Geology with Geography

Geology with geography brings together the study of the deep physical history of the Earth and the processes that shape its present surface and human environments. Geology investigates the rocks, minerals, and structures that make up the planet's crust, the movements of tectonic plates, the formation of mountains and ocean basins, and the record of past life preserved in fossil evidence. Geography, in the physical sense particularly, is concerned with landforms, soils, rivers, coastal processes, and the ways the physical environment interacts with climate and human activity.

Together they give you a comprehensive understanding of how the planet works.

At the University of East Anglia this three-year full-time degree develops both the field and laboratory skills that Earth science requires alongside a strong theoretical grounding. You will learn to read geological maps, handle and identify rocks and minerals in the field, use geophysical methods, interpret sedimentary and structural data, and apply geographical information systems to environmental problems. UEA's location in East Anglia, with its coastal processes, glacial landscapes, and accessible rock exposures, provides a natural laboratory for field-based learning that connects classroom theory to the physical world.

Geology and geography graduates move into careers in the oil and gas industry, mining, environmental consultancy, hydrogeology, engineering geology, the water industry, and the public sector. The geological dimension is particularly valuable for roles in resource exploration and extraction, while the geography component opens doors in environmental management, planning, and sustainability consultancy. Teaching at secondary level, where both disciplines are valued, is another route.

Postgraduate study in geology, petroleum geoscience, engineering geology, or physical geography is available for those who want to specialise, and a geology degree typically provides strong preparation for a PhD in the Earth sciences.