MSci Geology
About this course
Master in Science in Geology MSci, an earth and environmental sciences degree centred on geological processes, environmental systems, and the history of the planet. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Project Management. Students undertake a personalised research project and a skills-based field module including an international trip. The first year covers the foundations through LC Applied GIS and Data Science, LC Building the Earth: from Minerals to Mountains, LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change, and LC Earth History and Life. The second year progresses with LI Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, LI Sedimentology, LI Geological Natural Hazards, and LI Structural Geology and Geophysics. The third year involves advanced study such as LH Earth Sciences Research Project, LH Climate change in the Earth System, LH Engineering Geology and Geomorphology, and LH Tectonics and Volcanology. Optional modules and specialisations allow students to tailor their studies across Earth Sciences and Physical Geography.
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: AAB Including 1 Required Science. IB: 6,6,5 32 points overall Including HL in 1 Required Science. BTEC: We welcome students studying BTEC qualifications as an alternative to A levels, and accept BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate. Please contact us for further guidance.
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What students say
Based on about 8 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 88%
- Assessment and feedback: 65%
- Academic support: 79%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 83%
- Student voice: 89%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Natural and social science professionals: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 36%
- East of England: 9%
- London: 7%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 8%
- Wales: 3%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 90%
- Other qualifications: 10%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Silver overall, Bronze for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- LC Applied GIS and Data Science
- LC Building the Earth: from Minerals to Mountains
- LC Connected Earth: Environmental Systems and Change
- LC Discover Geography Earth and Environmental Sciences (GEES): Academic and Professional Futures
- LC Earth History and Life
- LC Earth Science Field and Research Skills
- LI Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
- LI Field Skills and Research Project Planning
- LI Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- LI Sedimentology
- LI Digital data capture and analysis
- LI Geological Natural Hazards
- LI Palaeoecology
- LI Structural Geology and Geophysics
- LH Earth Sciences Research Project
- LH Sedimentary Basin Archives of Environmental Crises
- LH Climate change in the Earth System
- LH Engineering Geology and Geomorphology
- LH Environmental Research in High Latitudes
- LH Evolution of Vertebrates
- LH Evolutionary Palaeobiology
- LH Exploring the Energy Transition
- LH Palaeoclimates
- LH Professional Placement
- LH Solving Groundwater Problems
- LH Tectonics and Volcanology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci Geology at University of Birmingham earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,000 and £41,000. The £31,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MSci Geology at University of Birmingham do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci Geology at University of Birmingham?
90% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MSci Geology at University of Birmingham?
The typical offer is AAB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 148 UCAS points.
Is MSci Geology at University of Birmingham accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does MSci Geology at University of Birmingham include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on MSci Geology at University of Birmingham?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.