Geology with Palaeontology MGeol
University of Leicester
Student rating
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( 4.2) View reviews

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Qualification

Master of Geology - MGeol

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Location

Main Site

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

22-SEP-25

time
Duration

4 - 5 Years

Course info

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Qualification

Master of Geology - MGeol

Location

Main Site

Study mode

Full time

Start date

22-SEP-25

Duration

4 - 5 Years

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Subjects

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Geology
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A level
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Scottish Higher
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Scottish Advanced Higher
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Access to HE Diploma
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AS
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Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
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International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
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Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
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Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
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T Level
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Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
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Course info

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, ...Read more

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

Key stats

WUSCA ranking:
WUSCA student ranking
These are the 2024 rankings, based on ratings given by past and current students.
36/101
CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
25th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
36th
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
88%
Average salary
Average salary
Source: UNISTATS, 2019
Earth Sciences graduate salary at this uni
£19,000
UK Earth Sciences graduate salary
£20,000
What students say
G
George
01 Mar 24

feels like a..Read more

C
Charlie
29 Nov 23

Its good, good facilities, god location, good student life. The only issue really is how slightly bad living in the village can be, Buses can be inconsistent. At peak times they..Read more

Modules

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

Entry requirements

Exam type

A level

A 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.

Popular A-level subjects

Earth Sciences

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

Geology
72%
Geography
56%
Biology
38%
Mathematics
29%
Chemistry
27%
HESA

Latest reviews

Latest Geology reviews

Geology
Geology
G
George
01 Mar 24
Geology MGeol
feels like a...
Read more
C
Charlie
29 Nov 23
Geology BSc (Hons)
Its good, good facilities, god location, good student life. The only issue really is how slightly bad living in the village can be, Buses can be inconsistent. At peak times they...
Read more
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How Geology students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 17 reviews
5 star
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4 stars
65%
3 stars
5%
2 stars
0%
1 star
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How all students rated:

Student rating
( 4.2) 1,354 reviews
5 star
36%
4 stars
53%
3 stars
11%
2 stars
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Uni info

University of Leicester
University of Leicester , Leicester

The University of Leicester is a prestigious learning institution which offers ambitious students a diverse and inclusive...

Student rating
( 4.2) View reviews
CUG ranking
36th
University of Leicester
University Road Leicester Leicestershire LE1 7RH United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Leicester  0.4 miles away
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