Course Summary

Understand how the Earth has evolved over time, how the planet works, and develop an understanding of its possible futures. In both laboratory and the field you will establish a thorough scientific understanding of the physical forces acting on the Earth, the chemistry of its constituent materials and biology revealed by fossils. Developing your knowledge of processes and materials controlling the development of our planet, you'll be primed for work in a diverse range of geological industries. * In the 2016 National Student Survey, 100 per cent of students felt that the staff were good at explaining things; 94 per cent felt staff made the subject interesting; 94 per cent found staff enthusiastic about teaching; 100 per cent found the course intellectually stimulating; 81 per cent felt they had sufficient support with their studies and 100 per cent were satisfied with the course overall. * 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. * Explore the natural geology of our rich surrounding area. Plymouth's location is of central importance to studying geology, with opportunities for fieldwork right on our doorstep. * Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society helps you to gain the required experience.

Course Details - Modules

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 gain effective study techniques and computing skills and you'll develop your confidence with a personal tutor, providing you with weekly guidance throughout your first year. You'll also undertake fieldwork, including residential classes, across the South West. Year 2 consolidates the knowledge and skills developed in year one, with an emphasis on the practical side of geology. You'll develop observational, analytical and interpretive skills and the ability to use them 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. You’ll also have the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our direct exchange, Erasmus or ISEP programmes. Your third year gives you the opportunity to develop specialised geological knowledge and skills through selecting optional modules from your specialist degree route. Optional modules include palaeontology, sedimentology, tectonics, volcanology and Geographical Information Systems (GIS). 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 visit exciting locations such as Sicily and Cyprus. The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry.

Course Details – Assessment Method

32% of assessment is by exam, 49% by coursework and 19% practical assessment

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: P60

Campus Name: Main Site

Campus code:

Points of Entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

Year 1

Year 2

Year 4

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

112 - 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels with a relevant science subject: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology, excluding General Studies.

112 - 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 A Levels with a relevant science subject: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology, excluding General Studies.

Considered in combination with Advanced Highers

Considered in combination

Pass a Science based Access to HE Diploma with at least 33 credits at merit in science.

Range from 112 to 120 UCAS points to include a minimum of 2 Advanced Highers to include a Grade C in a relevant science subject: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology.

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

To include 4 at Higher Level Science subjects

Science related subject required

To include relevant science subjects: Biology, Maths/Use of Maths, Physics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology or Technology. English and Maths considered within

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

Considered in combination

GCSE Maths and English Language at a Grade C/4

Please click the following link to find out more about qualification requirements for this course

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Minimum Further Information are not listed for this Course.

English language requirements

Test Grade AdditionalDetails
English Language Entry Requirement Information are not listed for this Course.

Unistats information

Student satisfaction : 55%

Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs): 74%

Go onto work and study: 89%

Fees and funding

Additional Fee Information

For all information about tuition fees, please visit our fees and funding pages at www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees * Fees are correct at the time of publication and may be subject to change.

Provider information

Drake Circus
Address2 are not listed for this Course.
Address3 are not listed for this Course.
Plymouth
PL4 8AA

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