Course summary

Geology and Petroleum Geology is the study of how the Earth works, and in particular, the nature and origin of the Earth’s natural resources. Petroleum geologists use their deep understanding of the Earth’s geological structures to help find and extract hydrocarbons cleanly and efficiently. The BSc Geology and Petroleum Geology is accredited by the Geological Society for London and begins with a thorough examination of main geological principles and disciplines that underpin our understanding of the structure and evolution of the Earth, and how this knowledge can be used to discover and extract natural resources. In particular, this programme examines the main geological principles that underpin our understanding of the structure and evolution of the Earth. You will learn about the origin, structure and composition of the major rock groups and learn how we date geological events and how we gather and interpret data in the field. In the final two years (Honours) you will specialise further in the geology related to the petroleum industry, including field and mapping techniques, structural geology & tectonics, petrology and sedimentology. One of the main components of the final year is the 5-week independent field project, when students undertake an independent research over the summer between years 3 and 4, and much of the autumn term is focused on working up the report. Geology graduates enter a wide variety of professions, including oil and gas exploration and production, environmental geology, pollution control, geological surveying, volcanology, seismology and environmental consultancy.