**This degree leads to a Master's level qualification and is professionally accredited by the Geological Society of London. As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines on completion of this course.**
The principal challenge facing the world’s growing population is how to maintain sustainable access to the natural resources – water, energy and food – that are necessary for us to enjoy a good quality of life, while protecting the environment.
The science and engineering behind understanding and solving this challenge lie at the heart of earth science, an interdisciplinary subject which encompasses physics, chemistry, mathematics and other sciences. It can be applied to the study of Earth to give us an understanding of how our planet works, from its internal core, crust and oceans, to the atmosphere and our solar system.
All our courses combine a strong traditional emphasis on observational and field skills with the numerical and analytical fundamental science required to understand Earth processes and systems quantitatively. We also emphasise the development of transferable professional skills such as group working, problem-solving, drawing inferences from incomplete data, IT, and oral and written communication. You can expect a balance between theory and practice, including a variety of field trips in the UK and abroad.
Geologists study the world through observation and draw conclusions based on an understanding of important scientific principles.
The modular nature of this course enables you to gain a solid understanding of geosciences while tailoring your study programme to suit your interests. As the course progresses, you will be able to choose modules from specialist areas such as: petrology, geochemistry, surface processes, volcanism, tectonics and geological mapping. You can also diversify your studies with opportunities to study business, language and humanities modules, if you wish, through the Imperial Horizons programme.
You spend your third year studying abroad in a year which counts directly towards your final degree. Your study reaches Master's level in the fourth year with a choice of advanced modules, a specialist field trip and a substantial research project. This means that you will require fewer years of work experience than graduates of our BSc degrees to apply for Chartership of the Geological Society.
You spend your third year studying at a leading university overseas. This is an integrated year abroad, so the grades you achieve will count directly towards your Imperial degree. Opportunities are currently available at:
- MIT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology), USA
- UCB (University of California), USA
- UCLA (University of California), USA
- Australian National University, Canberra, Australia
- University of British Columbia, Canada
- University of Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Aachen University, Germany*****
- University of Strasbourg, France*****
- Université Paris Diderot, France*****
- University of Barcelona, Spain*****
*Fluency in the local language is required to study at these locations. Free language classes are available at the College to help you prepare. Limited places means competition for placements abroad is strong. Normally only students achieving first class marks in the first and second years will be eligible for selection.
Course Details - Modules
Modules are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Assessment Method
Assessment Methods are not listed for this Course.
Course Details – Professional Bodies
The Geological Society
How to Apply
26 January This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application Codes
Course code:
F601
Institution code:
I50
Campus Name:
Main Site
Campus code:
Points of Entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
Year 1
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry (Year 2 and Beyond)
Entry Requirements for Advanced Entry are not listed for this Course.
International applicants
Standard Qualification Requirements
Must include at least two of the following subjects:
Biology
Chemistry
Geology
Geography
Mathematics
Physics
*Where A level Mathematics is not presented, the department prefer applicants who obtained grade A/7 at GCSE Level
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
Please note you are required to demonstrate competency in a relevant foreign language where placements are at institutions which teach in a language other than English.
Must include:
Grade 6 in two of the following subjects at higher level: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Mathematics or Physics
Must include:
D3 in two of the following: Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics
*Where Mathematics is not presented, the department prefer applicants who obtained grade A/7 at GCSE Level
Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course
Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.
English language requirements
Test
Grade
AdditionalDetails
Cambridge English Advanced
For pre-2015 test, the College requires grade C overall. If your test result is 2016 onwards, the College requires 176 overall with 169 in all elements/bands
IELTS (Academic)
6.5
Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 6.0 is required in all bands.
Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.
PTE Academic
62.0
Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 56 is required in all bands.
Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.
TOEFL (iBT)
92.0
Score above refers to overall score. Additionally, a score of 20 is required in all bands.
Results must be within 2 years of course start date in order to be valid.
For further information on the College English entry requirements and a full list of accepted tests and grade requirements, please visit the College website URL detailed below.
