Entry requirements
A level
ABB - BBB (with 1 STEM Science subject) OR BBB - BBC (with 2 STEM Science subjects) STEM Science subjects - Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geology, Biology, Geography, Computer Science, Environmental Science
Extended Project
For applicants taking the EPQ qualification, an A in the EPQ can be recognised to lower the entry requirements by a single grade. For example an AAB offer would be “AAB from 3 A levels or ABB from 3 A levels and a grade A in the EPQ”. Please note that any subject specific requirements must be met.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Grade Maths B/5 and English C/4 required
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
34 - 32 or 665 in HL subjects (with 1 HL STEM Science subject), or 32 - 30 or 655 in HL subjects (with 2 HL STEM Science subjects) STEM Science subjects - Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geology, Biology, Geography, Computer Science, Environmental Science
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
In Applied Science, Sports & Exercise Science, Health Science, Animal Science, ICT subjects
Scottish Advanced Higher
ABB - BBB (with 1 STEM Science subject) OR BBB - BBC (with 2 STEM Science subjects) STEM Science subjects - Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Geology, Biology, Geography, Computer Science, Environmental Science
The Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in lieu of one A Level at the A Level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements.
UCAS Tariff
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About this course
The MESci builds upon the equivalent BSc programme by means of a fourth year which enables you to undertake a specialist research project in the area of your choice. It is designed for high-quality candidates who might aim to pursue a research career in academia, government or industry.
Cardiff is one of the few universities to run undergraduate courses specifically in Exploration and Resource Geology, which has evolved from the long mining tradition in South Wales.
Globally there is an ever-increasing need for oil, gas, metals and construction materials in a world where resources are finite. Our degree builds on a solid grounding in geology and focuses on the applied understanding of exploration of the Earth’s natural resources.
The course provides knowledge of processes that lead to the formation of a natural resource, be it a hydrocarbon or a metalliferous deposit. Between years two and three it also includes either an industrial placement or an applied geological mapping project.
Because they are trained in specialist fieldwork and the IT skills needed by a professional exploration geologist, our graduates are in great demand in the mineral exploration industry.
The fieldwork activities for this course are similar to those for our Geology programme but with an applied aspect. In year one the main location is Pembrokeshire. In year two students currently visit South West England to study sedimentary basins and the tin mining legacy and northern Spain, where rock exposure is completely different from the UK.
In year three you may visit Cyprus or another location, where all that you have learned previously about the formation and exploitation of ore deposits can be synthesised into a picture that truly shows the essential practical skills needed by exploration geologists
An exploration geologist needs a broad range of skills including an aptitude for fieldwork, good IT skills and the ability to make key decisions from limited information. This applied and vocationally-orientated course will prepare you for a potentially exciting professional career as a geologist working in the global hydrocarbon, metalliferous or bulk mineral industries.
For students interested in professional research careers in Exploration and Resources Geology, the four-year MESci provides a strong basis for investigation and research in this subject.
Distinctive features
You will be studying in a School which has a strong research focus with sophisticated analytical equipment routinely used on site and the involvement of research-active staff in course design and delivery.
There are a variety of modules on offer in areas of academic research, applied studies including placement opportunities.
We have a common first term allowing you to experience aspects of Earth Sciences and Geography before finally deciding upon an honours degree course.
The generic nature of the course, provides professional skills appropriate for a range of career pathways or advanced training options and the School has links with local consultancy companies and exploration companies worldwide.
We have a thriving Society of Economic Geologists (SEG) chapter that links us to this international society and allows us to attract specialist visiting lecturers and arrange field visits to working quarries and mines such as Navan in Ireland.
In year four you will complete a master’s research dissertation which can widen your career opportunities.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
Extra funding
Cardiff University has many scholarships on offer to our prospective students. Please see our website at http://www.cardiff.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/funding/scholarships for further information.
The Uni
Main Site - Cardiff
School of Earth and Ocean Sciences

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Earth sciences
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Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
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Earth sciences
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This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
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Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Exploration geology
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£21k
£23k
£31k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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