Geology (MSci)

Program Overview

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This four-year Master's program in Geology equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to conduct research and contribute to the industry. Through lectures, fieldwork, and a research project, students develop expertise in Earth's formation, evolution, and processes. The program prepares graduates for careers as geologists, environmental consultants, and other related roles, and is accredited by the Geological Society.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Objectives:

• Investigates the formation of Earth and its evolution.
• Aims to equip graduates with the necessary skills and knowledge to conduct research in geology.
• Focuses on developing skills in fieldwork, data capture, analysis, and decision-making.
• Addresses the need to understand the Earth's history and processes to solve global challenges like climate change and natural disasters.
• Prepares students to contribute to the industry with specialized skills in geology.

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Description:

• This four-year Master's program involves learning through lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.
• Students are encouraged to learn independently and think creatively.
• The program is designed with industry input to ensure graduates possess the skills needed to be professional geologists.
• Students utilize their location in South Wales and take regular field trips to explore the region's geology and its impact on the industry.
• Overseas field trips opportunities are also offered.
• The final year of the program focuses on completing an exciting research project with an academic supervisor and their research staff.

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Outline:

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Years 1-3:

• Students mainly focus on core modules and build a strong foundation in geology.
• Year 1 features introductory modules like Earth's surface plates, internal structure, minerals, evolution of life, and mapping and surveying skills.
• Year 2 expands on the knowledge from year 1 with modules on sedimentary processes, igneous and metamorphic rocks, and earthquake and mountain building structures.
• Year 3 allows students to select optional modules to specialize in environmental or mineral resource geology, landscape and surface features, and data collection and analysis for their dissertation.
• Regular field trips in South Wales, Central and West Wales, Dorset, and overseas are conducted.
• In the summer between year two and three, a five-week independent mapping project prepares students for their dissertation.

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Year 4:

• The final year focuses on the Master's degree.
• The dissertation is the main focus, accounting for 60 credits.
• A fieldwork module is also included.
• Students choose from optional modules on business and consultancy, environmental modeling, and other specialized topics.
• The dissertation allows students to research various topics related to Environmental Geography under the supervision of a research supervisor.

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Assessment:

• Knowledge and understanding are assessed through assignments, presentations, fieldwork, examinations, and a dissertation.
• Written and oral feedback is provided on coursework.
• Informal feedback opportunities are also available.
• The University welcomes students with disabilities and offers alternative assessment methods.

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Teaching:

• The school offers a friendly and informal learning environment.
• World-leading experts involved in cutting-edge international research provide teaching and support.
• Teaching methods include lectures, laboratory work, fieldwork, tutorials, workshops, and seminars.
• Dissertation supervisors are allocated in year three and four.

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Careers:

• Graduates are prepared for careers as geologists, engineering geologists, hydrogeologists, mineralogists, environmental consultants, and other related roles.
• The program equips graduates with employable skills valuable in various sectors like insurance, finance, education, and planning.
• Advanced research skills and knowledge gained from the Masters program are highly valued by employers in academia, government, and industry.
• Many senior positions in geology-related careers require a Master's level qualification.
• The program is often the entry point for PhD research programs.

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Other:

• The program is accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK.
• Flexible course structure allows students to request transfers to programs with a professional placement year, a year of study abroad, or other similar programs.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Course specific equipment

You will need suitable clothing including warm weather, wind and storm-proof jackets and walking boots. The school will provide all health and safety equipment as well as specialised field equipment.

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Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

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Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.