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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
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Abbey Sisson
“Amazing” diploma offered more than sixth form for audiologist Abbey
As a teenager Royal Derby Hospital audiologist Abbey Sisson wanted to find “something different” after her GCSEs.
She had achieved As to Cs but was unsure about taking A levels because she wasn’t a natural at exams. She wanted to find a different direction and, on a whim, popped into an open day at Broomfield Hall.
Abbey liked what she found – she made friends immediately – and was impressed by the Level 3 Public Services Uniformed Extended Diploma. It offered coursework modules, the equivalent of three A levels and “loads of opportunities” which helped her CV for job applications.
Abbey passed with a distinction and almost immediately after College landed a job as an emergency department assistant at the Royal Derby Hospital. Finding no clear career path there, she applied internally and went on to work in audiology as an assistant.
While there, she devoted her spare time, doing work placement on her days off, to achieve a foundation degree and a first-class BSc Healthcare Science Audiology degree at Aston University. Now a qualified audiologist at the Royal Derby, Abbey said her time at College helped her into the workplace.
I was keen to do something different, and it really was different – it was amazing. I don’t think I would ever have had so many opportunities if I’d gone into the sixth form. We volunteered in schools, doing sports leadership, as well as stewarding for events too. We had loads of opportunities. Because of the course, when I came to apply for jobs, I had a lot to say.
