year with a selection of core and optional modules, before undertaking your dissertation fieldwork. In the third year you can choose from a wide range of modules, and also have the option of specialising further if you stay for the four-year Geology MSci programme (dependant upon performance). The fourth year allows you to specialise further and develop key career skills through leading your own research project. This independent project accounts for half of your final year, and may involve links with industry. You will develop your research plans with an academic member of staff. Several MSci students have published their research or presented it at conferences, and the MSci year provides excellent training for further research or a professional geoscience career. Depending on performance, it is possible to transfer onto this programme at the end of your second year of BSc Geology.