Geology BSc (Hons)
University of Plymouth
Student rating
This is the overall rating calculated by averaging all live reviews for this uni on Whatuni.
( 4.2) View reviews

Want to know what it's like to study this course at uni? We've got all the key info, from entry requirements to the modules on offer. If that all sounds good, why not check out reviews from real students or even book onto an upcoming open days?

Different course options
2 options available
academic-cap
Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

location-pin
Location

Main Site

beaker
Study mode

Full Time

calendar
Start date

SEP-25

time
Duration

3 Years

Course info

Select a course option


Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

3 Years

SELECTED

Qualification

Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Sandwich

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

4 Years

SELECT

Subjects

Select a subject


Geology
SELECTED

Exam type

Select a an exam type


A level
SELECTED

Scottish Higher
SELECT

Scottish Advanced Higher
SELECT

UCAS Tariff
SELECT

Access to HE Diploma
SELECT

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
SELECT

City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
SELECT

Extended Project
SELECT

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
SELECT

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
SELECT

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
SELECT

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
SELECT

Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
SELECT

T Level
SELECT

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
SELECT

WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths)
SELECT

Course info

The geosciences are critical to shaping the future of our planet. Geologists use their knowledge of the earth’s evolution and the physical, chemical and biological process that shape our planet, to pioneer sustainable futures. Core modules explore volcanic and seismic hazards, clean energy transitions, and long term environmental change. BSc Geology students develop an understanding of earth history through the practical study of tectonics, rocks, minerals, structures and fossils.- Our new ...Read more

The geosciences are critical to shaping the future of our planet. Geologists use their knowledge of the earth’s evolution and the physical, chemical and biological process that shape our planet, to pioneer sustainable futures. Core modules explore volcanic and seismic hazards, clean energy transitions, and long term environmental change. BSc Geology students develop an understanding of earth history through the practical study of tectonics, rocks, minerals, structures and fossils.- Our new modules address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change.- Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.- Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme uses the unrivalled local range of geological and geographical locations. Residential overseas fieldwork visits regions of active tectonics such as Death Valley, Italy and Sicily.- All students have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.- Students can undertake a placement year, between the second and final year, working full time for a geological employer.- Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.- Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout your degree programme. - Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.- Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor, and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.- Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.- Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.- A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do. - Specialist academic, international fieldwork and laboratory skills provide a springboard to an exciting and diverse range of careers.

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
70/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
23rd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
65th
Earth Sciences
Drop-out rate
Drop-out rate
The percentage of students who didn't finish the course.
Calculated by 100% - (% of students continuing course + % of students completed course)
100 - 95 = 5% Drop-out rate Source: UNISTATS, 2019
5%
Employment rate
Employment rate
The percentage of students in full-time work 6 months after finishing their course.
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
80%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£18,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£20,000
What students say
D
Daisy
08 Nov 24

The university is very involved in the wellbeing of the students by holding events. The university also has excellent..Read more

G
grace
06 Nov 24

Great location, the students union is great at having lots of events for people to take part..Read more

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
Modules (Year 2)
Modules (Year 3)
Modules (Year 4)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A level:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Scottish Advanced Higher:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

UCAS Tariff:

112 - 120 Grades / Points required

Access to HE Diploma:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Extended Project:

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:

28 - 30 Grades / Points required

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):

H2,H2,H2,H3,H3 Grades / Points required

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

DDM - DMM Grades / Points required

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

T Level:

M Grades / Points required

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths):

Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.

112 - 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels with a relevant science subject: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology.

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers

Range from 112 to 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers to include a Grade C in a relevant science subject: Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Use of Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Information Technology, Applied Science, Geography, Geology.

112 - 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels with a relevant science subject: Biology, Human Biology, Maths, Use of Maths, Further Maths, Statistics, Electronics, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Psychology, Computer Science, Computer Programming, Information Technology, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, BTEC Applied Science, BTEC Engineering.

Pass a Science based Access to HE Diploma with at least 33 credits at merit to include 18 credits in science units

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

To include 4 at Higher Level in two Science subjects

112 to 120 UCAS points. To include relevant science subjects: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology. English and Maths considered within

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Science/Technology related subject required

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Must be a Science Pathway

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Popular A-level subjects

Earth Sciences

Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.

Geography
61%
Biology
40%
Geology
32%
Chemistry
22%
Mathematics
20%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest Geology reviews

Geology
Geology
D
Daisy
08 Nov 24
Geology BSc (Hons)
The university is very involved in the wellbeing of the students by holding events. The university also has excellent...
Read more
G
grace
06 Nov 24
Geology BSc (Hons)
Great location, the students union is great at having lots of events for people to take part...
Read more
Review breakdown
University rating
University rating
Students' union
Societies and Sports
University halls
Facilities
Lecturers and teaching quality
Local life
Career prospects
Student support
Location
Campus look and feel
Student life
Course rating
Course content
Work placements and internships
Tutor contact time
Subject facilities
University location
Cost of living
Safety
Public transport
Part-time work opportunities
Graduate employment opportunities
Diversity
Location
Safety
Room allocation
Internet/wifi
Value for money
Property management

How Geology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.4) 28 reviews
5 star
43%
4 stars
50%
3 stars
7%
2 stars
0%
1 star
0%

How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 2,385 reviews
5 star
36%
4 stars
54%
3 stars
9%
2 stars
1%
1 star
0%
Search reviews that mention

Uni info

University of Plymouth
University of Plymouth , Plymouth

The University of Plymouth is a modern campus university ideally placed in the centre of Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth, located on...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
65th
University of Plymouth
Drake Circus Plymouth PL4 8AA United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Plymouth  0.2 miles away

Similar courses at this uni

Find a course

  • Undergraduate
  • HND / HNC
  • Foundation degree
  • Access & foundation
  • Postgraduate