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Master of Geology - MGeol
Main Site
Full Time
22-SEP-25
4 - 5 Years
Select a course option
Master of Geology - MGeol
Main Site
Full time
22-SEP-25
4 - 5 Years
Select a an exam type
Fossils reveal the history of life on Earth, but each new fossil discovery – and new analytical approaches – can change our understanding forever. In this degree, you will develop masters-level expertise, and undertake your own research on a palaeontological topic of interest to you.Palaeontology addresses how the origin and evolution of life is intricately linked with the geological history of the Earth. Through the fossil record you will explore topics such as evolutionary diversity, exceptional preservation and palaeoclimates. We will cover key groups of invertebrate fossils, vertebrate fossils and microfossils, investigating major concepts such as the origin of life, patterns of evolution and extinction, the importance of exceptional fossil assemblages, and the relationship between ecology and evolution.You will also learn about the geological context in which fossils occur. This includes the environments where fossils became preserved, the age of the rocks that contain them, and biases resulting from geological processes. Furthermore, fossils provide crucial information for understanding current changes in ecosystems and the climate. The first-year modules will lay the foundations in palaeontology and across the breadth of the geosciences, and include a field-trip to the beautiful Isle of Arran in Scotland. Also, by choosing the Geology with Palaeontology degree when you apply, you will be assigned to a personal tutor who is a specialist in the field. In the second year, you will develop your skills and understanding across the geosciences, and start to specialise through a bespoke palaeontology module on major events in the history of life, and by choosing a palaeontological focus for your independent fieldwork. In the third year, you will develop specialist expertise through modules on vertebrates and microfossils, plus a dissertation on a palaeontological topic of your choice, and a specialist field trip. Your knowledge of palaeontology will also complement other modules including second-year climate change and the third-year optional module on stable isotopes.Each year of the degree includes different field work opportunities including trips to Scotland, Spain and Wales where you will be able to apply all that you have learned here on campus. You will also carry out an independent field-based project which may range from geological mapping in a fossiliferous area, to field and laboratory analysis of fossils.BSc or MGeol: what's the difference?Whether you study for the Geology with Palaeontology BSc or the MGeol, your degree will combine the knowledge and skills base of a degree in geology with the development of expertise in the scientific study of fossils.Apply for a BSc degree if you want an ideal three-year route to becoming a professional geologist or you’re looking to pursue further geological studies through a specialist MSc course.Apply for a four-year MGeol degree if you are looking to fast-track your professional geological employment or to continue on to PhD research after graduation. MGeol courses include a major cutting-edge independent research project on a topic chosen by you, giving you the opportunity to work with specialist analytical facilities, learn the skills required to succeed in a research environment and potentially see your work published in a peer-reviewed journal.It is possible to transfer between the BSc and the MGeol up to the end of Year
Exam type
A levelA level:
AAB Grades / Points required
Scottish Higher:
AAABB Grades / Points required
Scottish Advanced Higher:
AAB Grades / Points required
Access to HE Diploma:
Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.
AS:
Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal:
Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme:
30 Grades / Points required
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017):
H1,H1,H2,H2,H2 Grades / Points required
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):
DDD Grades / Points required
T Level:
D Grades / Points required
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015):
Not currently available, please contact university for up to date information.
Preferably including at least two from: Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Use of Maths, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or Geography. We also consider one-science profiles with Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
2 science subjects required.
Preferably including at least two from: Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Use of Maths, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or Geography. We also consider one-science profiles with Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Pass science diploma with a minimum of 45 credits at level 3, 30 of which must be at Distinction. To include Physics, Chemistry and Maths Level 3 credits.
Accepted alongside other qualifications.
Accepted alongside other qualifications.
including grade 5 in two science subjects at HL. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths or 4 in SL Maths required if grade 4/C not held at GCSE. Must include a minimum of grade 4 in English A or 5 in English B if minimum of grade 4/C not held in English Language at GCSE.
Must be taking 2 science subjects.
Accepted alongside other qualifications.
Accepted alongside other qualifications.
Must be in a science related subject. Please contact us with module information before applying (study@le.ac.uk).
In Science (with an Occupational Specialism in Laboratory technician)
Accepted alongside other qualifications.
Top 5 A-levels taken by students who study this subject at uni.
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