Department of Earth Sciences | BSc Geology (with Year Abroad) 48 months Undergraduate Programme By Durham University |TopUniversities
Subject Ranking

# 51-100QS Subject Rankings

Programme Duration

48 monthsProgramme duration

Scholarship

1Scholarships

Main Subject Area

GeologyMain Subject Area

Programme overview

Main Subject

Geology

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

BSc Geology (with Year Abroad) at Durham University

[email protected]


Gain the knowledge you need to understand the materials, features and processes that shape the Earth’s surface. With this BSc in Geology you will learn there is more to Geology than studying rocks.


Understanding the processes involved in shaping the Earth’s surface through the study of minerals and rocks can inform us about the impact of past and present changes in environmental conditions. This knowledge will allow us to develop solutions to protect society and the planet from today’s challenges, from Climate Change and Natural Disasters to Resource Shortages and Sustainability.


Our flexible degree puts you in control, giving you both the fundamentals and increased specialisation as you progress through the degree, allowing you to choose a pathway of most interest to you. The BSc Geology is accredited by the Geological Society of London.


Combining academic excellence and cutting-edge research, the course will equip you with the tools needed for employment in a range of sectors, including mineral exploration and petroleum geology, engineering geology, environmental and hydrogeology consultancies, GIS, geological surveys, or for further study or research. Numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed on the course are highly valued in a wide range of non-Geology careers, including teaching, business management, insurance and accounting, banking and finance.


In the first year, you will develop a fundamental understanding of Earth Sciences and build on the practical skills required to study rocks and fossils in the field, including a day field trips around the North-East. Year 2 specialises more in Geological aspects, during which you will develop your knowledge of Core Geological Disciplines associated with Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary and Tectonic Processes and includes three one-week field courses, to Assynt and Spain. In Year 3, you can undertake a research Geological Mapping dissertation and develop advanced knowledge in specialist Geological topics of your choice with multiple residential field work opportunities, including Tenerife and the Western Alps.


You may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year.


Our flexible courses have been developed to meet the needs of industry and provide you with the skills you need to succeed. You will graduate with the scientific foundations and transferable skills to move directly into the workplace or to progress to a more specialised postgraduate qualification.


Career prospects for Durham University graduates are excellent. Geology and Earth Sciences graduates are highly valued by employers and go on to a wide range of highly successful careers in the sector and beyond, working in industry and research, including environmental management, water management, energy and engineering geology. Some of the high-profile employers our graduates have gone on to work for include ATKINS, ARUP, Centrica and the Environment Agency.


Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!

Programme overview

Main Subject

Geology

Degree

BSc

Study Level

Undergraduate

Study Mode

On Campus

BSc Geology (with Year Abroad) at Durham University

[email protected]


Gain the knowledge you need to understand the materials, features and processes that shape the Earth’s surface. With this BSc in Geology you will learn there is more to Geology than studying rocks.


Understanding the processes involved in shaping the Earth’s surface through the study of minerals and rocks can inform us about the impact of past and present changes in environmental conditions. This knowledge will allow us to develop solutions to protect society and the planet from today’s challenges, from Climate Change and Natural Disasters to Resource Shortages and Sustainability.


Our flexible degree puts you in control, giving you both the fundamentals and increased specialisation as you progress through the degree, allowing you to choose a pathway of most interest to you. The BSc Geology is accredited by the Geological Society of London.


Combining academic excellence and cutting-edge research, the course will equip you with the tools needed for employment in a range of sectors, including mineral exploration and petroleum geology, engineering geology, environmental and hydrogeology consultancies, GIS, geological surveys, or for further study or research. Numeracy, critical thinking and problem-solving skills developed on the course are highly valued in a wide range of non-Geology careers, including teaching, business management, insurance and accounting, banking and finance.


In the first year, you will develop a fundamental understanding of Earth Sciences and build on the practical skills required to study rocks and fossils in the field, including a day field trips around the North-East. Year 2 specialises more in Geological aspects, during which you will develop your knowledge of Core Geological Disciplines associated with Igneous, Metamorphic, Sedimentary and Tectonic Processes and includes three one-week field courses, to Assynt and Spain. In Year 3, you can undertake a research Geological Mapping dissertation and develop advanced knowledge in specialist Geological topics of your choice with multiple residential field work opportunities, including Tenerife and the Western Alps.


You may be able to transfer to the four-year MSci degree in Earth Sciences at the end of your second year.


Our flexible courses have been developed to meet the needs of industry and provide you with the skills you need to succeed. You will graduate with the scientific foundations and transferable skills to move directly into the workplace or to progress to a more specialised postgraduate qualification.


Career prospects for Durham University graduates are excellent. Geology and Earth Sciences graduates are highly valued by employers and go on to a wide range of highly successful careers in the sector and beyond, working in industry and research, including environmental management, water management, energy and engineering geology. Some of the high-profile employers our graduates have gone on to work for include ATKINS, ARUP, Centrica and the Environment Agency.


Durham University: Inspiring the Extraordinary

We believe that inspiring our people to do outstanding things at Durham enables Durham people to do outstanding things in the world.

A globally outstanding centre of teaching and research excellence, a collegiate community of extraordinary people, a unique and historic setting - Durham is a university like no other!

Admission Requirements

4 Years
Sep-2024

Tuition fees

Domestic
9,250 GBP

Scholarships

Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate scholarship

Inspiring Excellence Undergraduate scholarship
Bachelors Open

Value

$1000

Deadline

30 Jan 2026

Application requirements

QS Event Attendance is NOT required

Entry requirements

You must be admitted to this school to be awarded

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