Geological Sciences provides an in-depth analysis of the geological evolution of the Earth, from its origins as a planetary body over 4.5 billion years ago to the present day processes that define how we live in the 21^st century, and how we will deal with the effects of ongoing environmental change in the near future.

The programme covers all the essential earth science disciplines - the origins of rocks and minerals; the evolution of life on Earth; plate tectonics; earthquakes; volcanism; the structural deformation of rocks; geological mapping and fieldwork; and the use of geological natural resources such as petroleum and minerals.  Importantly, a qualification in geology is not a requirement for acceptance onto this course as we start from first principles.

Whatever your choice of modules, our degree programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London, the recognised professional body for geoscientists. Accreditation assures our graduates of fast-track progression towards obtaining Chartered Geologist status; this is the key professional qualification for a career in sectors such as quarrying, mining and engineering geology. It also provides a route to other qualifications such as European Geologist.

Reasons to study Geology at Leeds

• We have made major investments in our teaching facilities, including our groundbreaking Earth Visualization Laboratory, all brand-new microscopes and a 3-D suite
• Our four-year options (Year Abroad, Year in Industry and Integrated Masters) add real value to your degree by enhancing your own experience and increasing your employability
• Flexible pathways through our degrees develop your interests in petroleum, minerals and environmental geology
• On our excellent field work programme, the School pays all the costs of accommodation and travel for all compulsory and short optional courses, as well as making a significant contribution to the cost of longer optional trips, and project fieldwork. Geology students also receive a free fieldwork pack
• We promote research-led teaching across the geoscience spectrum from specialists in their individual fields
• We attract industry sponsorship and maintain excellent relationships with major companies in the sector. Their developing commercial requirements inform and influence our programme content

Why study Geology?

Geology graduates are highly regarded by employers for their professional skills, teamwork, problem solving, IT and data handling and manipulation. At Leeds, we recognise that employability is increasingly important to prospective undergraduates and, to meet this need, we have established pathways through our Geological Sciences degree. 

Each of the four geology pathways available here helps you to acquire skills in particular aspects of the discipline, and maximise your employability in those areas. These specialist routes, supported by close links with our industrial partners, ensure that the education we deliver prepares our students for employment in a range of geoscience careers.

You can sample a range of modules before you decide on your primary interests. The first year programme is common to all, and there is no need to choose a study pathway until your third year. Your tutor will provide advice on your choice of modules throughout years 1 and 2 of your studies with particular pathways in mind.

The Geology Pathway is the default for all students in Year 1. It provides a broad geological base and students who elect to continue on this pathway throughout their degree have a wide range of modules to choose from each year.

The Petroleum Pathway provides focused education in exploration geophysics, sedimentology, structural geology, and hydrocarbon resource geology; it is recommended for students intending to pursue a career in the hydrocarbons industry.

The Environmental Pathway provides education in aspects of environmental geology. It is recommended for students intending to pursue a career in environmental and engineering geology, or those considering working for a geoconsultancy company. Your choice of modules might include the hydrological cycle, natural hazards, and waste management.

The Minerals Pathway focuses on aspects of geology relevant to ore position, mineral exploration and resource development; it is an ideal route for students considering a career in minerals exploration or mining geology.

Variants of this programme include a Study Year Abroad and a Year in Industry. Both options can be discussed after you begin your degree, although you can also apply for our Industrial option directly through UCAS; see the Year in Industry tab for the appropriate UCAS code and more information.

An exceptional option for applicants with excellent entry grades is the Integrated Masters programme, MGeol, BSc Geological Sciences (International), which incorporates a study year in the USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand and a final year of Masters level study.

If you choose to study in the Leeds School of Earth and Environment you will join one of the largest and most vibrant Schools in the country. Leeds is the only university that has brought the complete range of geoscience and environmental disciplines together under one banner, from strongly science-based Geology, Geophysics and Meteorology via Sustainability or Environmental Science, to Environmental Social Science.

Our £23.5 million building opened in April 2010 and boasts state-of-the-art facilities for both teaching and research. Because Leeds is a research-intensive Russell Group University, you are guaranteed to interact with staff who are at the cutting edge of research world-wide, and who will incorporate this expertise into their teaching.  More information on our approach to learning and teaching can be found here.

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