BSc Geology
Focus on the study of the Earth and how its interior, surface and atmosphere interact in this professionally accredited degree.
Key information
Award
BSc
Duration
3 years
full-time
Applications : admissions ratio
4 : 1
Based on 2021 entry data
- UCAS course code: F600
- ECTS: 180
- Start date: October 2023
- Department: Department of Earth Science and Engineering
- Campus: South Kensington
Student blogs
An insight into studying Geology and Geophysics at Imperial, from the people who know it best, our students.
Overview
The principal challenge facing the world’s growing population is how to maintain sustainable access to the natural resources – water, energy and food – that are necessary for us to enjoy a good quality of life, while protecting the environment.
The science and engineering behind understanding and solving this challenge lie at the heart of earth science, an interdisciplinary subject which encompasses physics, chemistry, mathematics and other sciences. It can be applied to the study of Earth to give us an understanding of how our planet works, from its internal core, crust and oceans, to the atmosphere and our solar system.
All our courses combine a strong traditional emphasis on observational and field skills with the numerical and analytical fundamental science required to understand Earth processes and systems quantitatively.
We also emphasise the development of transferable professional skills such as group working, problem-solving, drawing inferences from incomplete data, IT, and oral and written communication. You can expect a balance between theory and practice, including a variety of field trips in the UK and abroad.
Study programme
Geologists study the world through observation and draw conclusions based on an understanding of important scientific principles.
The modular nature of this course enables you to gain a solid understanding of geosciences while tailoring your study programme to suit your interests. As the course progresses, you will be able to choose modules from specialist areas such as: palaeobiology, oceanography, igneous and metamorphic processes, and geomorphology.
Field work
We place emphasis on field work across all our courses. It is a great way to apply your knowledge to the real world and learn essential skills.
Our field trips are designed to help you gain experience of identifying rocks and interpreting the physical processes that may have been involved in their formation.
Depending on which course you choose, you could spend over 85 days in the field. This can range from geological day trips in the UK to 10 days in the Pyrenees.
Students on Geology courses spend six weeks mapping the geology of areas such as the: Greek Cyclades, French Massif Central, Pyrenees, French Alps, North West Scotland, and others.
Students on Geophysics courses spend less time in the field, andhave the chance to gain experience in using technical equipment in the field, in Cyprus.
Students on Earth and Planetary Science courses join Geology students for the same field trips, and have the option to join the independent mapping project.
Transfer between courses
All of our courses follow a very similar syllabus for the first two years. This high level of shared content means you may transfer between all our Geology and Geophysics courses up to the start of spring term in the first year if you meet the original entry requirements for the course you want to transfer to. As a result, you are encouraged to only apply for one course within the department.
- Transfer onto our Year Abroad courses is not normally possible as places at our partner institutions are limited.
- Transfer to the equivalent four-year MSci course is normally allowed up until the start of year three, as long as you are achieving at least a 2:1 degree standard at the end of your second year.
If you are an international student, transferring to a different course could have an impact on your student visa. Please visit our International Student Support webpage for further information.
Structure
Find out more about the limited circumstances in which we may need to make changes to or in relation to our courses, the type of changes we may make and how we will tell you about them.
Year 1
Core modules
- Deforming the Earth
- Dynamic Earth and Planets
- Geology in the Field
- Life over Deep Time
- Physical and Surface Processes
- Programming for Geoscientists
- Stratigraphy and Geomaterials
- Volcanism and Internal Processes
Optional modules
- Chemistry for Geoscientists or Low Temperature Geochemistry
- Maths Methods 1 or Mathematics for Geoscientists
Year 2
Core modules
- High-temperature Geochemistry
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Maps and Structures
- Palaeontology and Optical Petrology
- Pure and Applied Geophysics
- Remote Sensing Earth and Planets
- Rocks and Structures in the Field
- Sediments and Stratigraphy
- Solar System Science
Year 3
Core modules
- Independent Project
- Continental Tectonics
- Integrated Advanced Field Geology
- I-Explore
Your I-Explore module offers you choices from a range of subjects hosted outside of the department. You will be taught alongside students from other courses with options including business, management and many more.
Optional modules
You choose six optional modules in total. You choose two modules from Group A and four from Group B. A maximum of three can be level 7 modules from Group B during this year.
This is an indicative list of available modules:
Group A
- Climate
- Seismic Techniques
- Advanced Remote Sensing
Group B
Level 6 modules
- Advanced Programming
- Astrobiology
- Earth Systems
- Environmental Seminars
- Geological and Coastal Engineering
- Gravity, Magnetism and Orbital Dynamics
- Hydrogeology and Fluid Flow
- I-Explore
- Mining Environmental Management
- Ore Deposits
- Planetary Surfaces
- Tectonics of the Oceans
Level 7 modules
- Advanced Exploration Geophysics
- Applied Geomorphology
- Collisions and Craters
- Geodynamics
- Geohazards
- Geological Reactive Transport
- Geophysical Inversion
- Magmatic Processes and Products
- Meteorites
- Minerals Processing
- Palaeobiology
- Palaeoceanography
- Planetary Chemistry
- Planetary Physics
Some modules run in alternate years. This means that a module may not be available to you in year three, but will be in year four, if you are undertaking the MSci course.
Download the programme specification [PDF] – this is the most up-to-date version available for this course. It may change for your year of entry. If/when changes to this course are approved by the College, we will update this document and the information on this course page.
I-Explore
Through I-Explore, you'll have the chance to deepen your knowledge in a brand new subject area, chosen from a huge range of for-credit modules.
All of our undergraduate courses include one module from I-Explore's wide selection. The module you choose will be fully integrated into your course's curriculum and count as credit towards your degree.
Professional accreditation
This degree is professionally accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Achieving a professionally accredited degree demonstrates to employers that you have achieved an industry-recognised standard of competency. It also brings international recognition of your qualification, which is particularly useful for students preparing for a career abroad.
As professionally accredited qualifications, our BSc courses in Earth Science reduce the number of years of post-graduation experience you need in order to register as a Chartered Geologist (CGeol). This is a highly respected qualification earned by professionals working in the geosciences industries, which can lead to higher earning potential and better career prospects.
The current accreditation agreement started in the 2017–18 academic year, and is due to be renewed in 2023.
Associateship
As well as your main Imperial degree, you will also receive the award of the Associateship of the Royal School of Mines on completion of this course.
The Royal School of Mines is one of three historic Colleges that came together to form Imperial College London in 1907.
Find out more about our Associateships.
Teaching and assessment
Teaching
Our courses are both theoretical and practical. Teaching will be enhanced by fieldwork opportunities throughout your degree. Methods include:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Field work
- Group exercises
- Laboratory work
Assessment
Methods for this course include:
- Written examinations
- Coursework
- Reports
- Poster presentation
- Seminars
- Vivas
Assessment types
| Year 1 | Year 2 | Year 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Coursework | 10% | 10% | 5% |
| Practical | 20% | 30% | 40% |
| Examination | 70% | 60% | 55% |
| Based on the typical pathway through the course; percentages have been rounded to the nearest whole number | |||
Staff expertise
For each module you will have a designated coordinator, who will be normally be a teaching fellow or member of academic staff.
You receive tutorial time with post-doctoral research assistants/fellows, who will themselves be researching specialised areas of geology and geophysics, with a depth of subject knowledge and experience of study to share.
As you progress through your degree, the areas covered become specialised and more advanced, and you will increasingly be taught by experts in the fields concerned.
Entry requirements
We welcome students from all over the world and consider all applicants on an individual basis – see selection process below.
For advice on the requirements for the qualifications listed here please contact the Department (see Contact us).
We also accept a wide range of international qualifications. If the requirements for your qualifications are not listed here, please see our academic requirements by country page for guidance on which qualifications we accept.
A-levels
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2023 entry is AAA overall, to include at least two of the following:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
If you do not present an A-level maths grade, the Department will prefer applicants with Grade 7/A‚ in GCSE Mathematics.
General Studies and Critical Thinking are not accepted.
Students taking English exam board science A-levels will be required to pass the practical endorsement.
Typical offer range
As a guide, here are the typical offers made to at least 80% of A-level applicants for 2021 entry:
- Three A-level offer: AAA
Practical endorsement (practical science assessment)
If you are made an offer you will be required to achieve a pass in the practical endorsement in all science subjects that form part of the offer.
The practical endorsement is part of the reformed English linear A-levels.
Additional Mathematics support
Our A-level Mathematics online course covers a range of key topic areas to help you gain a deeper understanding of the skills and techniques required to succeed in your A-level Mathematics exams.
This optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus with the aim of developing your thinking skills, fluency and confidence.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is available free of charge via the EdX website. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
International Baccalaureate
Minimum entry standards
Our minimum entry standard for 2023 entry is 38 points overall, to include grade 6 in two of the following subjects at higher level:
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Geography
- Geology
- Mathematics
- Physics
Typical offer range
As a guide, the typical offer made to at least 80% of IB applicants for 2021 entry was 38-39 points overall.
Mathematics Higher Level
The Mathematics Analysis and Approaches or the Applications and Interpretation syllabi will be accepted at higher level with no preference.
Additional Mathematics support
We have launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Advanced Placements
The grades detailed below are the minimum requirements for students offering only Advanced Placements as their exams for entry to Imperial.
If you are studying a High School Diploma that is accepted by Imperial alongside Advanced Placements, requirements may apply to both your Diploma and Advanced Placements.
Please consult our country index to check whether we accept your High School Diploma programme for admission.
Our minimum requirement for this course is 5, 5, 5 including three of the following subjects:
- Calculus (AB or BC)
- Biology
- Chemistry
- Physics
Additional Mathematics support
We have launched an A-level Mathematics online course, which is available free of charge via the EdX website.
Although this optional course has been built around the A-level syllabus, it is relevant to your curriculum too.
Please note: this course is not compulsory and does not form part of the entry requirements for this course. It is self-paced so you can start it at any time.
Selection process
Assessing your application
Admissions Tutors consider all the evidence available during our rigorous selection process and the College flags key information providing assessors with a more complete picture of the educational and social circumstances relevant to the applicant. Some applicants may be set lower offers and some more challenging ones.
Post-application open day and interview
If your UCAS application indicates that you are likely to satisfy our requirements you will be invited to participate in an interview, which may be online.
You will be introduced to the Department, the staff, our courses, teaching facilities and methods and life at College by staff and our current students. You will have an interview online with a member of the academic staff.
The interview is a chance for us to get to know each other, and we consider all aspects of your application fully when deciding whether to make you an offer. We will also take the comments of the staff member who has interviewed you into account, particularly when we decide after A-levels whether to confirm a place should you marginally fail to meet the terms of your offer.
Foundation programmes
A foundation course is a one-year preparation course, designed for international students, which leads to undergraduate programmes in the UK. Foundation programmes are normally for school-leavers who have studied a non-British curriculum but wish to pursue a degree at a UK university.
Foundation programmes are offered by many UK universities, but only two would be considered for entry to Imperial:
- UCL’s Undergraduate Preparatory Certificate for Science and Engineering (UPCSE), and
- Warwick’s International Foundation Programme (IFP) in Science & Engineering
UCL UPCSE
A year-long programme for international students whose school leaving qualifications do not allow them direct entry to UK universities. Students must complete four modules across the year – two compulsory and two elective modules:
| Module | Status |
|---|---|
| Research and Academic Skills: Science and Society | Compulsory |
| Academic English | Compulsory |
| Biology | Elective |
| Chemistry | Elective |
| Mathematics | Elective |
| Physics | Elective |
| Information correct at time of publishing, but subject to change | |
To be considered for admission to Earth Science and Engineering, international students studying UCL UPCSE must achieve:
- 80% overall
- 80% in two modules from Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics
Warwick IFP Science and Engineering
A year-long programme for international students whose school leaving qualifications do not allow them direct entry to UK universities.
To be considered for admission to Earth Science and Engineering, international students studying Warwick IFP Science and Engineering must achieve:
- 80% overall
- 80% in Mathematics and Physics
To meet these requirements, students should choose from the following IFP pathways:
- Engineering
Contextual admissions
We want to make sure that the Imperial learning community is as diverse as the society we serve. So to make our admissions process as fair as possible, we have introduced admissions schemes for Home students that allow us to consider your application in the full context of any additional barriers you may face.
Find out if you meet the eligibility criteria for our contextual admissions schemes.
If your predicted grades meet the minimum College entry standard of AAA at A-level or an equivalent level qualification in the relevant subjects, this department will guarantee you an interview.
Read more about the contextual admissions scheme in this department and others.
English language requirement (all applicants)
All candidates must demonstrate a minimum level of English language proficiency for admission to the College.
For admission to this course, you must achieve the standard College requirement in the appropriate English language qualification. For details of the minimum grades required to achieve this requirement, please see the English language requirements for undergraduate applicants.
Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS)
An ATAS certificate is not required for overseas students who apply for this course.
For more information about the Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS), please see the International Student Support website.
View our terms and conditions on visas.
Competence standards
Our competence standards highlight the core skills students should be able to demonstrate by the end of this course.
View the Department of Earth Science and Engineering's competence standards [PDF]
We believe in providing the widest practicable access to all of our degree programmes and will make reasonable adjustments wherever possible to support your study. For more information, please contact the Department using the contact details below.
Department of Earth Science and Engineering
T: +44 (0)20 7594 6478
E: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
Tuition fees and funding
We charge tuition fees for every year that your course lasts. The fee you will be charged is based on your fee status, which is determined by government regulations.
Home rate of tuition
2023 entry
£9,250 per year.
Please note, this fee is set by the UK government and is subject to change until it has passed into legislation. We will update this page when this happens.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts.
For example, the RPIX value in April 2023 will apply to fees for the academic year 2023–2024.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Home fee or not depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
Home fee eligibility
You can find the conditions you need to meet to pay the Home rate of tuition fees from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). These apply to higher education courses in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand, noting that these are subject to amendment.
Because of the UK’s exit from the European Union, some frameworks of eligibility have been amended. Individuals affected by the amended frameworks should refer to the UKCISA publication, Who pays ‘home’ fees for higher education in England [PDF].
Government funding
If you're a Home student, you can apply for a Tuition Fee Loan from the UK government to cover the entire cost of tuition for every year of your course.
You can also apply for a means-tested Maintenance Loan to help towards your living costs.
Overseas rate of tuition
2023 entry
The fee for Overseas students has not been confirmed for the 2023-24 academic year. The fee is controlled by the College and we will update this page when it is announced.
As a guide, the Overseas fee for 2022-23 was £35,100.
For each subsequent year, you should expect and budget for your tuition fee to increase by an amount in line with inflation. The measure of inflation used will be the Retail Price Index (RPIX) value, taken from April in the calendar year in which the academic session starts. For example, the RPIX value in April 2023 will apply to fees for the academic year 2023–2024.
Fee status
Whether you pay the Overseas fee or not depends on your fee status.
Your fee status is assessed based on UK Government legislation and includes things like where you live and your nationality or residency status.
Find out more about how we assess your fee status.
Home fee eligibility
You can find the conditions you need to meet to pay the Home rate of tuition fees from the UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA). These apply to higher education courses in England and reflect the regulations as they currently stand, noting that these are subject to amendment.
Because of the UK’s exit from the European Union, some frameworks of eligibility have been amended. Individuals affected by the amended frameworks should refer to the UKCISA publication, Who pays ‘home’ fees for higher education in England [PDF].
Additional course costs
This section outlines additional costs relevant to this course.
Field trips
Please note that all field trips referenced on this page are included in the cost of tuition, except for the fieldwork component of the independent mapping project, which Geology students and some Earth & Planetary Science students undertake in the second year of their programme.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing personal protective equipment is compulsory for some activities on this course. Where this applies, the Department of Earth Science and Engineering will provide you with the necessary PPE free of charge.
Accommodation and living costs
Living costs, including accommodation, are not included in your tuition fees.
Most Imperial undergraduates choose to live in our halls of residence in their first year. You can compare costs across different accommodation options.
Bursaries and scholarships
Careers
Earth Science is increasingly crucial in helping to tackle some of the world’s most significant challenges, so demand for our graduates is high.
Our three-year BSc degrees are excellent preparation for careers in geosciences and other professions, especially if followed by a relevant MSc and a research degree. Our four-year MSci degrees provide a deeper understanding of the subject and the chance to undertake a significant research project.
Recent graduates of the Department have become:
- Graduate Engineering Geologist, Mott MacDonald
- Risk Consultant, KPMG
- Trainee Field Geophysicist, Oilfield services provider
- Spatial Data Infrastructure team, Global IT and business consulting service
- Research Assistant, National museum
How to apply
UCAS key information
- UCAS course code: F600
- UCAS institution code: I50
Apply on UCAS
You can start and track your application on UCAS Hub. There you can add this course as one of your choices.
Application deadlines
25 January 2023 at 18.00 (UK time).
If your application includes a medicine course, the deadline is 15 October 2022 at 18.00 (UK time).
Any questions?
Explore our step by step guide on how to apply. You can also find answers to your questions about admissions.
Related departments
You may also be interested in the following related departments and the courses they offer:
Connect with us
Got a question?
T: +44 (0)20 7594 6478
E: admit.earth@imperial.ac.uk
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