Geology

Geology is the study of the world and how it's interior, surface and atmosphere interact. It is a subject that is concerned with the Earth's past, present and future. Geologists study the world through observation and make inferences based on understanding of fundamental scientific principles.

Four year courses lead to the MSci (Master in Science) degree, which is more readily accepted across Europe and worldwide and has now become accepted as the standard for the best universities.

Knowledge and Understanding of
 The Earth as a dynamic system, its evolution through time, uniformitarianism
 Petrology and petrological analysis and the interpretation of the provenance through hand
specimens, petrology and field relationships from the micro- to macro-scale
 Basic mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer languages that are relevant to modern
geosciences
 Geochemistry: in particular solid earth geochemistry, low temperature geochemistry,
biogeochemistry, environmental geochemistry, study of the earth and planetary systems and
their mineralogy
 Using Geophysical techniques in exploration, and applying mathematics and physics to
studying the Earth as a planet
 Surface Processes: weathering and its consequences for sedimentation, soil development,
geomorphology and geohazards
 Internal Processes: Petrological analysis and what it tells us about processes, volcanism and
economic mineralisation
 Tectonics and geological structures: Deformation, plate tectonics and earthquakes
 Life on Earth through the study of palaeontology, paleobiology and the stratigraphic record
on land and marine
 Geological maps and three-dimensional interpretation of surface and sub-surface
geological systems acquired through knowledge of geological mapping and electronic
mapping packages. 

Year 1

Dynamic Earth 1
Stratigraphy
Earth Materials
Physical Processes (4)
Programming for Geoscientists
1
Maths Methods 1 (4)
Solid Earth Geochemistry (4)
Surface Processes
Internal Processes
Structural Geology 1
Optical Mineralogy and
Petrology
Life & Earth History
Introduction to Field Geology
Graphics & Statistics for
Geoscientists 1
Field Geology 1
Projects and Tutorials 1 (1)
Geoscience Workshops (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)

(1), (2)
Projects and Tutorials and Geoscience workshops take place throughout the year on a variety of
topics.
(3)
Imperial Horizons courses in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS.
(4)
Students may not have A-levels or equivalent in all three of Maths, Physics and Chemistry.
Introductory level 1 courses in these subjects allow such students to delay studying more advanced
material in one or more of these subjects until year two; the programme and timetable allow for this
flexibility.

Year 2

Applied Geophysics 1 (4)
Igneous 1
Global Geophysics(4)
Structural Geology 2
Sedimentary Geology
Metamorphic 1
Low Temperature
Geochemistry (4)
Rocks Master Class
Remote Sensing & GIS
Structural Geology 3
Palaeontology or Maths
Methods 2
Earth Resources
Field Geology 2
Field Geology 3
Independent Geology Project (1)
Projects and Tutorials 2 & Geoscience Workshops
+ optional Business for Professional Engineers & Scientists (2)
+ optional Imperial Horizons (3)
(1) Year 2 develops the fundamental geological and geophysical knowledge and skills that are required
to undertake a major independent project at the end of the year. This is a mapping project for
geology students; this continues into summer vacation.
(2) Students can take Business for Professional Engineers and Scientists course in term 1 and 2 for
credit which may contribute to the coursework element. Students taking this option will graduate with
66 ECTS for their 2nd year – an additional 6 ECTS for their 2nd year.
(3) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit.
(4) For students with missing A-levels in Maths, Physics or Chemistry, students take Maths methods 1
instead of Applied Geophysics 1, Physical Processes instead of Earth Structure and Tectonics and
Solid Earth Geochemistry instead of Low Temperature Geochemistry respectively

Year 3

Basins & Tectonics
Seismic Techniques
Climate
Plus two from:
Ice and fire
or Ore Deposits
or Hydro and fluid flow 1
Elective courses vary annually.
In 2014/2015 they are:
Biogeochemistry
Earth Systems
Geomorphology
Minerals Processing
Environmental Impact
Assessment*
Solid Waste 1*
Solid Waste 2*
Hydrothermal & ore forming
processes (double)
Low Temperature
Geochemistry*
Dynamic Stratigraphy*
GIS and Remote Sensing 2
(double)
Env & Eng Geol 1
Business for professional
engineers and scientists
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)
Field Geology 4 (1)
Earth Science Synthesis 1
Earth Science General Paper
(Yr 3)
Independent geology project &
Workshops assoc with project
+ optional Imperial Horizons(2)

(1) In term 3, geologists undertake a field trip examined by a final report.
(2) Imperial Horizons in term 1 and 2 can be taken as an additional 6 ECTS which is not for credit

Year 4

MSci project (full time)
(Submit MSci report as a paper
plus supporting material at the
start of term 2)
Elective courses vary annually.
In 2014/2015 they are as for
year 3, but normally excluding:
Dynamic Stratigraphy
Low-Temperature
Geochemistry
Additional year-4 electives:
Applied Sedimentology (triple)
Basin Analysis (double)
Earth Science General Paper
(Yr 4)
Field Geology 5 or
Research Conference
Science Communication – throughout the year

Students begin work on MSci projects in summer between year 3 and 4; they work full-time on the
project in term 1.
Graduation in June 

Our minimum offer for all our courses is AAA but we normally ask for additional or higher requirements depending on the individual student. Students are interviewed before being made an offer.  Most of our offers are targetted to individual students. Our undergraduate intake is therefore among the best qualified in the country.

If studying UK qualifications you will need three A levels, and at least two A-levels from the following list:

• Mathematics
• Physics
• Chemistry
• Biology
• Geology
• Geography

Only about 20% of our students have prior knowledge of geology, so don’t worry if you have not studied Earth science or geology before. What we are looking for are students who love science and have a deep desire to learn more about the Earth.

A-level equivalents

We welcome students from across Europe and worldwide with A-level equivalents such as International or European Baccalaureates, Scottish Advanced Highers or the Irish Leaving Certificate. Students with other competencies will also be considered.  We encourage students who have not taken A-levels to visit the relevant pages on the Registry website.   

Maths and physics

Maths is an important part of all the courses so we expect students to have at least GCSE Maths (or equivalent) at grade A, or an AS level (or equivalent) at grade B or above.

Students wanting to study geophysics must have A-levels (or equivalent) in physics and maths (although you can still study geophysics combined with geology without physics A-level).

Candidates admitted without an A-level (or equivalent) in maths, physics or chemistry are provided with additional subject teaching in the first year and take the intermediate level courses in those subjects a year later.

In addition to A-levels (or equivalents) we place great emphasis on interview and take other qualities as well as academic ability into account.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

Rio Tinto Scholarships

The Rio Tinto Scholarshipswill provide financial support for Earth Science students during their university degrees. These scholarships are a shared vision between Rio Tinto and Imperial to encourage students to apply their skills in the mining sector. Scholarswill be selected at the end of theirfirst year of their studies at Imperial,with continuous funding for years 2, 3 and 4, subject to satisfactory performance. Each Rio Tinto Scholar will receive: • Financial aid of £4,000 per yearforthose selected in September 2014 • Preferential entry to Rio Tinto’s graduate program (subject to meeting standard selection criteria) • Mentorship by Rio Tinto staff members • Opportunities to apply studies through internships and vacationwork • Networking opportunitieswith Rio Tinto managers and high profile Imperial College visitors Scholarship holders are not compelled to join Rio Tinto on graduation.

Rio TintoUrra Fieldtrip Rio Tintowill fund the first year geosciences fieldtrip to Urra, Southern Spain,which specifically develops observational and practical skills for all first year undergraduate students. Anglo-American Scotland Fieldtrip Anglo-Americanwill fund the second yearfieldtrip to the Highlands, the pre-independent mapping trip designed to enhance independent mapping skills.

Burhouse Bursary The Burhouse Bursary is awarded annually to an overseas student. Eligible students are contacted by the department in late August and encouraged towrite an essay to be submitted in late September, before starting theirfirst year of studies in October. MinSouth Student

The MinSouth Sponsorship, administered by MinSouth, is available to UK students starting their second year. Students must not be in receipt of any other major scholarship or sponsorship otherthan student loans and educational grants. The MinSouth Sponsorship is £1,000 per yearto the end of their degree, subject to satisfactory progression. Applications, accompanied by an essay are available from the Academic Tutor

 All students study a very similar syllabus in years one and two, so you can switch between courses up until the start of year three, although most students decide on their degree title by the end of year 1.

Students do not need to have previously studied geology to apply to our courses; normally around 20% of students will have studied some geology.

Students can swap between three and four year courses up until the start of year three. However, to do a four year MSci course you will need to be achieving a grade 2.1 or higher at the end of your second year.