BSc Geology (F600)

2025 entry

Course summary

Join a University ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (UK top ten for Geology, QS World University Rankings by subject 2023).

If you are curious about our planet and interested in finding solutions to global problems, this course is for you. Learn about the physics, chemistry and history of the Earth through examining earth materials such as rocks, minerals and fossils, and use remote sensing techniques to explore the structure and chemistry of its inaccessible areas.

Learn with experts whose research feeds directly into your studies at the cutting edge of scientific developments. Recent options have included Volcanic Hazards, Global Tectonics, Mineral Resources and Hydrogeology. By your final year, you'll be conducting your own independent research and exploring the questions that matter most to you.

We have a large geology collection and practical study spaces, giving you plenty of opportunities to get a real feel for geology in practice.

You will gain plenty of hands-on experience, with over 40 days of fieldwork both in the UK and overseas, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee. Field trips are a huge part of why our school community is so close-knit, giving you the chance to get to know your course mates and key staff while honing your practical skills.

The skills developed throughout your studies are highly valued by employers, from scientific and technical skills including coding, modelling, lab skills, and data analysis, to transferable skills such as communication, creativity and resilience.

Accreditations

Our Geology BSc is approved by major professional bodies in the UK so as a graduate you can gain exemptions from a number of their examinations or credits for prior learning.

Course structure

Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.

Go to programme catalogue

Entry requirements

We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.

ABB including two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
BBC including BB in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma

Find out more about BTEC entry requirements
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.

Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offer
77% overall, with 8.0 in two science-related subjects. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB. Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 9 credits at Distinction and 3 credits at Merit from units in two science-related subjects.

More about Access to HE entry requirements
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Search international qualifications
More about UK qualifications.