BSc Resource and Exploration Geology
About this course
BSc in Resource and Exploration Geology, an earth and environmental sciences degree centred on the study of the Earth, its processes, systems and natural resources. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Mathematical Modelling, Research Methods, Fieldwork, Engineering Design, Critical & Analytical Thinking, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students benefit from over sixty days of practical fieldwork and laboratory classes, with teaching delivered by the Camborne School of Mines at the Penryn campus. The first year covers core foundations through Earth System Science, Earth and Environmental Chemistry, Field Geology and Geological Maps, and Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists. The second year examines structural deformation, sedimentary processes, and igneous and metamorphic geology via modules such as Structural Geology and Tectonics, Sedimentology and Stratigraphy, Geological Mapping Techniques, and Igneous and Metamorphic Geology, while offering optional modules in Geotechnics and Geophysics. The final year focuses on applied industry topics through Mineral Deposit Geology, GIS for Geologists, Exploration Techniques, and an International Field Class, alongside an independent Dissertation Project. Students can also select from optional modules including Surface Excavation Design, Contaminated Land Management and Remediation, Energy Resource Geology, Hydrogeology, Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development, and Surveying and Digital Mapping.
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. Required subjects: GCE A-Level in two science subjects* at grade B (see below) or. A-Level Geology at grade B. * Accepted A-Level science subjects include: Biology/Human Biology^; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths^; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics. IB: 32/655.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 7 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 89%
- Learning opportunities: 85%
- Assessment and feedback: 85%
- Academic support: 91%
- Organisation and management: 86%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 73%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 80%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 10%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 25%
- Engineering professionals: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 95%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 65%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 70 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 1%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 6%
- West Midlands: 4%
- East of England: 13%
- London: 3%
- South East: 15%
- South West: 38%
- Wales: 14%
- Northern Ireland: 1%
Who gets in
Based on about 40 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 90%
- Access course: 10%
- Foundation course: 5%
- Other HE qualification: 5%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
TEF 2023 (whole university): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Earth System Science
- Earth and Environmental Chemistry
- Field Geology and Geological Maps
- Quantitative Methods for Geoscientists
- Dynamic Planet
- Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones
- Earth History and Palaeontology
- CSM Professionalism Year 1
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Sedimentology and Stratigraphy
- Geological Mapping Techniques
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Igneous and Metamorphic Processes
- CSM Professionalism Year 2
- Geotechnics
- Geophysics
- Mineral Deposit Geology
- GIS for Geologists
- Exploration Techniques
- International Field Class
- Dissertation Project
- CSM Professionalism Year 3
- Surface Excavation Design
- Contaminated Land Management and Remediation
- Energy Resource Geology
- Hydrogeology
- Politics, Mining and Sustainable Development
- Surveying and Digital Mapping
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Resource and Exploration Geology at University of Exeter earn?
The median salary is £27,000 after 15 months, £26,500 after 3 years, £33,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £43,000. The £33,000 median after five years is £1,000 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Resource and Exploration Geology at University of Exeter do next?
100% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Resource and Exploration Geology at University of Exeter?
89% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BSc Resource and Exploration Geology at University of Exeter?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 130 UCAS points.
Is BSc Resource and Exploration Geology at University of Exeter 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 Resource and Exploration Geology at University of Exeter?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.