BSc Geology
About this course
BSc (Honours) in Geology, an Earth and Environmental Sciences degree focused on the origin and evolution of our planet and its biosphere. Core topics include Programming, Data Analysis, and Research Methods. The course includes a final-year research dissertation involving independent field and laboratory work, alongside applied training structured around industry requirements. The first year establishes a foundation in geological and environmental sciences through modules such as Understanding Planet Earth and Earth's Resource Challenges. The second year examines interior and surface processes via Dynamic Earth: Magma, Minerals and Metamorphism and Dynamic Earth: The Earth System, which features an independent field mapping course. Subsequent study covers advanced options spanning Geochemistry, GIS and Spatial Analysis for Earth Scientists, Global Climate Change, and Subsurface Modelling and Geophysics for Earth Scientists. A compulsory Research Dissertation forms the final-year individual project.
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: AAB, including two of the following subjects: Biology Chemistry Environmental Science Geography Geology Mathematics Physics. IB: 36 (HL 6,6,5), including HL6 in two of the following subjects: Biology Chemistry Environmental systems societies (ES&S) Geography Mathematics Physics.
See the highest paying Geography & Environmental Science degrees in the UK →
What students say
Based on about 26 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 98%
- Learning opportunities: 95%
- Assessment and feedback: 80%
- Academic support: 96%
- Organisation and management: 81%
- Learning resources: 90%
- Student voice: 77%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 30 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 100%
What graduates do next
Based on about 16 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Working and studying: 20%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Natural and social science professionals: 35%
- Conservation and environment professionals: 25%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Administrative occupations: 5%
- Managers, directors and senior officials: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 85%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 70%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 75%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 25 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- North East: 5%
- North West: 5%
- Yorkshire and the Humber: 10%
- East of England: 20%
- London: 15%
- South East: 10%
- Scotland: 35%
Who gets in
Based on about 55 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 94%
- A degree: 6%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Modules
- Advanced Field Skills in Earth and Environmental Sciences
- Coding and Modelling in Earth Sciences
- Data Analysis in Earth Sciences
- Geochemistry
- GIS and Spatial Analysis for Earth Scientists
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Processes and Products in Sedimentary Systems
- Structural Geology and Tectonics
- Field Excursion and Map Interpretation
- Research Review
- Research Dissertation : an individual research project on an area of Earth Sciences which will allow you to pursue a topic of personal interest in depth. You will present your project both orally and in dissertation form
- Metallogeny (formation of ores)
- Evolution and dynamics of the silicate Earth
- Oceans and atmosphere
- Global Climate Change
- Global Resource Challenges
- Subsurface Modelling and Geophysics for Earth Scientists
- Communication and Teaching in Science
- Earth's Resource Challenges
- Understanding Planet Earth
- Dynamic Earth: Magma, Minerals and Metamorphism
- Dynamic Earth: The Earth System
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BSc Geology at University of St Andrews earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 15 months, £29,000 after 3 years, £35,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £29,000 and £50,500. The £35,500 median after five years is £3,500 more than the UK median for Earth sciences.
What do graduates of BSc Geology at University of St Andrews do next?
95% 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 St Andrews?
98% 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 St Andrews?
The typical offer is AAB at A level. The average entrant had 203 UCAS points.
Is BSc Geology at University of St Andrews 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 St Andrews include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on BSc Geology at University of St Andrews?
100% of students continued into their second year, and 0% left higher education.