Course summary
Geology is a wide-ranging and fascinating subject. On our BSc Geology we cover many areas of interest, including:
- study of the Earth, its history and development and the evolution of life on its surface
- the processes that occur within the Earth
- human interactions with our planet, from finding essential raw materials to assessing risks from volcanoes and earthquakes.
- We offer you flexible teaching methods, balancing face-to-face and online learning.
- Exciting field trip opportunities to famous geological sites in the UK, Greece and Morocco.
- Accredited by the Geological Society of London as a recognised professional qualification. We are the only university that offers this option through distance learning.
- We are part of the joint UCL-Birkbeck Institute of Earth and Planetary Sciences (IEPS) meaning we share laboratories, expertise and events, all open to students for research projects. Find out more about our research facilities.
- Birkbeck was rated in the top 25 universities in the UK for its Earth Systems and Environmental Science research in the 2021 Research Excellence Framework.
- We have been offering evening study courses in the subjects of Earth and planetary sciences for over 70 years and distance learning for more than 20 years.
- engineering geologist
- geochemist
- geophysicist
- hydrogeologist
- higher education lecturer.
Modules
For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.
Assessment method
A combination of reports on field-based projects, laboratory work and written examinations. Some modules include continuous assessment through written work.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- The Geological Society
How to apply
25Jan
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.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
International applicants
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests.
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
We welcome applicants without traditional entry qualifications as we base decisions on our own assessment of qualifications, knowledge and previous work experience. We may waive formal entry requirements based on judgement of academic potential. ALTERNATIVE ENTRY ROUTES Students who successfully complete Birkbeck's Certificate of Higher Education in Earth History and Palaeontology, Geology, Mineralogy and Volcanology or Planetary Science with Astronomy will be considered for a place on the BSc, with the possibility of exemption from the first-year modules.
Unistats information
Operated by the Office for Students
There is no data available for this course. For further information visit the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £4625 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £4625 | Year 1 |
| International | £8010 | Year 1 |
Additional fee information
Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their programme. Tuition fees for students continuing on their programme in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
As well as fees, you should expect to pay other study-related expenses, for travel to and from College, books, stationery, etc. Birkbeck provides advice and financial support for students who experience hardship in meeting the travel costs of essential fieldwork or study visits.
There are additional costs for trips associated with the fieldwork modules. Depending on logistics it is likely that you will visit three of the four places listed below, however locations can change:
Northern Scotland
Pembrokeshire, Wales
Morocco
Greece
The cost of each trip is between £600 and £800, and includes transport while on location, and accommodation. A full costing will be provided once we have confirmed the number of students going on each trip.
In addition, you will need to equip yourself with field-note books and stationery, compass and hammer, and GPS equipment, hand lens, walking boots and all-weather clothing depending on location.
Provider information
Birkbeck, University of London
Malet Street
Bloomsbury
London
WC1E 7HX
Clearing contact details
Clearing Enquiry formAdmissions Office
020 3907 0700
Additional information
Our Clearing hotline opens at 8.30am on Tuesday 10th August until 6pm and 9am on Wednesday 11th August until 6pm. From Thursday 12th August our phone lines will be open 10.30 - 6pm (Mon-Thur) and 10.30 -5pm (Fri). Virtual Clearing Event - http://www.bbk.ac.uk/events/
Course contact details
Visit our course pageBirkbeck Student Advice Service
0203 907 0700