BSc (Hons) Geology

UCAS code: F600

Start date: September

Course length: Full time: three years, part time: up to six years

Campus: Kedleston Road, Derby

This course is available to international students

You can also study BSc (Hons) Geology as part of a Joint Honours degree.

Geology is the study of the Earth, what it's made up of, the processes that are taking place on and within it, and the essential resources it provides. It includes the study of organisms that have lived on our planet and how Earth has evolved with time. During this course you'll develop the professional skills, theory and practical experience you'll need for a wide range of careers. You'll learn through lectures and laboratory-based practical sessions, and receive training in the use of industry standard geological equipment.

You'll be taught by an academic team which is enthusiastic and highly skilled within geology. Many of our academics are active researchers working with local and international research partners. Their work informs and inspires their teaching. With the chance to study abroad in stage two, you could experience a different country where you'll be taught by lecturers with different knowledge and skills in geology.

Fieldwork lies at the heart of this course. You'll visit Scotland to experience a broad variety of rocks and structures, Yorkshire to learn about geological mapping techniques, Wales to study processes and products of metamorphism and deformation, and work with sedimentary sequences, Tenerife to analyse volcanic processes, environments and hazards, and Dorset to study petroleum geology. You'll also go on a number of industrial site visits.

During stage three you'll develop your geological and communication skills further by completing the independent studies module. You'll research a fieldwork-based geological topic in detail and write a report.

Masterclass

Talented Derby graduates recently came back to give our current geography, geology and environmental hazard students a masterclass. Find out more.

In its most recent report (2004), the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education commended the very high standard of teaching and course provision at Derby in Earth and Environmental Sciences, Environmental Studies and Geography.

For more information please visit our Geology website.

Stage one

You'll study these modules:

• Fundamental Skills for Geoscientists
• Rocks, Minerals and Gemstones
• Earth Surface Processes and Environments
• Environmental Hazards and Disasters
• The Stratigraphical Record
• Resource Geology

Stage two

You'll study these modules:

• Geological Mapping and Map Interpretation
• Imaging Earths Surface and Subsurface
• Volcanology and the Earth's Interior
• Deformed Terrains
• Applied Sedimentology

And you'll choose one from these modules:

• Geomorphology
• Water - Resource, Hazard, Commodity
• GEES Block Credit Study Abroad Module

Stage three

You'll study these modules:

• Research Study in GEES
• Crustal Evolution
• Basin Analysis

And you'll choose to study two of these modules:

• Mineral Deposits and Exploration
• Engineering Geology
• Geological Hazards
• The Environment and Life through Time
• Applied GIS
• Terrain Evaluation
• Vocational Module

Our entry requirements are usually 260 UCAS points, of which at least 220 will be from your core A2s (full A levels) or equivalent qualifications such as BTEC Diploma, International Baccalaureate, Scottish Highers etc.

One of your A Levels (or equivalent) should be in Geology, Chemistry, Geography, Physics or Biology.

We'll accept up to 40 points towards the total from level 3 qualifications such as AS levels (where those AS levels are not taken on to A2 level), the Extended Project or Music qualifications.

We don't accept points from Key Skills Level 3. If you have any questions about what is or isn't accepted, please contact our Admissions team.

We also accept the Access to HE Diploma.

Your points at level 3 will be in addition to 5 GCSEs at grade C or equivalent level 2 qualifications.

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The UCAS tariff points are a guide - we'll also consider all the information that you've included in your application. We'll also want to see that you're enthusiastic and motivated to take this course and that you have the potential to benefit from coming to university.

General undergraduate entry requirements

Fees for 2013/14

This is a resource intensive course.

UK/EU students

• Full time: £8,250 (each year)

We'll be announcing our part time and international fees for 2013/14 later in the year.

*These fees apply if you're starting this course between September 2013 and August 2014. We recommend you check fee details with us though, as they can change. Costs can increase each year.

Having a degree in geology can open up more opportunities than you may have thought possible. There is currently considerable demand for graduate geologists in exploring, producing and managing Earth's resources.

Our graduates have got jobs in a wide range of industries, including the petroleum, mineral resource, geological survey, geotechnical engineering and environmental sectors. You'll also have the knowledge to go into pollution control, waste management or water supply.

You could develop your geological expertise further by studying for a masters degree such as our MSc Applied Petroleum Geoscience.

One of our graduates, Paul Williams, now works for the BBC's Natural History Unit. He says: "If you want a strong, practical, hands-on degree that will help launch you up the career ladder then sign up for Derby." Read his full story here.

Temidola Ojelabi, who has recently graduated from this course, has received three awards in recognition of his research work investigating water quality in Nigeria. He has been described by local water managers as a 'national hero' for his work, and an exemplar of the value of student projects abroad. Read his full story here.

Simon Greenfield is a recent graduate who is currently studying the Msc Applied Petroleum Geoscience. He works at Kirk Petrophysics as a core analyser and has travelled to many countries including Ghana, Poland and Tanzania for his job. Simon attends many open days to talk to students about the possiblilities this course can offer. Read his full story here.

David James Barraclough now working for Lanson Developments Ltd
"I most enjoyed the fieldwork parts of the course, specifically field mapping as it gave me the opportunity to apply what I had learnt practically. I also found working with lab equipment and geological techniques interesting as they open up a new way of producing, displaying and thinking about geology at large."

Christian Dodge, BSc (Hons) Geology graduate
Christian now works for Entec/Amec Environment and Infrastructure as an Assistant Consultant Civil Engineer. His role involves providing geotechnical engineering support for large construction developments, mainly waste facilities and highway projects.

"The course at Derby provided me with a solid grounding in engineering geology and interpretation of differing geological settings and at A Level, it was the only subject I was good at with little effort. The academic team at Derby noticed I had potential in this subject, and unlike other institutions, Derby are not dismissive of students with low A Level grades in unrelated subjects. I would recommend coming to Derby for the best student environment and for some of the newest University facilities. My future plans are to become a chartered civil engineer and chartered geologist."