About this course

On this MSci Geology course, you'll explore the Earth in depth and develop an advanced understanding of how it functions as a complex, interconnected system. You'll study the processes that have shaped our planet over billions of years, from plate tectonics and volcanism to climate change and ocean dynamics. You'll also gain specialist knowledge in environmental geoscience, resource management, and marine geology.

This geology master's will help you learn how to address some of the biggest global challenges, such as sustainable resources, climate change, and geohazards.

Through your studies you'll:

combine classroom learning with practical laboratory work and field-based training
complete residential field courses and independent mapping projects in the UK and abroad
have access to world-class analytical facilities and laboratories
work alongside leading researchers and gain the skills to lead scientific investigations
create your own advanced research project within the University or with external organisations

You'll also have the opportunity to:

study in a world-leading research institution, The National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS)
access industry-standard facilities, including the National Oceanographic Library and 150 laboratories
gain career benefits through our many links to geological companies
develop transferable employability skills such as teamwork, written and oral communication, planning, presentation, and data collection and analysis

When you graduate, you’ll have the level of expertise and experience to pursue high-level careers in geoscience industry and the environmental and engineering sectors, or to continue to doctoral-level study.

Our MSci Geology courses are accredited by The Geological Society of London, meaning our teaching is of the highest quality and has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Course location

This course is based at Waterfront (National Oceanography Centre Southampton).

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

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ODT

Download 2025-26 Course Description Document

Entry requirements

A-levels

AAB including two accepted sciences (minimum of grade B)

A-levels additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: ABB including two accepted science subject and grade A in the EPQ

A-levels contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme: Grades BBB

or

International Baccalaureate Diploma

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level accepted science subjects.

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

Acceptable science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

or

BTEC

RQF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AA at A-Level, to include two accepted science subjects.

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Additional information

Acceptable A Level science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, Psychology, Statistics, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Geography and Geology

QCF BTEC

D in the BTEC Extended Certificate + AA at A-Level, to include two accepted science subjects.

BTEC contextual

We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

or

Entry requirements filter options

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) and Mathematics at minimum grade 4/C.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Course structure

This degree lets you develop an extensive knowledge of the fundamental aspects of geology.

The first 2 years consist mostly of compulsory modules. In your final 2 years, you'll have a larger selection of optional modules, and the research project is an important part of your final year.

Year 1 overview

In your first year, you’ll build a foundational knowledge of how the Earth works. You’ll study the formation of rocks and minerals, the processes shaping our planet's surface and interior, and the interactions between the atmosphere, oceans and solid Earth. You’ll also discover the deep connections between life, Earth, and biology.

Practical and field-based learning will be central to Year 1, with you developing and applying the following scientific skills on residential field trips:

mineral and rock identification
data analysis
communicating ideas, questioning evidence and thinking critically

By the end of the year, you’ll understand Earth as an interconnected system, and be ready to build on this in more specialised areas of geology and Earth Sciences in later years.

Year 2 overview

In your second year, you'll develop the specialist skills used by professional geologists and Earth scientists, with relevance to a wide range of careers.

You’ll study and explore:

the chemistry of our planet and oceans
the origins of igneous and metamorphic rocks
the forces that deform the Earth’s crust to create mountains and basins
how sediments form, move and record environmental change
the total collection of discovered fossils to understand how life and ecosystems have evolved through geological time
practical training in geophysical techniques, remote sensing and geographic information systems (GIS)

You'll have two more residential field courses in Spain and Anglesey, where you’ll apply your knowledge to a range of real world geological problems. You'll also prepare for your third year independent mapping project.

Year 3 overview

In Year 3, you’ll bring together skills you’ve gained so far to look at how the Earth has changed through geological time, and what this reveals about future environmental change. You’ll also explore global challenges such as sustainably sourcing the minerals and energy needed for the green transition.

A major independent mapping project lets you design and carry out your own geological investigation, applying advanced field techniques and geospatial methods used by professionals.

Optional modules let you tailor your studies to your interests and career goals. You can focus on topics such as:

environmental and engineering geology
volcanic and mantle processes
seafloor exploration
past climate change

Whatever your interests, your third year gives you the freedom to specialise and develop the mindset of a professional geoscientist.

Year 4 overview

In your final year you'll grow as an independent researcher and professional scientist by designing and completing an advanced project in an area that inspires you, either within the University or with external research or industry partners.

You’ll build specialist expertise through advanced analytical and field training, gaining real experience with the tools used in modern Earth and environmental science.

You'll also explore current issues shaping geology, including:

carbon storage
climate change
seafloor exploration
recent geological history

By the end of the MSci Geology course, you’ll have the technical ability, confidence and research experience needed for further study or a career in environmental and Earth science sectors.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

You must study the following modules in year 1:

Coevolution of Life and Earth

Dynamic Earth

Earth Materials

This module provides you with an overview of the formation, composition and behaviour of the rocks and minerals of the earth's crust. It includes a high level of practical work.

Earth and Ocean System

An introduction to the fundamental processes which determine the environment of the Earth and the general functioning of the Earth as a system.

Fieldwork for Geoscientists

Geology and Environmental Geoscience students attend two residential field courses: during the Easter vacation, and at the end of Year 1. The module builds on the ideas and methods learned in other modules in a classroom setting. We start from the fundame...

How to be Scientifically Literate

Scientific literacy refers to the ability of individuals to understand, evaluate, and engage with scientific information and concepts in a meaningful way. It involves not only knowing scientific facts but also understanding the processes of scientific inq...

Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry

This course explores how the key materials and elements that are essential to life are cycled through the biosphere and the Earth system.

Learning and assessment

The learning activities for this course include the following:

lectures
classes and tutorials
coursework
individual and group projects
independent learning (studying on your own)

How you'll spend your course time:

Study time

Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:

34%

Scheduled learning & teaching

66%

Independent learning

How we'll assess you

coursework, laboratory reports and essays
individual and group projects
oral presentations
written and practical exams

Your assessment breakdown

Year 1:

62%

Written exam

18%

Coursework

20%

Practical exam

Academic support

You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Course leader

Richard Stockey is the course leader.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

Research
Critical thinking
Commercial awareness
Self-management
Communication
Teamwork
Adaptability

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

Oil, gas and petroleum sector,

groundwater industry,

environmental consultancies,

civil engineering and construction companies.

Careers directly related to this course:

Engineering geologist
Environmental consultant
Geochemist
Geophysicist
Geoscientist
Hydrogeologist
Mudlogger
Well site geologist

Wider career opportunities:

Drilling engineer
Energy engineer
Environmental engineer
Minerals surveyor
Quarry manager
Sustainability consultant

Example job titles of Southampton MSci Geology graduates*:

Catastrophe modeler
Geospatial graduate
Gradate engineering geologist
Graduate environmental technologist
Hydrographic geophysical surveyor
Project geologist
Medical laboratory assistant
Environmental consultant

Job prospects for MSci Geology graduates

£28k

Average professional salary

87%

In a skilled profession or further study

98%

Graduate employment rate

*Example graduate job titles and job prospect statistics taken from The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

work experience schemes
CV and interview skills and workshops
networking events
careers fairs attended by top employers
a wealth of volunteering opportunities
study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

UK students pay £9,535.
EU and international students pay £30,300.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.

Find out how to:

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

Bursaries, scholarships and other funding

If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.

If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.

Get in touch for advice about student money matters.

Scholarships and grants

You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.

We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.

Support during your course

The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

When you apply use:

UCAS course code: F601
UCAS institution code: S27

Apply for this course

What happens after you apply?

We will assess your application on the strength of your:

predicted grades
academic achievements
personal statement
academic reference

We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.

Equality and diversity

We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.

Got a question?

Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.

Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000

Related courses

Geology (MSci) is a course in the Ocean and Earth science subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:

MSci

Geology (MSci)

About this course

Learn more about this subject area

Ocean and Earth science

Course location

Awarding body

Download the Course Description Document

Entry requirements

For Academic year 202627

A-levels

A-levels additional information

A-levels with Extended Project Qualification

A-levels contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Diploma

International Baccalaureate Diploma additional information

International Baccalaureate contextual offer

International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement

BTEC

RQF BTEC

Additional information

QCF BTEC

BTEC contextual

Access to HE Diploma

Access to HE additional information

Access Offer Contextual

Irish Leaving Certificate

Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)

Irish certificate additional information

Irish Offer Contextual

Scottish Qualification

Cambridge Pre-U

Cambridge Pre-U additional information

Cambridge Pre-U Offer Contextual

Welsh Baccalaureate

Welsh Baccalaureate additional information

Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer

T-Level

Other requirements

GCSE requirements

English language requirements

IELTS score requirements

Science Foundation Year

Mature applicants

Got a question?

Course structure

Year 1 overview

Year 2 overview

Year 3 overview

Year 4 overview

Modules

For entry in academic year 2026 to 2027

Year 1 modules

Coevolution of Life and Earth

Dynamic Earth

Earth Materials

Earth and Ocean System

Fieldwork for Geoscientists

How to be Scientifically Literate

Introduction to Environmental Biogeochemistry

Year 2 modules

Exploration Geophysics and Remote Sensing

Geochemistry

Geohazards

Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology

Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists

Palaeobiology

Sediment in the Environment

Structural Geology and GIS

Year 3 modules

Earth Resources for the Green Transition

Earthquake and Volcano Seismology

Independent Mapping Project

The Evolving Earth

Biogeochemical Cycles in the Earth System

Environmental and Engineering Geology

Ocean and Earth Science Research Training

Palaeoclimate Change

Volcanic and Mantle Processes

Year 4 modules

Advanced Analytical Methods for Earth and Environmental Scientists