Ranking
13th
In the UK for Geology
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Course overview
Explore the evolution of Earth and uncover the mysteries of volcanic eruptions, climate change, and dinosaur extinction. You will gain the knowledge to understand the planet's past, anticipate future environmental challenges, and develop solutions to understand how the world works that will shape the future.
Study Earth Science at the University of Birmingham
Two of our students, Amani Kouasii and Charlotte White, talk about why they chose to study Earth Sciences at the University of Birmingham, and what they love most about it.
I've developed a range of skills during my time here such as team work and geological mapping, and enhanced both my analytical and communication skills.
Join our three-year programme comprising of core (compulsory) and optional modules. Each module will be assessed in different ways depending on the topic you're studying.
In your first year, you’ll receive broad Earth Science training with compulsory modules. No prior knowledge is needed; chemistry, physics, and math's are taught within the modules. you will also have the opportunity to take field trips to Northern Ireland and South West Wales to develop key geological skills.
Why Study Geology at Birmingham?
- 13th
in the UK for Geology
Complete University Guide 2025
- Top 20
In the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences
The QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024
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Research-led teaching – Our research informs our programmes, taught by expert academics. REF ranks University of Birmingham 3rd in the UK for Earth Systems and Environmental Sciences.
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Flexibility - The varied module portfolio allows you to specialise in areas of interest, from natural hazards to climate change and hydrogeology.
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Fieldwork – An essential part of our degree programmes. In the first two years you'll dive into exciting fieldwork gaining observational and analytical skills. Destinations including Pembrokeshire, Jurassic Coast, Cornwall, Crete and Spain. The best bit, the University currently covers travel and accommodation costs for all compulsory field courses.
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Hear more about studying at Birmingham. Chat to one of our friendly students to find out more about your favourite course, our beautiful campus and life in our vibrant and cultural city.
Course delivery
Our course combines a mix of study modes, including lectures, fieldwork, lab analysis, data classes, and tutorials.
Lecture
Seminar
Tutorial
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Fieldwork - Is a key element of our degree programmes, and Earth Sciences at Birmingham has an outstanding reputation for providing its students with high quality field training.
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Placement years - We provide you with an opportunity to work with an external organisation for a year, gaining valuable experience and skills that prepare you for your future career.
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Taught Modules - Our research feeds into all our teaching, including lectures, small group tutorials, group learning and presentations.
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Resources and Facilities - Our unique facilities include the Lapworth Museum of Geology. Which has more than 250,000 specimens some over 500 million years old. As one of the oldest specialist designated and accredited geological museums in the UK, this is an invaluable study resource at your disposal. We also have a state-of-the-art Collaborative Teaching Lab (CTL) with wet, dry, and e-labs.
Support during your studies
You will have access to a comprehensive support system to help you make the transition to higher education when you start at Birmingham:
Personal academic tutors – You will be assigned your own personal academic tutor who will get to know you as you progress through your studies. They will provide academic support and advice to enable you to make the most of your time here at Birmingham.
Wellbeing Officers – Alongside your personal academic tutor, you will also have access to dedicated wellbeing officers who provide professional support, advice and guidance to students across a range of issues.
Our Student Experience Team - Will help you get the most out of your academic experience. They offer research opportunities, study skills support, and help you prepare for your post-university career.
Contact hours
For this programme, you can expect 10-14 hours of classes weekly in years one and two, and 6-9 hours in the final year.
Assessment methods and feedback
Earth Sciences uses a variety of methods to assess student performance, including exams, essays and dissertations. At the beginning of each module, you'll be given information on how and when you'll be assessed for that particular area of study.
This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Accreditation indicates that the course offers sound training for a professional career in the geosciences, and satisfies the academic requirements to achieve Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.
Module information
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods. The optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| LC Introductory Field and Research Skills | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC SW Wales Field Course | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LC Earth History and Life | 20 | Semester 2 |
| LC Earth Materials | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Earth Systems | 20 | Semester 1 |
| LC Geoscience Project | 10 | Semester 2 |
| LC Structural Geology | 20 | Semester 2 |
Teaching staff
Dr James Bendle
Reader (Associate Professor) in Organic Geochemistry
James is a paleoclimatologist, specialising in molecular organic geochemistry. His research is focused on Cenozoic and Holocene climate evolution, high-resolution palaeoclimatology and biomarker proxy development.
Entry requirements
To secure a place at Birmingham, you'll need to meet our general entry requirements as well as those specific to your course.
- A Level
ABB Including 1 Required Science
- IB
6,5,5 32 points overall Including HL in 1 Required Science
- BTEC
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Extended Certificate are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
Number of A levels required: 3
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Accepted Science Subjects
Biology/ Chemistry/Computing/Electronics/Environmental Studies/Further Maths/Geography/Geology/Human Biology/ Maths/ Physics/ Psychology/Statistics/ PE
General Studies
General Studies is not accepted but a good performance may be taken into account if you fail to meet the conditions of the offer.
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International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma
6,5,5 in Higher Level subjects plus 32 points overall. Including HL in 1 Required Science
BTEC qualifications
BTEC Extended Diploma, Diploma and Subsidiary Diploma are accepted but subjects are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us for further guidance.
English language requirements
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
- TOEFL: 80 overall with no less than 19 in Reading, 19 in Listening, 21 in Speaking and 19 in Writing.
- IELTS*: 6.0 overall with no less than 5.5 in any band.
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): PTE 64 with no less than 59 in all four skills.
- Cambridge English (exams taken from 2015)***: C1 Advanced - Minimum overall score of 169, with no less than 162 in any component.
- Language Cert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 ‘Communicator’ with no less than 25 in each skill.
- Trinity ISE II: Distinction all skills.
- Trinity ISE III: Pass in each Skill
Alternative Offers
Students who are eligible and complete a Pathways to Birmingham programme will receive an alternative offer, which is typically two grades below the standard offer. For more information, please contact outreach@contacts.bham.ac.uk.
Our Contextual Offer scheme
Our Contextual Offer scheme recognises the potential of students whose personal circumstances may have restricted achievement in school or college. If you are eligible to benefit from the Contextual Offer scheme, you will receive an offer which is one grade lower than the standard offer. You don’t need to apply for this – it will be assessed and applied at the point of application if you’re eligible.
- Pathways to Birmingham
BBC - Including 1 Required Science
- Contextual Offer
BBB - Including 1 Required Science
Fees and scholarships
The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, examination and graduation, and includes membership of the Guild of Students.
The University will charge the maximum approved tuition fee per year. If your offer is for 2025 year of entry, we expect that the tuition fee for your first year of study will be £9,535 for UK students. If Parliament agrees on an increase in tuition fees, the University will increase fees for each year of study normally in line with these changes and will communicate any change in the fees to you without delay. If you are applying for 2026 year of entry, you will be advised of the annual tuition fee closer to the time.
- £9,535
per year for domestic (UK) students for 2025/26
Undergraduate loans
To help with the cost of studies, undergraduate students from the UK can apply for student finance through the Student Loans Company. The support available is made up of a tuition fee loan and a maintenance loan which helps to cover living costs.
Scholarships, grants and bursaries
At Birmingham, we believe that financial worries should not be a barrier to accessing higher education. That’s why we offer a range of additional financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and other awards.
Application process
Whatever your journey to university looks like, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For all undergraduate courses at Birmingham, you apply online through UCAS. The UCAS website has lots of information and advice around the process.
- 29 January 2025
Application deadline for September 2025 entry. Applications close at 18:00 GMT.
View further information on how to apply for undergraduate courses, including advice for UK and overseas applicants.
What careers can I do with a Geology degree?
Many work in fields directly related to their Earth Sciences degree, while others leverage transferable skills in various careers. Graduates often enter environmental planning, land remediation, hydrogeology, and pollution control. Employers include the British Geological Survey, local authorities, museums, and engineering firms. Some pursue teaching or international careers. Nearly half continue with further study, such as an MSc or PhD, before starting their careers.
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
Careers Network
Our aim is to make sure that success in your studies leads you on to a fulfilling career. Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offer support to help you identify your options, develop your skills and gain access to opportunities that propel you towards your career goal.
Built in Birmingham. Forged for the future.
Hear from some of our inspiring alumni who have gone on to work for leading employers such as the UK Space Agency and BBC Sport.
Student experience
Your experience studying at Birmingham will give you the opportunity to discover new experiences, develop different skills and make friends for life.
Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community, and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.
Accommodation
Coming to Birmingham to study might be your first time living away from home. In our student accommodation, you can enjoy your independence in safe, welcoming and sociable surroundings.
Living in Birmingham
Our cosmopolitan city has a unique history and so much to see and do. With an ever-changing food and drink scene, a vibrant nightlife and plenty of culture, our city is more than somewhere to study.
Student support
Whoever you are and wherever you come from, we are committed to providing the best possible support to our students, both before you start and throughout your time on campus.
Campus life
Our beautiful campus is the place where our diverse community comes together to learn and socialise. Like a town of its own, it’s just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the UK’s second city.
Take a virtual tour
Explore our beautiful campus from wherever you are. Get a feel for the wide range of historic and modern spaces and state-of-the-art facilities.