Geology

Geology is the science of the Earth, concerned with the materials that make up our planet, the processes that have shaped it over billions of years, and the way those processes are recorded in the rocks, fossils and landscapes we can observe and measure today. It spans palaeontology and the history of life, mineralogy and petrology, structural geology and tectonics, sedimentology and stratigraphy, and applied fields including engineering geology, hydrogeology and economic geology. Geologists are central to some of the most pressing challenges of our time, from the energy transition and the supply of critical minerals to understanding climate change and managing natural hazards.

At the University of Plymouth the programme begins with a foundation year that introduces you to the role of geoscientists in addressing environmental challenges and to the fundamentals of Earth history and structure. Across the full programme, full time, you will develop expertise through fieldwork, tutorial and lecture-based teaching, with geological fieldwork being a particularly important part of the training. The degree includes a sandwich year in industry, a year abroad and work placement opportunities, giving you professional experience and international geological exposure that significantly strengthens your employability.

Geology graduates work in the oil and gas sector, mining, hydrogeology, environmental consultancy, engineering geology, the public sector, and academic research. Roles include geologist, hydrogeologist, geotechnical engineer, environmental scientist and exploration geologist. The energy transition is creating particular demand for geologists with expertise in geothermal energy, carbon capture and storage, and critical mineral supply chains.

Postgraduate study in geology, geotechnics, hydrogeology, petroleum geoscience or engineering geology provides further specialisation.