Course Summary

The 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

• Grade 4 at KS4 Mathematics
• Grade 5 English
• Four other subjects at grade 4

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

• 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 - a £200 payment will need to be made to facilitate this. In Year 2, there may be the possibility of fieldwork in Tenerife, which will cost £400. 

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

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