BSc Geology
About this course
BSc in Geology, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree focused on the study of the Earth, its structure, composition, history, hazards, climate and resources. Core topics include Research Methods. The course includes an integrated first and second year shared with Environmental Geoscience, leading to a specialist honours degree with fieldwork at various UK locations. The first year covers foundational concepts through Earth Science 1A and Earth Science 1B. The second year continues with Earth Science 2A and Earth Science 2B. The third year builds core expertise through Sedimentary Systems and Deposits, Igneous and Metamorphic Geology, Orogens and Basins: Structure and Resources, and Geological Skills. The fourth year features advanced study and an Independent Geology Dissertation, alongside compulsory modules such as Advanced Geological Skills, Engineering Geology: Geotechnical and Environmental, and Hydrogeology. Optional modules allow students to explore areas like Geological Hazards, Landscape Dynamics, Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry, Planetary Science, Glacial Landsystems, Climates: Past and Future, and GIS A:Applied Spatial Analysis.
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 or BBB (Additional requirements: A-level Science subject at Grade B.) IB: 32 (5,5,5) (Additional requirements: HL Science subject.) Scottish Higher: BBBB is the minimum requirement from S5 to be reviewed for an S6 offer Offers are not guaranteed to applicants who meet the minimum from S5 Typically offers will be made at AAAB by end of S6. B at Advanced Higher is equivalent to A at Higher Additional requirements: Two Higher Science subjects at AA. (AB may be considered). Scottish Higher (widening access): MD20 : BBBB (also other target groups*) MD40 : AABB* Additional requirements: Two Higher Science subjects. Successful completion of Top-Up or one of our Summer Schools.
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What students say
Based on about 33 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 90%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 83%
- Academic support: 86%
- Organisation and management: 68%
- Learning resources: 87%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 80 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 88%
- Left higher education: 12%
What graduates do next
Based on about 15 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
- Unemployed: 5%
Most common jobs
- Engineering professionals: 25%
- Natural and social science professionals: 20%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 15%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 90%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 60 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 5%
- South West: 3%
- Scotland: 88%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 70%
- Baccalaureate: 5%
- Access course: 20%
- Other qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Earth Science 1A
- Earth Science 1B
- Earth Science 2A
- Earth Science 2B
- Sedimentary Systems and Deposits
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Orogens and Basins: Structure and Resources
- Minerals, Metals and Materials for Sustainable Futures
- Geological Skills
- Advanced Geological Skills
- Independent Geology Dissertation
- Engineering Geology: Geotechnical and Environmental
- Hydrogeology
- Geological Hazards
- Landscape Dynamics
- Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry
- Planetary Science
- Glacial Landsystems
- Climates: Past and Future
- GIS A:Applied Spatial Analysis
- GIS B:Theory & Practice
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology at University of Glasgow earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £24,000 after 3 years, £31,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £27,500 and £36,500. The £31,000 median after five years is £1,000 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology at University of Glasgow do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geology at University of Glasgow?
90% 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 University of Glasgow?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 183 UCAS points.
Does BSc Geology at University of Glasgow include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geology at University of Glasgow?
88% of students continued into their second year, and 12% left higher education.