Course summary
Go on a journey through deep time to discover how the evolution of Earth holds the key to our sustainable future. Top lab facilities Hone your microscopy skills in one of Europe’s leading 5G connected microscopy teaching laboratories. Exciting field work From Pompeii to Death Valley, and numerous local fieldtrips to discover the outstanding geology of the Southwest, our field trips offer exciting hands-on experience. Career focus Boost your career prospects though our extensive geo-careers fair, industry placements, and study abroad. This course is for you if...
- you're passionate about rocks, minerals and fossils and want to understand how they hold the key to creating a more sustainable future
- you enjoy hands-on experience in the outdoors or the laboratory
- you are looking for a friendly and supportive teaching environment with hands-on career support
- you thrive in real-world, non-exam-based assessments.
Modules
Year 1 From day one you’ll dive into the world of Earth Sciences, laying the foundations of geological knowledge that will set you up for success throughout your university journey. Your first year will equip you with essential skills and core knowledge, empowering you to tackle sustainable development challenges alongside developing an understanding of topics such as plate tectonics, climate change, and evolution. Hands-on learning will be a key part of your experience, as you study minerals, rocks, fossils, and geological structures in our cutting-edge 5G microscope laboratories. Plus, get ready for exciting fieldwork in the stunning landscapes of the UK’s Southwest and Southern Italy, where you'll explore the real-world impact of geohazards. Year 2 Year 2 takes you on a journey from the Earth’s surface to its core, exploring deep ocean basins and travelling through geological time to uncover key moments in Earth history. You'll sharpen your observational, analytical and interpretive skills, using them to tackle some of the most exciting geological questions. You'll also learn the art of creating geological maps and gain hands-on experience with field techniques, including geophysical equipment. For those looking to broaden their horizon even further, you can seize the opportunity to study your second year abroad in incredible locations like Canada, USA or Europe. Optional placement year Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills in the workplace and gain valuable experience. Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry. Final year In your third year you will elevate your data analysis skills to a professional level. Your dissertation project will be an exciting opportunity to collect and analyse data independently, whether in the field or the lab. Alongside core modules that deepen your geological expertise, you’ll have the chance to choose from a range of sustainability-focused optional modules, allowing you to tailor your final year to your passions and interests. For those craving adventure, you can take your learning beyond the classroom with advanced fieldwork opportunities in incredible locations like Namibia or Death Valley, USA, where you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience and refine your professional field skills. For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Assessment method
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly.
Professional bodies
Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.
- The Geological Society
Qualified teacher status (QTS)
To work as a teacher at a state school in England or Wales, you will need to achieve qualified teacher status (QTS). This is offered on this course for the following level:
- Course does not award QTS
How to apply
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
Please select a course option – you will then see the application code you need to use to apply for the course.
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
- Year 4
International applicants
The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 112 points
A level
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
Access to HE Diploma
Scottish Higher
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
Scottish Advanced Higher
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 26 points
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales - C
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - C
Extended Project
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths)
T Level - M
GCSE Maths and English Language at a Grade C/4
Student Outcomes
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
No fee information has been provided for this course
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
Provider information
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus
Plymouth
PL4 8AA
