Undergraduate course
Our typical offer
Our Geology degree programme explores the forces that shape our planet while tackling today's critical challenges such as reducing natural hazard risks, understanding environmental change, and driving the clean energy transition.
Dr Paul Cole
Associate Professor of Volcanology
FYM001
Becoming a Successful Global Scientist
30 credits
This module will introduce learners to some of the major global environmental challenges facing society today and how science has a role in tackling them. It will help enable learners to adapt to the Higher Education Learning Environment by the development of a more independent, reflective and self-managed approach to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science.
50% Coursework
50% Tests
FYM002
Essentials for Physical and Environmental Sciences
30 credits
This module introduces learners to the study of physical and environmental science. It covers the very small scale from atoms to large scale global systems. This module teaches the fundamental concepts and analysis methods for chemical, environmental and earth system sciences. No prior knowledge is assumed. Emphasis is placed on building understanding of core principles and confidence in essential practical techniques.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FYM004
Our Changing Planet - Chemical and Geo-environmental Processes
30 credits
This module builds on the core ideas introduced in its partner module in the first semester (FYM002), introducing a range of additional physical, earth and environmental concepts. There will be a strong emphasis on applying scientific principles to a wide range of topics in earth, environmental and chemical sciences.
50% Coursework
50% Examinations
FYM006
Sustainable Development Project
30 credits
This module will introduce the learners to group work. As part of a group, they will investigate one of the global environmental challenges facing society today. Each global environmental challenge will be investigated through its impact(s) in and around SW England. The learners will be guided in their investigation and present their findings at an end of year conference. This will be followed by an individual reflection upon the group work process.
50% Practicals
50% Tests
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The field trips are what inspired me the most to continue pursuing a career in geoscience. I loved the hands-on learning, both out in the field and in the labs.
“Combining my studies at Plymouth with the opportunity to live in two countries (Canada and China) at opposite sides of the world and experience the student life there was fantastic.”
Working in industry allowed me to bridge the gap between the theoretical knowledge I had gained during the first years of my studies and the practical application of these skills.
Our world-class research keeps staff at the cutting edge of recent scientific developments within the field.
Research by our Earth Scientists on the Celtic Sea bed is helping develop renewable energy futures in the South West.
Dr Matt Bailey Ross
Lecturer in Environmental and Engineering Geology
Dr Uwe Balthasar
Lecturer in Palaeontology
Professor Sarah Boulton
Professor of Geohazards
The overall vibe of the city is perfect. You are by the sea so it is still laid back, but you have all the conveniences of living in a city.
The course gave me a good understanding of geology and the different vocations I could pursue after graduating. The career planning module which ran alongside the dissertation in my final year, really helped me to think about what job I wanted to do and where I wanted to do it.
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
4 years
(+ optional placement)
Full-time
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The full course is accredited by The Geological Society of London
