Geology

This four-year programme offers an additional year on top of the Geology BSc, in which students extend their knowledge and understanding through advanced study and undertake an independent research project. The programme is fully accredited by the Geological Society of London.

In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 0.5 or 1.0 credits, adding up to a total of 4.0 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 1.0 credit is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).

Together with subject-specific skills, the Geology MSci also provides a strong intellectual and practical platform for those who wish to pursue non-geological careers as it integrates a wide range of ideas from many different scientific disciplines, including chemistry, physics and biology, and provides training in the application of scientific methods and knowledge to complex problems.

The programme includes: studies of the nature of rocks and minerals, their mode of origin and environment of formation; the study of past life and palaeoenvironments; the physics and chemistry of the Earth; major Earth processes such as plate tectonics and mountain building (tectonics).

The first and second years develop core skills and knowledge in the subject. The third year provides opportunities for specialisation and diversification, with an emphasis on individual initiative and problem-based learning. During fieldwork students learn to apply and develop independent and team skills and problem-solving abilities which complement and build upon lectures and laboratory-based coursework, whilst being exposed to the true complexity of natural geological problems.

The first three years of the MSci programmes are identical to the BSc programmes. However, the additional fourth year of the MSci allows for an individual research project and advanced optional modules, providing extra depth and breadth of knowledge.

A levels

Grades

AAA-ABB

Subjects

Two sciences preferred.

GCSEs

English Language and Mathematics at grade C. For UK-based students, a grade C or equivalent in a foreign language (other than Ancient Greek, Biblical Hebrew or Latin) is required. UCL provides opportunities to meet the foreign language requirement following enrolment, further details at: www.ucl.ac.uk/ug-reqs

IB Diploma

Points

34-38

Subjects

A score of 16-18 points in three higher level subjects, preferably to include two sciences, with no score lower than 5.

Tuition fees for the Geology undergraduate program at University College London vary depending on the student's residency status. For home students, the annual tuition fee is approximately £9,250, which covers the cost of lectures, laboratory work, field trips, and academic resources. International students are charged higher tuition fees, typically around £21,500 per year, reflecting the higher cost of international student support and resources. The program is structured over three years for students pursuing an undergraduate Bachelor's degree. Students are encouraged to explore various financial assistance options, including scholarships, bursaries, and grants offered by UCL. UCL offers several merit-based scholarships specifically aimed at supporting geology students, which can cover partial or full tuition fees. Additionally, students may be eligible to apply for external funding, such as government undergraduate loans, particularly for UK residents and EU students (subject to current regulations).

UCL also provides financial guidance through its Student Support and Wellbeing services, helping students plan their budgets effectively and access income support where applicable. For students interested in part-time work, UCL's location in London affords numerous opportunities for part-time employment in related industries, which can help offset some of their expenses. Moreover, there are specific scholarships aimed at students from underrepresented backgrounds or those demonstrating financial need, which are highly competitive but provide valuable financial assistance. The university encourages prospective students to apply early for funding options and to explore various external sources, including industry sponsorships and charitable foundations, which sometimes offer scholarships for geology students pursuing careers in earth sciences, environmental consulting, or related fields. Overall, financing a geology degree at UCL requires careful planning and utilization of the diverse support mechanisms available to ensure students can focus on their studies without undue financial stress.

Geology at University College London offers a comprehensive undergraduate program designed to provide students with a solid foundation in the physical sciences, focusing on the study of the Earth's physical structure, materials, processes, and history. The program combines theoretical knowledge with practical laboratory work and field-based experiences, preparing graduates for careers in resource exploration, environmental consultancy, hazard assessment, and academic research. Students are introduced to essential topics such as mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, sedimentology, paleontology, and geophysics, alongside contemporary issues such as climate change, natural hazards, and sustainable resource management. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning through field trips to geological sites, laboratory experiments, and data analysis. Students also have access to advanced facilities, including geophysical equipment, petrographic microscopes, and GIS software. The program encourages critical thinking, scientific inquiry, and independent research, often culminating in a dissertation project. Collaboration with industry partners and research institutions enhances employability and provides insights into current challenges faced by the field. The program is suitable for students with a strong interest in Earth sciences, with opportunities for specialization in areas like mineral deposits, environmental geology, or planetary science. Graduates of this degree are well-equipped to pursue postgraduate studies or enter the workforce in sectors related to natural resources, environmental management, and disaster mitigation. The program emphasizes an interdisciplinary approach, integrating chemistry, physics, and biology as they relate to geological phenomena, fostering a holistic understanding of Earth's systems and processes. The teaching staff comprises experienced academics and professionals actively engaged in research, ensuring that the curriculum remains current and relevant. Overall, the Geology program at UCL aims to cultivate analytical skills, scientific literacy, and a passion for understanding the Earth's dynamic systems, preparing students for impactful careers in the geosciences.