About this course
With this joint honours course, you'll study the changing physical processes that have shaped the Earth over time. You can visit world-famous sites of geological interest, and access facilities, including the largest Earth and marine sciences library in Europe. You'll graduate with the skills and knowledge to tackle global challenges, from resource geology to pollution control.
You'll receive a thorough grounding in all aspects of geology, and a broad overview of physical geography. You can choose to specialise in either subject as your course progresses.
Geological specialisations can range from resource and environmental geology to the frontier areas of:
sediment dynamics
seafloor exploration
history of the oceans
Physical Geography options include surface physical processes such as:
rivers
glaciers
coastal erosion
climate change in the Quaternary period
Geology holds the key to many issues we face today, including the balance between using natural resources and protecting the environment.
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.
With a degree in Geology you can:
examine past climate events to help predict climate change
develop ways to discover new natural resources and exploit known ones responsibly
understand natural hazards and help avoid them
study volcanoes and the behaviour of magma
As part of this course you can:
study in a world-leading research institution, National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
access superb, industry-standard facilities, including the National Oceanographic Library and 150 laboratories
go on field trips and residential field courses, both in the UK and abroad
gain career benefits through our many links to geological companies
develop transferable skills such as teamwork, written and oral communication, planning, presentation, data collection and analysis
Our 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 locations
- Highfield, Southampton
- Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton), 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.