About this course
Explore the mysteries of the planet and develop an in-depth understanding of the Earth as a complex system. On this integrated master's degree in geology, you'll cover all aspects of geology, from climate change to geoengineering. You'll gain the knowledge and skills for a high-level career in geoscience or to continue your scientific research.
This geology master's will provide you with extensive, in-depth knowledge of subjects such as:
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physical volcanology
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plate boundary tectonics
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natural resources and sustainable development
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marine geology
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environmental geoscience
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current and past climate change
In the final year, you'll choose a topic and carry out your own research investigation. You'll work with our academic experts and world-class analytical facilities.
After you graduate, your expertise will be in high demand in the geological industry. Whether you choose to focus on the need for raw materials, the environmental sector or engineering geology.
As a master in geology you can:
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gain a thorough grounding in all aspects of the subject
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examine past climate events to help predict climate change
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develop ways to discover new natural resources and exploit known ones responsibly
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understand natural hazards and help avoid them
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study volcanoes and the behaviour of magma
As part of this course you can:
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study in a world-leading research institution, National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
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access superb, industry-standard facilities, including the National Oceanographic Library and 150 laboratories
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go on field trips and residential field courses, both in the UK and abroad
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gain career benefits through our many links to geological companies
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develop transferable skills such as teamwork, written and oral communication, planning, presentation, data collection and analysis
Our MSci Geology courses are accredited by The Geological Society of London, meaning our teaching is of the highest quality and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists.
Course location
This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
In light of COVID-19, we’ve made changes to some elements of course delivery for 2020-21. For details as to how this has changed delivery for this course, please view the Addendum to the Programme Specification PDF.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202021
A-levels
AAB including two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B)
A-levels additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer:
BBB including two acceptable science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience.
applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme, as follows:
ABB including two acceptable science subjects (minimum of grade B)
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 and 6 at two Higher Level Science subjects
International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information
Acceptable science subjects include Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation), Environmental Studies, Geography, Geology and Computer Science.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements.
Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
D in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus AA in A Level to include two science subjects. We do not accept the BTEC Diploma/BTEC Extended Diploma without two AA grades in A Level to include two science subjects.
BTEC additional information
Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Geography, Maths, Environmental Studies, Geology, Physics, Computer Science or Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical science assessment is additionally required. Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
COVID-19: we've made some changes to the structure of the course for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
This degree programme let you develop an extensive and in-depth knowledge of all of the fundamental aspects of cutting-edge geology.
The first 2 years consist mostly of compulsory modules. In your final 2 years, you'll have a larger selection of optional modules.
The research project is an important part of your final year.
Year 1 overview
You'll get a thorough introduction to mainstream geology. You'll study earth materials and ocean biogeochemistry, and learn key skills for geoscientists.
You can also choose 2 optional modules, of which, one must be a Mathematics module.
Year 2 overview
A set of core and compulsory Geology modules will further advance your knowledge.
You'll learn key geological skills, which replicate best practice in the industry. You'll also go on a residential trip for a mapping exercise. This will develop skills in communication and analysis, and train you to visualise geological structures in 3D.
Other modules include structural geology and a study of the origin, structure and composition of igneous and metamorphic rocks.
Year 3 overview
You'll further advance your geology knowledge by studying the evolving Earth, microfossils and other specialist topics. Along with these compulsory modules, you'll have a wide range of options within geology and in related disciplines.
For example, you can study environmental and engineering geology, and explore their roles in environmental and engineering management.
A modules on palaeoclimatic change will let you explore records of climate changed locked in marine sediments and ice sheets.
Year 4 overview
You'll undertake an individual research project. This could involve an external organisation (for example, a research institution) or be hosted by one of the National Oceanography Centre Research Groups.
We expect you to take the initiative in choosing a research topic and contacting supervisors and external sponsors.
You'll also choose from a range of specialised optional modules.
The Barrel Award module is a team project to compete in an international competition. It is organised by the American Association of Petroleum Geologists.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our modules for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
For entry in Academic Year 2020-21
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
You must also choose from the following modules in year 1:
Learning and assessment
COVID-19: we've made some changes to our learning and assessment methods for this academic year. Download the programme specification addendum in 'About this course' to learn more.
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- lectures
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
John Marshall is the course leader.
Careers
You'll have access to a wide range of geology careers with a master's degree. Geoscientists are in high demand, and many of our graduates are now working as environmental geologists, engineering geologists and geochemists.
Many opportunities are open to you in areas such as:
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environmental and geological research and consultancy
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oil, gas and mineral exploration
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construction industry
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environmental and geotechnical surveying
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engineering geology
This degree is also a good basis for further study at postgraduate level.
We host an annual careers fair at the National Oceanography Centre. It is attended by over 25 key employers all looking for Southampton students to fill geology internships and graduate jobs.
Careers services at Southampton
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2019). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Work in industry
You’ll have the opportunity to take a paid year in employment between your second and third year.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £22,760.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and all examinations.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £25,000 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant that's linked to your chosen subject area.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from underrepresented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Services Centre offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
When you apply use:
- UCAS course code: F601
- UCAS institution code: S27
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
We aim to respond to you within 2 to 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
