BSc Geology
About this course
A BSc in Geology is a four-year undergraduate degree centred on the physical processes, environments and materials that have shaped the Earth over billions of years. Core topics include Research Methods and Fieldwork. Students can undertake an optional year abroad as part of their studies. The first year covers the foundations through The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time, Earth's Materials and Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen. The second year progresses with Petrology & Mineralogy, Earth’s Life, Environments and Climate Through Time, An Introduction to Field Geology and Geophysics. In the third year, students study Field and Mapping Techniques 1, Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology, Sedimentology, Field & Mapping Techniques 2, Project / Dissertation and Structural Geology & Tectonics. The final year concludes with Geological Mapping Project, Integrative Geology Through Fieldwork, Geoscience and the UN Sustainable Development Goals and Planetary Geology.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL with two Mathematics/Science subjects required. SL or HL in English and Mathematics are also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM. Main subjects to be Science or Mathematics. (Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B). GCSE at Grade C/4 or above is also required in English or English Language, Mathematics and either Chemistry, Physics or Dual Award Science. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3. Two Mathematics/Science subjects required. O4 in English and Mathematics is also required.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 100%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 95%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 91%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 14 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 25%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 30%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Information Technology Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 80%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 215 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 3%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 1%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 6%
- South East: 4%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 72%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Modules
- The Nature of The Environment Through Geological Time
- Earth's Materials
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Petrology & Mineralogy
- Earth’s Life, Environments and Climate Through Time
- An Introduction to Field Geology
- Geophysics
- Field and Mapping Techniques 1
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology
- Sedimentology
- Field & Mapping Techniques 2
- Project / Dissertation
- Structural Geology & Tectonics
- Geological Mapping Project
- Integrative Geology Through Fieldwork
- Geoscience and the UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Planetary Geology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £25,500 after 3 years, £32,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £37,000. The £32,000 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology at University of Aberdeen do next?
75% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geology at University of Aberdeen?
100% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Geology at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 161 UCAS points.
Does BSc Geology at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geology at University of Aberdeen?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.