MSci Exploration Geology
About this course
MSci in Exploration Geology, an earth sciences degree centred on the study of natural resources, geological processes, and resource exploration techniques. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. This four-year course includes an MSci Exploration Geology Research Dissertation and an advanced research field course in the final year. The first year covers the foundations through World of Dynamic Environments, Exploring Planet Earth, Earth Science Fieldwork, Earth Materials, Life and Earth History, and GIS and Geological Maps (Geoscience). The second year progresses to Applied Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills, Sedimentary facies and environments, Petrology and Volcanology, Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation, and Applied Environmental and Resource Geology. The third year builds specialist knowledge with Mineral Deposit Exploration and Evaluation alongside Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis. Optional modules allow students to explore topics such as Geodynamics, Hazards, Risk and Resilience, and Advanced Environmental Geology. The final fourth year centres on advanced research modules, complemented by optional studies in business, environmental modelling, and research horizons.
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 75 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 97%
- Left higher education: 3%
What graduates do next
Based on about 22 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 10%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 20%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 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
- Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis
- Exploration Geology Dissertation
- Exploration Geology Placement Dissertation
- Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork
- Advanced Environmental Geology
- Geodynamics
- Hazards, Risk and Resilience
- Advanced petrology and geochemistry
- MSci Exploration Geology Research Dissertation
- Advanced Research Field Course
- Scanning the Research Horizon
- Business and the Environment
- Earth and Environmental System Modelling and Applications
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MSci 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 MSci Exploration Geology at Cardiff University do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MSci 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 MSci Exploration Geology at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 125 UCAS points.
Is MSci 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 MSci Exploration Geology at Cardiff University?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.