BSc Geology
About this course
BSc in Geology, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree examining the processes that shape the Earth and its systems over billions of years. Core topics include Research Methods and Project Management. The curriculum incorporates extensive fieldwork opportunities integrated across the three years of study. The first year covers planetary foundations through compulsory modules such as Solid Planet, Earth Surface Processes, Dynamic Planet, Living Planet, and Skills for Geoscientists, with options including Natural Hazards and Vertebrate Evolution. The second year focuses on analysis and materials through Petrology and Geochemistry, Palaeoenvironmental Analysis, Investigating the shallow subsurface, Advanced Skills for Geologists, Deformation of Earth's materials, Sedimentary Basins and Resources, and Resources from Rocks and Minerals. The final year centers on advanced fieldwork and independent investigation through Independent Field Project, Frontiers in Geological Sciences, and Advanced Geological Field Skills. Students can also select optional modules spanning environmental risk, volcanic processes, ore deposits, and hydrogeology.
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 BTEC: DDM in National Extended Diploma. We can also accept a combination of National Extended Certificates and A-levels. The BTEC, with or without combination A-levels, must cover modules aligned with the subjects named in the A-level section. Please contact the School's Undergraduate Admissions Team for more information. IB: 6,5,5 at higher level including two relevant subjects.
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What students say
Based on about 21 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 78%
- Learning opportunities: 77%
- Assessment and feedback: 55%
- Academic support: 85%
- Organisation and management: 53%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 48%
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 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 20%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 85%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 85%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 115 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 1%
- North West: 13%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 33%
- East Midlands: 9%
- West Midlands: 7%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 13%
- South East: 11%
- South West: 5%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 95%
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, Bronze for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Solid Planet
- Earth Surface Processes
- Dynamic Planet
- Living Planet
- Skills for Geoscientists
- Natural Hazards
- Vertebrate Evolution
- Foundation Chemistry
- Foundation Mathematics
- Foundation Physics
- Atmosphere
- Petrology and Geochemistry
- Palaeoenvironmental Analysis
- Investigating the shallow subsurface
- Advanced Skills for Geologists
- Deformation of Earth's materials
- Sedimentary Basins and Resources
- Resources from Rocks and Minerals
- Independent Field Project
- Frontiers in Geological Sciences
- Advanced Geological Field Skills
- Environmental Risk: Science, Management and Communication
- Earth System Science: Biogeochemical Cycles
- Volcanic Processes
- Ore Deposits and their Exploitation
- Geothermal Energy: Engineering, Societal and Governance Challenges
- Plate Tectonics and Geodynamics
- Past Global Environmental Systems
- Groundwater
- Strategic Energy Issues
- Environmental Geomorphology and Sedimentology
- Engineering Geology
- Practice the skills you have learnt in class in real-life situations.
- Gain first-hand experience of collecting and analysing data.
- Build valuable individual research skills – vital for your final year research project.
- Develop professional skills sought after by employers like project planning, communication and teamwork.
- Get to know your lecturers and fellow students even better.
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology at University of Leeds earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £27,500 after 3 years, £36,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,000 and £42,500. The £36,500 median after five years is £4,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology at University of Leeds do next?
85% 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 Leeds?
78% 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 Leeds?
The typical offer is ABB at A level. The average entrant had 134 UCAS points.
Is BSc Geology at University of Leeds accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does BSc Geology at University of Leeds 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 University of Leeds?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.