About this course Investigate all aspects of Earth sciences from rocks, fossils, and volcanoes through to the ocean and our atmosphere. On your four-year integrated Geology master's you'll take part in comprehensive field-based training with fieldwork opportunities across the UK and Europe, which may include a week-long residential course in Tenerife studying volcanic processes and a five week Independent Mapping Project. Based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science, you'll graduate able to join the many students from this course who have gone on to very successful research careers (often PhD level and beyond), and higher-level employment in multinational companies such as Shell, BP, Anglo American, and Barrick Gold. Key features of the course:

Complete an applied and multidisciplinary degree with a high level of fieldwork

Study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the leading research centres globally for ocean science

Benefit from the flexibility to select modules aligned to your interests

Learn through a mixture of lectures, laboratory work, and field work, graduating with real-life skills suited to industry to enhance your employment prospects

Become part of a department ranked 8th in the UK and top 40 globally, QS World Rankings by Subject (Earth and Marine Science) 2026

Join a University where 99% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2022/2023, published 2025).

Student support Our supervisors will mentor you throughout your studies as you gain the expertise needed to take the next steps in your career. They will help you decide on optional modules, and discuss your future career plans to ensure you are on the right path for you. Further information This course is open to UK and international applicants and, depending on the modules you choose, is predominantly based at our Waterfront Campus.

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, which gives you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation. The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects, and independent learning. We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, and written and practical exams.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

The Geological Society

How to apply

14Jan

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:: F601

Institution code:: S27

Campus name:: Main Site - Highfield Campus

Campus code:: -

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two acceptable science subjects. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be: DDD + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable science subjects. Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits M: 6 credits

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two acceptable science subjects. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be: DD + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable science subjects. Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual's academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of the pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton's Curriculum for Excellence Scotland statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences Admissions Office at [email protected] for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 34 points

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level acceptable science subjects. Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - B

Extended Project - A

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2

D3, D3, M2 to include two acceptable science subjects Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

GCSEs: Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/oes/undergraduate/courses/geology/f601_msci_geology.page?entry_requirements

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

Test	Grade	Additional details
IELTS (Academic)	6.5	Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component

All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements

https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Student Outcomes

Operated by the Office for Students

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)

Go onto work and study

The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England	£9535*	Year 1
Northern Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
Scotland	£9535*	Year 1
Wales	£9535*	Year 1
Channel Islands	£9535*	Year 1
Republic of Ireland	£9535*	Year 1
EU	£30300	Year 1
International	£30300	Year 1

*This is a provisional fee and subject to change.

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

Provider information

Visit our website

University of Southampton
Highfield
Southampton
SO17 1BJ

Course contact details

Visit our course page

General Admissions

[email protected]

023 8059 4732

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Undergraduate Admissions - Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences