MGeol (Hons) Geology

• Sharpen your research skills working alongside staff on a research or industry-related project, with the potential to be published in a peer-reviewed journal.
• Refine your skills - 100 per cent of the final year is taught at masters-level.
• Broaden your geological knowledge by attending our research seminar series.
• Benefit from essential field equipment and e-books, free as part of your welcome package.
• Progress your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.
• Hone your abilities through the close links University staff maintain with the Earth science sector. Our involvement in these areas ensures your experience at Plymouth will be focused towards the current needs of industry and society while giving you access to the latest industry-standard geological software.
• Learn from the experience and expertise of our highly qualified staff. The varied teaching practices range from seminars and tutorials to practical classes and workshops. 
• Take part in the substantial fieldwork offered in a variety of UK and overseas locations. You'll become an experienced field-worker, able to apply the knowledge and skills acquired in the classroom to existing Earth science problems.
• Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society helps you to gain the required experience. The world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology.
• Take the opportunity to spend your second or fourth year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes. Plymouth is currently the only UK institution to offer exchanges through ISEP, giving our students the greatest range of Earth science exchange opportunities available.

• Year 1

• Laying the foundations of geological knowledge, your first year provides you with an introduction to laboratory and field skills. You'll learn about key Earth processes including plate tectonics, and take a practical approach to the study of minerals, rocks, fossils and geological structures. Our tutorials will help you develop effective study techniques and computing skills and you'll undertake fieldwork, including residential classes, across the South West.
  

  Core modules

  • GEOL1001 The Dynamic Earth

    This module introduces a dynamic view of how the Earth operates as a series of inter-related systems and provides students with the factual and conceptual basis required to begin to understand these systems. It integrates different geological sub-disciplines via an introductory field excursion, where the basics of mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, stratigraphy and geological map-work will be put into practice.

  • GEOL1002 Earth Materials

    This module provides an introduction to the origins and properties of Earth materials including the common rock forming minerals, and the igneous, sedimentary and metamorphic rock groups.

  • GEOL1003 Geosystems

    This module introduces how the Earth operates as a series of inter-related, dynamic systems. It provides students with the factual and conceptual knowledge base required to understand these systems, and the linkages between them. The module also aims to build confidence in using mathematical and experimental methods within an Earth Sciences context.

  • GEOL1004 Palaeontology and Stratigraphy

    This module provides an introduction to: (a) stratigraphic principles and methods; (b) palaeontology and the fossil record, including the processes of fossilisation and the morphology, ecology, stratigraphic ranges and uses of different groups of fossil organisms.

  • GEOL1005 Geological Maps and Structural Geology

    This module will introduce the use of topographic and geologic maps and remotely sensed data, such as aerial photographs, in the Earth Sciences. The module will also introduce key concepts in structural geology. These and related techniques will be used to describe and analyse the geological history of a region.

  Optional modules

  • GEES1001PP Natural Hazards

    This module examines the major short-term natural hazards that affect the contemporary Earth. The various different hazards will be covered ranging from geohazards including landslides, volcanoes, earthquakes as well as weather related hazards such as tropical cyclones, extra tropical storms. Emphasis is placed upon natural hazard processes, identification, risk potential and hazard mitigation.

  • GEES1003PP Sustainable Futures

    This module explores the concepts and principles of sustainable development and critically examines their application to a range of real-world contemporary issues. The module provides opportunities to enhance knowledge and understanding and develop key skills by exploring an aspect of 'sustainability in practice' through student-led research.

  • OS106PP Our Ocean Planet

    In this module students will explore important topical issues associated with our ocean planet. Students will have a creative opportunity to work in teams on a topic of their choice using a project based learning approach. They will develop a variety of communication skills in order to present their ideas in a medium of their team's choice.

• Year 2

• Year 2 consolidates the knowledge and skills developed in Year 1, with an emphasis on the practical side of geology. You'll develop observational, analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to use these skills to answer fundamental geological questions. You'll also learn to make geological maps and develop new field skills which will be used in fieldwork you undertake in both the UK and in Spain.
  

  Core modules

  • APIE217 Preparation for a Year Long Work Placement in Earth Sciences

    This module is designed to assist students in their search and preparation for a year long work placement. It is aimed at students who would like to undertake the placement to enhance both programme specific and employment-related skills during Stage 3.

  • GEOL2001 Sedimentology and Palaeontology

    This module examines the theory and techniques of paleontological and sedimentological analysis. A range of paleontological data will be investigated to analyse past environments. Modern and ancient sedimentary systems will be evaluated in terms of the processes operating at the time of deposition.

  • GEOL2002 Structures, Magmas and Volcanoes

    The module examines theory and techniques of structural and igneous petrological analysis, with emphasis on rigorous observation and description of rocks and structures. It will provide a framework for the interpretation of structures and igneous rocks in terms of tectonic processes and environments, and will contribute to building professional competencies in the evaluation of geological materials and their context.

  • GEOL2003 Geospatial Techniques

    The module develops professional approaches to the collection, analysis and presentation of geospatial data (e.g. geological/geomorphological maps and related Earth imagery) within the Earth Sciences.

  • GEOL2004 Stratigraphy and Earth History

    This module provides learners with an understanding of the theory and concepts for of the elucidation of Earth History, including litho- bio- and chronostratigraphy, geochemical correlation and isotopic dating methods, sequence stratigraphy and basin evolution. It also provides training in the use and application of key techniques using real-life scenarios.

  • GEOL2005 Structural and Metamorphic Geology

    Processes and products of deformation and metamorphism are investigated using field and petrographic data. Case studies of deformed and metamorphosed terrains are used to illustrate key principles. The knowledge and analytical techniques developed are applied to the understanding of tectonic and geodynamic processes.

  • GEOL2006 Geological Fieldwork

    The module provides training in field data collection techniques, planning for fieldwork and conducting fieldwork in a professional, safe and ethical manner in preparation for students performing their summer field mapping camps. Techniques are to include geological material descriptions, mapping, logging, surveying, and related methods relevant to completing geological mapping projects.

• Optional placement year

• Take advantage of our optional placement year, giving you the opportunity to develop your geological skills in the workplace and gain valuable experience.  Find your perfect placement with the help of our employability service and benefit from specialist workshops and tutorials in your second year, helping you prepare for your year in industry. 
  

  Core modules

  • APIE316 Placement in Earth Sciences

    This module aims to provide an opportunity for professional training of at least six months duration with an approved company or host organisation between stage 2 and 4. While on placement, students will gain experience of how Earth Science is used in the workplace, be able to apply their Earth Science knowledge and expertise, and learn further skills and relevant techniques.

• Year 4

• Your fourth year gives you the opportunity to develop specialised geological knowledge and skills through selecting optional modules from a specialist degree route. You may also undertake advanced fieldwork and will complete an independent field-based mapping and research project, which will develop your professional skills. Our optional field courses include opportunities in Sicily and Cyprus.
  

  Core modules

  • GEOL3001 Geological Mapping Research Project and Professional Skills

  • GEOL3003 Geophysics

    Introduces students to a range of techniques in exploration and solid Earth geophysics. Theoretical understanding will allow students to: (i) interpret geophysical data in a range of contexts, both manually and using modelling software; and (ii) undertake a geophysical field survey using a selection of appropriate methods.

  Optional modules

  • GEOL3004 Advanced Palaeontology and Sedimentology

    This module examines paleontological and sedimentological concepts, theory and data via a holistic and systematic approach. Modern and ancient sedimentary systems will be evaluated in terms of facies analysis, geochemistry and petrography. Case studies and related datasets will be investigated to analyse past environments and environmental change.

  • GEOL3005 Tectonics

    This module provides a basis for the systematic analysis of structures and processes in a variety of tectonic regimes. A range of specialist analytical methods are introduced and an inter-disciplinary approach to deducing the wide range of geological processes operative in modern and ancient tectonic settings is strongly encouraged through a variety of case-studies.

  • GEOL3006 Geological Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing

    Examines 1) the collection of digital datasets using a range of remote sensing techniques (e.g. satellite imagery, digital elevation models), and 2) the analysis of such remotely sensed data using computer based Geographical Information System software within the Earth Sciences for research and applied purposes.

  • GEOL3007 Igneous and Volcanic Processes

    This module provides a framework for the analysis of igneous rocks from a range of tectono-magmatic settings by means of advanced analytical techniques using real research-informed case studies, and for the critical evaluation of current ideas and concepts in igneous petrology and volcanology.

  • GEOL3008 Advanced Geological Fieldwork

    A residential fieldtrip centred on the analysis of the geological evolution of a region, where students will integrate their own field observations with published work from a variety of locations in developing and understanding of the geological history of that region and its wider significance to the Earth Sciences.

  • GEOL3009 Earth Science Professional Case Studies

    This module allows students to undertake an individual analysis of an advanced geological dataset with an applied or research emphasis. Outcomes are reported in a professional style consultancy document or research paper underpinned by advanced scientific literature. Within groups, students integrate findings and communicate their wider geological significance in a professional public forum.

• Final year

• The emphasis in your final year is to deepen and refine your field, research and professional skills. You'll participate in an advanced residential field course to the USA and develop knowledge by undertaking a range of optional modules. Finally, you will carry out an advanced masters-level independent research project, developed by academic staff and with the potential to lead to publication in academic journals. 100 per cent of this year will be undertaken at master's level.
  

  Core modules

  • GEOL5001 Geoscience Frontiers: Research and Communication

    Topical issues in pure and applied Earth Science provide the context for conveying the basic elements of geoscientific research. Students will get guidance on the research methodologies that underpin geological research, and receive training in generic research skills, such as project planning and management, scientific ethics, funding arrangements, and communicating research to both technical and non-technical audiences.

  • GEOL5002 MGeol Advanced Fieldwork

    This module is based around a series of case study based geoscience problems which require students to find appropriate field and follow-up lab techniques, apply them, interpret the results and report on these results through a series of industry style group and individual presentations and technical workshops.

  • GEOL5003 Advanced Analytical Skills

    This module aims to provide a practical knowledge and understanding of a range of analytical techniques used in the field of geochemistry through a series of case studies. To enable students to synthesis the dataset acquired and allow them to report it through a series of conference style presentations.

  Optional modules

  • GEOL5004 MGeol Project

    Advanced, independent research project, normally involving geological field and/or laboratory work. Autonomy will be expected with respect to the design and operation of the project. Professionally presented results will entail rigorous analysis, critical awareness, and current contextual significance.

  • GEOL5005 MGeol Project with Placement

    A placement with a sponsor organisation during which an independent research project, normally involving field and/or laboratory work on a topic relevant to the MGeol is undertaken.

Every undergraduate taught course has a detailed programme specification document describing the course aims, the course structure, the teaching and learning methods, the learning outcomes and the rules of assessment.

The following programme specification represents the latest course structure and may be subject to change:

MGeol Geology programme specification 5368

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

UCAS tariff

120-128

IB

30 overall to include 5 at Higher Level in two science related subjects. English and mathematics must be included.

A level
Depending upon subjects studied, from a minimum of two science A levels to include B from at least one of the science subjects including: biology, mathematics/use of mathematics, physics, chemistry, environmental science/studies, applied science, geography, geology or technology. 

BTEC QCF Extended Diploma/RQF National Extended Diploma: DDM to DDD – science related subject. You are encouraged to contact admissions@plymouth.ac.uk if you do not meet this criteria.

BTEC National Diploma modules
If you hold a BTEC qualification it is vital that you provide our Admissions team with details of the exact modules you have studied as part of the BTEC. Without this information we may be unable to process your application quickly and you could experience significant delays in the progress of your application to study with us. Please explicitly state the full list of modules within your qualification at the time of application.

Access
Pass a science Access to HE Diploma with 60 credits overall (including GCSE English and Mathematics grade C / 5 or above or equivalent). 45 credits at Level 3, of which 30 credits must be at distinction and 15 credits at merit or higher from science units: biology, mathematics, physics, chemistry, environmental science/studies, applied science, geography, geology or technology.  

English language requirements

For a full list of all acceptable qualifications please refer to our tariff glossary.