BSc Exploration Geology
About this course
BSc in Earth and Environmental Sciences, combining geology with environmental science. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. The course offers a placement dissertation option alongside a standard dissertation, and summer placements with exploration organisations are available. It is the only UK undergraduate degree focused on specialist training in resource exploration.
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: ABB (with 1 science subject) or BBB (with 2 science subjects)
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What students say
Based on about 37 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 97%
- Learning opportunities: 96%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 92%
- Organisation and management: 87%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 85%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 70%
- Working and studying: 5%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 40%
- Engineering professionals: 30%
- Animal care and control services: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 70%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 55%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 120 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 3%
- East Midlands: 3%
- West Midlands: 11%
- East of England: 4%
- London: 8%
- South East: 14%
- South West: 23%
- Wales: 26%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 90 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 97%
- Access course: 2%
- Foundation course: 1%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Modules
- World of Dynamic Environments
- Exploring Planet Earth
- Earth Science Fieldwork
- Earth Materials
- Life and Earth History
- GIS and Geological Maps (Geoscience)
- Applied Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills
- Sedimentary facies and environments
- Petrology and Volcanology
- Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation
- Applied Environmental and Resource Geology
- Mineral Deposit Exploration and Evaluation
- Exploration Geology Dissertation
- Exploration Geology Placement Dissertation
- Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork
- Advanced Environmental Geology
- Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis
- Geodynamics
- Hazards, Risk and Resilience
- Advanced petrology and geochemistry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Exploration Geology at Cardiff University earn?
The median salary is £30,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £29,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £25,500 and £35,000. The £29,500 median after five years is £2,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Exploration Geology at Cardiff University do next?
95% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Exploration Geology at Cardiff University?
97% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Exploration Geology at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 125 UCAS points.
Is BSc Exploration Geology at Cardiff University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
How many students continue on BSc Exploration Geology at Cardiff University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.