BSc Geology
About this course
BSc (Hons) Geology is an undergraduate degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences that studies the materials and processes that have shaped the Earth. Core topics include Fieldwork, Data Analysis, Statistics, Research Methods and Environmental Analysis. The degree is accredited by the Geological Society of London, and students may transfer to the four-year MSci in Earth Sciences at the end of year two. The first year lays the foundations through Earth Materials, Field Studies, Understanding Earth Sciences and Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists, alongside a compulsory mathematics module and Environment and Sustainability. Year two builds on these with Fieldwork (Geological), Sedimentary Environments and Igneous and Metamorphic Processess, while Lithospheric Structure and Imaging combines geological and geophysical approaches and Research Skills for Geoscientists develops scientific reasoning and geospatial data handling. Optional modules at this stage have included Isotopes in Environmental and Climate Sciences and Earth Systems Modelling and Analysis. The final year is anchored by the Dissertation, worth a third of the year's credits and based on a geological mapping exercise chosen to suit individual interests, with Volcanology and Magmatism covering eruption processes and their societal impacts. Optional choices in year three have included Environmental Geochemistry, Environmental Management, Earth Systems and Climate, and Tectonic Processes and Renewable Geo-resources.
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 two sciences from Biology, Chemistry, Computer and Marine Science, Economics, Further Mathematics, Geography, Geology, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, Life and Health Sciences, Mathematics, Physics, Psychology or Statistics. IB: 35 with 665 in higher level subjects, including two science subjects from list above.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 93%: 70 offers from 75 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 12 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 84%
- Academic support: 89%
- Organisation and management: 79%
- Learning resources: 86%
- Student voice: 69%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started
- Continued on course: 95%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 11 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 90%
- Further study: 5%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 40%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Business and public service associate professionals: 15%
- Skilled trades occupations: 10%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 90 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 9%
- North West: 8%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 9%
- East Midlands: 7%
- West Midlands: 5%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 33%
- South East: 10%
- South West: 11%
- Wales: 2%
- Scotland: 2%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 30 students who started
- A levels: 100%
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, Silver for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth Materials
- Field Studies
- Understanding Earth Sciences
- A mathematics module
- Introductory Data Science for Geoscientists
- Environment and Sustainability
- Fieldwork (Geological)
- Lithospheric Structure and Imaging
- Sedimentary Environments
- Igneous and Metamorphic Processess
- Research Skills for Geoscientists
- Example optional modules
- Dissertation
- Volcanology and Magmatism
- Example optional modules
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology at Durham University earn?
The median salary is £32,000 after 15 months, £31,500 after 3 years, £41,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £52,500. The £41,500 median after five years is £9,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology at Durham 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 Geology at Durham University?
89% 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 Durham University?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 157 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BSc Geology at Durham University?
93% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 70 offers from 75 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Is BSc Geology at Durham University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does BSc Geology at Durham University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geology at Durham University?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.