BSc Geology
Royal Holloway, University of London
About this course
BSc in Geology, an earth sciences degree centred on the physical and chemical processes that shape our planet and its history. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, Statistics, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. Students may optionally undertake a placement year or study abroad. The first year covers core foundations through modules such as Physics and Chemistry of the Earth, Earth Scientists Toolkit, Evolving Earth, Dynamic Planet, Human Interaction with the Earth, and Academic Integrity. The second year advances core knowledge through Stratigraphy and Past Sedimentary Environments, Geological Evolution and Deep Time Synthesis, Igneous and Metamorphic Geology, Geochemistry, Earth Scientists Mapping Toolkit, Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit, and Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit, while offering optional modules such as Sedimentary Basin Analysis, Geohazards, Applied Geophysics, Computational Earth Sciences, and Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing. The final year involves core practical work in Independent Geological Field Mapping and Techniques in Earth Sciences, alongside further options including Marine Geology, Advanced Topics in Sedimentology, Hydrogeology, Volcanology, Planetary Geology and Geophysics, Advanced Techniques in Tectonic and Structural Interpretation, Modern Climate Change, Mineral Resources, and Topics in Palaeobiology.
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-BBC (Required subjects: A-level including B in a science subject We require English Language and Mathematics GCSE at grade 4 (C)) IB: 6,5,5 at Higher level or 32 points overall. Including a 5 HL in an acceptable Science subject
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What students say
Based on about 17 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 92%
- Learning opportunities: 91%
- Assessment and feedback: 94%
- Academic support: 98%
- Organisation and management: 88%
- Learning resources: 94%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 15 students who started (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Continued on course: 95%
- Left higher education: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 55%
- Further study: 20%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Natural and social science professionals: 15%
- Engineering professionals: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Skilled trades occupations: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 75%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 60%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 40%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 65 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 5%
- North West: 3%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 2%
- East Midlands: 5%
- West Midlands: 8%
- East of England: 12%
- London: 19%
- South East: 32%
- South West: 11%
- Wales: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 15 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): Silver overall, Silver for student experience, Silver for student outcomes.
Modules
- Physics and Chemistry of the Earth
- Earth Scientists Toolkit
- Evolving Earth
- Dynamic Planet
- Human Interaction with the Earth
- Academic Integrity
- Stratigraphy and Past Sedimentary Environments
- Geological Evolution and Deep Time Synthesis
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Geochemistry
- Earth Scientists Mapping Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Practical Toolkit
- Earth Scientists Digital Toolkit
- Sedimentary Basin Analysis
- Geohazards
- Applied Geophysics
- Computational Earth Sciences
- Structural Analysis and Remote Sensing
- Independent Geological Field Mapping
- Techniques in Earth Sciences
- Marine Geology
- Advanced Topics in Sedimentology
- Hydrogeology
- Volcanology
- Planetary Geology and Geophysics
- Advanced Techniques in Tectonic and Structural Interpretation
- Modern Climate Change
- Mineral Resources
- Topics in Palaeobiology
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London earn?
The median salary is £28,000 after 15 months, £25,000 after 3 years, £31,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £26,500 and £42,500. The £31,500 median after five years is £500 less than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London do next?
80% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BSc Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London?
92% 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 Royal Holloway, University of London?
The typical offer is ABB at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 106 UCAS points.
Is BSc Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Does BSc Geology at Royal Holloway, University of London 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 Royal Holloway, University of London?
95% of students continued into their second year, and 5% left higher education.