MSci Geology
About this course
MSci in Geology, a geology degree investigating planetary evolution, Earth materials, and dynamic environmental processes. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, and Fieldwork. This four-year accredited Master's programme includes regular field trips in South Wales and a final-year research dissertation. The first year covers foundational concepts 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 advances into Geological Fieldwork, Data Analysis and Professional Skills, Sedimentary facies and environments, Petrology and Volcanology, and Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation, alongside optional modules such as Applied Environmental and Resource Geology. The third year centres on the Geology Dissertation and Geodynamics, with optional choices including Advanced Geoscience Fieldwork and Hazards, Risk and Resilience. The fourth year concludes the degree with the MSci Geology Research Dissertation and Advanced Research Field Course, plus options like Business and the Environment.
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 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)
- 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
- MSci 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 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 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 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 Geology at Cardiff University?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 125 UCAS points.
Is MSci 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 Geology at Cardiff University?
97% of students continued into their second year, and 3% left higher education.