Geology with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Program Overview

This four-year geology degree provides a strong foundation in the field, with flexibility in choosing specialized modules in years two and four. Students spend year three studying abroad at a partner institution, and assessment includes assignments, presentations, fieldwork, and a dissertation. Graduates are equipped for careers in various roles, including engineering geologist, hydrogeologist, and environmental consultant.

Program Outline

Outline:

• This is a four-year full-time degree.
• In your first year, you will study core modules and get a strong foundation in geology.
• In year two and four, there are core and optional modules so you have some flexibility to choose to study the areas that you’re interested in.
• Year three is spent studying at one of our partner institutions in another country.

Assessment:

• We will be assessing your level of knowledge and understanding in each module through a combination of assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.

Teaching:

• We are a friendly and informal school and you will be supported and taught by world-leading experts involved in cutting-edge international research.
• Our teaching approach is a mix of theory and practical and includes: lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.
• You will also be encouraged to learn independently throughout the course.

Careers:

• Geologists play a central role in society today.
We need geology to locate sustainable sources of water, energy, and minerals, to recognize and mitigate hazards, and to assess land for constructing roads or buildings.
• With a geology degree, you can choose to work in a variety of different roles including an engineering geologist, a hydrogeologist, a mineralogist, and an environmental consultant.
• You will also have essential employable skills that sectors like insurance, finance, education, and planning are looking for.

Other:

• You are required to achieve a minimum Year 1 average mark of 60% to progress to applying for a study abroad placement.
If you do not, you will be transferred to the 3-year equivalent program without the year of study abroad opportunity.
• The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2025/2026 academic year.
The final modules will be published by September 2025.
• The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances.

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas. Learn how we decide your fee status Fees for home status We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase. Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Costs for sandwich years During a sandwich year (e.g. year in industry, placement year or year abroad) a lower fee will apply. Additional costs The fieldwork costs for your core modules are included but you will need to make a contribution towards food if it is provided during the trip. You will pay 15% of the usual Cardiff University fees during your year of study abroad. You will also need to pay for your living costs while abroad, which may include health insurance costs. Further additional costs include travel and visa application fees. Financial support is available. The Global Opportunities Centre also currently provides a bursary to assist with some of the costs associated with an overseas placement. Full details will be confirmed when you are considering your year of study abroad options.