Geology

Geology is the science of the Earth and involves the study of the evolution of our planet and the life on it through time and space. Fieldwork is one of the most fulfilling and memorable aspects of our courses and we visit a wide range of classic geological sites. There is also an opportunity for you to spend your third year abroad. Here in Bristol you will be taught in a beautiful neo-Gothic building, using state-of-the art equipment. Our Single Honours courses are accredited by The Geological Society of London.

Geology courses

Single honours

Joint honours

Why study Geology at Bristol?

Bristol Earth Science degrees are flexible, and you can transfer between courses at the end of your first year. You can choose a three- or four-year course. Our courses are rigorously scientific and quantitative, and you will learn a wealth of facts and how to apply them to solve problems.

Our teaching methods include lectures, practicals and fieldwork. Small-group tutorials are held every fortnight, and you prepare work and complete problem sets for your tutor who will advise and monitor your progress throughout your time with us. You are set written examinations twice a year and in some units, coursework forms part of your assessed work.

Bristol's School of Earth Sciences employs world-leading scientists and teaching is research-led. Our expertise is in volcanology and fluid dynamics; palaeobiology and biodiversity; climate and environmental change; geochemistry and the deep earth. In the final year of an MSci course you will undertake a research project in one of these areas.

What kind of student would this course suit?

Geology is a subject which people with a broad background in science find rewarding. If you are naturally curious about the planet that you inhabit and do not wish to narrow your choice down to one science you will do particularly well. An enjoyment of the outdoors is essential as we spend a considerable amount of time in it.

How is this course taught and assessed?

Our courses are delivered through a timetabled schedule of lectures, laboratory-based practicals and organised field trips. Small-group tutorials provide development of key skills. Students are expected to develop independent learning skills and to self-assess their progress with the aid of feedback provided by teaching staff. Formal assessment may be wholly examination-based, wholly coursework-based or be a combination of assessed coursework and examination.

What are my career prospects?

Earth Sciences graduates are highly sought after by the mining, mineral exploration, geotechnical, environmental consultancy and petroleum industries. Some go on to further study in the field and then enter academia. Others follow careers in the scientific media, the financial sector and teaching. The teamworking, quantitative, applied and problem-solving skills acquired by our graduates are all rated highly by other academic institutions as well as by industrial and other employers.