MGeol Geology
About this course
MGeol (Hons) in Geology, an earth sciences degree focused on the physical processes, materials, and history shaping our planet. Core topics include Data Analysis, Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Ethics & Professional Practice. Students can complete an optional placement year or study abroad. The first year covers sustainable geoscience, earth materials, and climate through modules such as Sustainable Geoscience, Earth Materials and Resources, Climate, Tectonics and Hazards, and The Life and Death of an Ocean. The second year expands into surface systems, ocean basins, and regional geology via The Earth Surface and Critical Zone, The Earth's Interior and Resources, Ocean Geoscience, and The Building of Britain. The third year builds advanced analytical and practical capabilities through Professional Field and Core Analysis, Frontiers in Geoscience, and Independent Project, with optional modules addressing environmental challenges and geohazards. The final year centres on postgraduate-level investigation through the MGeol Project alongside specialised options in soil mechanics, environmental observations, and marine science.
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
GCSE: All applicants must have GCSE (or equivalent) mathematics and English at grade 4/C or above. A level: 120 points from a minimum of 2 A levels including one science subject (see subject list below) We accept the following A level subjects: Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Computer Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology. 18 Unit BTEC National Diploma/QCF Extended Diploma: DDM – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria. BTEC National Diploma modules: If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application. All Access courses: Pass a Science Access to Higher Education Diploma with 45 credits, including 30 Level 3 credits at Distinction and 15 credits Level 3 credits at Merit from science units. T level: Merit overall from any science pathway. International Baccalaureate: 28 points overall to include 5 at HL in one science related subject.
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What students say
Based on about 95 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 89%
- Assessment and feedback: 79%
- Academic support: 90%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 91%
- Student voice: 86%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 160 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Gained a higher qualification: 4%
- Left higher education: 6%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 39 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Working: 68%
- Working and studying: 11%
- Further study: 8%
- Unemployed: 8%
Most common jobs
- Architects, Chartered Architectural Technologists, Planning Officers, Surveyors and Construction Professionals: 20%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 5%
- Science, engineering and technology associate professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 65%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 60%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 175 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 4%
- East Midlands: 4%
- West Midlands: 6%
- East of England: 7%
- London: 8%
- South East: 16%
- South West: 43%
- Wales: 7%
- Scotland: 2%
Who gets in
Based on about 10 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- 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): Gold overall, Gold for student experience, Gold for student outcomes.
Modules
- Placement
- Sustainable Geoscience
- Earth Materials and Resources
- Climate, Tectonics and Hazards
- The Life and Death of an Ocean
- Placement Preparation
- The Earth Surface and Critical Zone
- The Earth's Interior and Resources
- Ocean Geoscience
- The Building of Britain
- Professional Field and Core Analysis
- Frontiers in Geoscience
- Independent Project
- Environmental and Resource Geoscience
- Tectonics and Geohazards
- Environmental Change Through Earth History
- Frontiers in Fieldwork: Unlocking Multidisciplinary Potential
- MGeol Project
- Soil and Rock Mechanics, Characterisation and Field Skills
- Environmental Observations and Quality Assurance
- Geohazards and the Built Environment
- Marine Science
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth earn?
The median salary is £27,500 after 15 months, £24,500 after 3 years, £30,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £36,500. The £30,500 median after five years is £1,500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth do next?
86% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth?
92% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth?
The typical offer is 28 points in the IB. The average entrant had 101 UCAS points.
Is MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year and an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MGeol Geology at University of Plymouth?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 6% left higher education.