BSc Geology
About this course
BSc in Geology, a geology degree focused on the history, materials, and active processes of the solid Earth. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. Regular field trips in South Wales are included to examine regional landscapes and industry. The first year introduces dynamic environments, earth materials, planetary exploration, and geological mapping through modules such as 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 advances into structural geology, petrology, and sedimentary environments with modules including Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills, Sedimentary facies and environments, Petrology and Volcanology, and Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation, alongside optional modules in applied environmental resource geology and process geomorphology. The final year centres on an independent dissertation and geodynamics through compulsory study of Geology Dissertation and Geodynamics, while optional modules cover advanced geoscience fieldwork, basin analysis, geohazards, and geochemistry.
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)
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 95%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 81%
- Academic support: 93%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 93%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 9 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 35%
- Working and studying: 15%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 20%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 40%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 75%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
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 25 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- A levels: 95%
- Access course: 5%
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)
- Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills
- Sedimentary facies and environments
- Petrology and Volcanology
- Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation
- Applied Environmental and Resource Geology
- Process Geomorphology & Hydrology
- Geology Dissertation
- Geodynamics
- Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork
- Advanced Environmental Geology
- Petroleum, Geoenergy and Basin Analysis
- Hazards, Risk and Resilience
- Advanced petrology and geochemistry
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc 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 Geology at Cardiff University do next?
65% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geology at Cardiff University?
95% 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 Cardiff University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 122 UCAS points.
Is BSc 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 Geology at Cardiff University?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.