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Geology (A-level)Apply Now »
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Location: Joseph Wright Centre
Years: 2
Adult Loan Amount: 2225.00****
Interview: Y
Course Summary
This course provides knowledge of the main aspects of geology as a science through three overarching concepts which link all topics studied:
* a scientific understanding of the Earth, its evolution and its sustainable development
* the central paradigms in geology: uniformitarianism (“the present is the key to the past”); the extent of geological time; and plate tectonics
* the cycling of matter and the flows of energy into, between and within the solid Earth, the Earth's surface, the hydrosphere, the atmosphere and the biosphere.
Entry requirements
You will need at least five GCSEs at grade 4 (C) or above, including English Language at grade 5 (C/B) and Maths at grade 4 (C).
A recent school report will be required which demonstrates a committed attitude to learning.
It is assumed that students enrol on a two-year A-level programme of study consisting of three or more subjects. However, students will be expected to demonstrate a committed attitude to learning and make positive progress in their first year of study.
Course Content
Fundamentals of Geology
- F1 Elements, minerals and rocks
- F2 Surface and internal processes
- F3 Time and change
- F4 Earth structure and global tectonics
Interpreting the Geological Record
- G1 Rock forming processes
- G2 Rock deformation
- G3 Past life and past climates
- G4 Earth materials and natural resources
Geological Themes, a choice from:
- T1 Geohazards
- T2 Geological map applications
- T3 Quaternary geology
- T4 Geological evolution of Britain
- T5 Geology of the lithosphere
How will I be assessed?
There are three exams in the second year.
Are there any additional costs or specialist equipment required?
There will be fieldwork in Wales in Year 1. In Year 2, there will be the possibility of fieldwork in Tenerife or the Isle of Arran. The charge will be £300 per year or less.
What can I do after this course?
Further Study
You could consider degrees such as a:
- BSc (Hons) Geology
- BSc (Hons) Geology and Planetary Science
Careers
- Engineering geologist
- Geotechnics
- Geochemist
- Geophysicist/field seismologist
- Geoscientist
- Hydrogeologist
- Mudlogger
- Wellsite geologist
Note - you only need to make one application for A-levels. You can specify the additional A-Levels you wish to study when you fill out the application form
Did you find the course information on this page useful?
Emily Gray
Peak Award Winner Emily now studying for master’s in Australia
Former Peak Award winner Emily Gray was motivated to achieve “more than she ever thought she was capable of” while studying for A levels at Derby College.
And, since leaving Joseph Wright Centre 10 years ago, she has quite literally gone a long way – to university in Melbourne, Australia, to take a Master of Education degree in Applied Behaviour Analysis.
Now 27, Emily received a Peak Award for Academic Studies after performing well in her sociology, history and psychology A levels and EPQ, the Extended Project Qualification.
While on her psychology degree course at the University of Leeds, Emily embarked on a study year at Monash University in Melbourne.
And, since graduating, she has taught English in Peru, volunteered and worked in Sri Lanka and travelled in Australia before settling in Melbourne with her partner.
Currently studying for her master’s at Monash University, Emily also works as a site manager at a centre-based intervention service based on the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA) for pre-school aged children on the autism spectrum. She ultimately wants to become a clinical psychologist or clinical director of an agency providing ABA.
Commenting on her Peak Award in 2009, Emily added that it was “really unexpected and a huge honour.” She included the award in her CV and found it was “something she was able to talk about in interviews.”
My lecturers were fantastic! They were really passionate about their subject, particularly psychology lecturer Glyn Pickering, who motivated me and pushed me to achieve more than I thought I was capable of.
I also got great support at Derby College in applying for university and higher education. I was able to go on a residential trip to experience Oxford University, and received specialist and individual help with my application, personal statement and interview preparation.
