Entry requirements
A level
Ideally must have two Science subjects from following list: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Use of Mathematics or Physics. Applicants holding 1 science subject will be considered.
Accepted alongside 2 science subjects at A-Level.
Access course should be in a relevant science subject. 45 Level 3 credits with a number of Distinctions required.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
Must be in principle subjects including 2 science subjects.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4 or above required.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
To include 5 points in two science subjects at HL. Minimum of 3 in HL Maths, or 4 in SL Maths, or 5 in SL Maths Studies required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE. Minimum of 4 in English Language required if grade C/4 not held at GCSE.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
Must be taking 2 science subjects.
Accepted alongside other qualifications. Must be in a relevant science subject.
Accepted alongside other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
Must be in a science related subject. Please contact us with module information before applying.
Scottish Advanced Higher
2 science subjects required.
Scottish Higher
Accepted alongside 2 A-Levels in science subjects.
UCAS Tariff
We've calculated how many Ucas points you'll need for this course.
About this course
This is for you if... you want to understand the theory and applications of geology to Earth processes and systems.
The Department of Geology at Leicester provides a friendly, dynamic and supportive environment in which to learn about the evolution of our planet from geoscientists at the forefront of their field. Our teaching is led by our research and you will be taught by staff recognised internationally for their expertise in fields such as palaeobiology, economic geology, volcanology, structural geology, geophysics and palaeoenvironments.
Because all our degrees include common modules in the first year, you can transfer between courses as you discover those aspects of the geosciences which inspire you most and best match your particular interests and career aspirations. We pride ourselves on our excellent staff-student relations and have high student satisfaction levels not least because of our small group teaching and tutorials, which provide individually tailored academic and pastoral support throughout your degree.
Whether you study for the BSc or the MGeol, your Geology degree will provide you with a comprehensive understanding of all the key elements of geoscience. You will learn about the essential theories, practices and techniques to come out of the discipline and become well prepared for a career as a professional geoscientist.
There are plenty of chances to get your hands dirty as well! Each year of the degree includes different field work opportunities including trips to Scotland, Spain and Wales where you will be able to apply all that you have learned here on campus.
Modules
For further details, see the full programme summary on our website by clicking on the ‘view course details’ link towards the top of this page. From there you can access specific module information on the ‘Study with us’ pages.
Assessment methods
Our courses have a practical emphasis and are based on sound theoretical understanding.
You will be assessed through a combination of coursework, fieldwork, independent reports and projects, seminars, oral and poster presentations and computer-based tests, as well as formal exams.
We place a strong emphasis on safety training, time management, and student initiative.
Your personal tutor will provide you with individually tailored academic support throughout your degree. You will receive non-assessed feedback on every module to help you improve and prepare for your assessed work.
Through the Student-Staff Committee you can raise any issues relating to your studies and suggest course developments.
Tuition fees
Select where you currently live to see what you'll pay:
The Uni
University of Leicester
Geology

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See your living costsWhat students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if overall student satisfaction here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
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
What do graduate employment figures really tell you?The market for geologists is has been quite linked to the oil industry for some time now, and the drop in the price of oil has meant the industry has stopped recruiting as many people for the time being. Geologists are still in demand, though, so the main effect has been to reduce the opportunities - and salaries - for geologists working abroad. At home, the oil industry remains a big employer, and so are the mining, civil engineering, construction and consultancy industries, with geology graduates working as geologists, geophysicists, civil engineers and environmental professionals.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
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.
£20k
£27k
£30k
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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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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