Geology with Geography BSc (Hons)

Program Overview

This geology degree from Edge Hill University explores the Earth's history, materials, and processes through fieldwork, lectures, and practical activities. Students develop transferable skills for careers in conservation, geological exploration, and environmental management, and benefit from a focus on applied geology in the final year. The program is accredited by the Geological Society of London and offers optional modules for customization.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Over millions of years geological processes have shaped and influenced the planet we live on. This degree will guide and instruct those who are passionate about the Earth and its geology. You’ll take part in national and international fieldwork to learn about hard- and soft-rock geology, before the focus shifts to Applied Geology during the last year of the degree. Top ten in the UK for Teaching on my Course (National Student Survey 2023 – Environmental Sciences), you’ll also explore topics like landscape dynamics, climate and environmental change, and natural hazards. Fieldwork destinations across the UK and Europe will provide an essential practical dimension to your degree. Previous locations have included Edinburgh, Tenerife and the Scottish Highlands. You can also tailor your degree to your interests, with the opportunity to select subject-specific and complementary modules. After three years of study, you’ll have honed many transferable skills useful for working in public and private sector organisations. You might consider roles in conservation, geological exploration, environmental management or environmental education.

Outline:

Year 1

• Contemporary Geographical Skills
• Dynamic Earth
• Earth History
• Earth Materials
• Earth, Climate and Environment
• Environmental Issues (Optional)
• Language 1 (Optional)

Year 2

• Digital Geography
• Geological Research Methods
• Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
• Sedimentology
• Structural Geology and Stratigraphy
• Climate and Environmental Change (Optional)
• Landscape Dynamics (Optional)
• Language 2 (Optional)
• Work-based learning and Employability (Optional)

Year 3

• Geoenvironmental Engineering
• Geoenvironmental Management
• Geological Field Mapping Project
• Applied GIS (Optional)
• Coastal Processes and Management (Optional)
• Flood Hazard and Management (Optional)
• Language 3 (Optional)
• Natural Hazards (Optional)
• Quaternary Environmental Change (Optional)
• Rivers: Past, Present and Future (Optional)

Assessment:

Methods of assessment display your knowledge and understanding and develop and demonstrate your competence in subject-specific and key skills. All modules are assessed by either coursework only or a mixture of coursework and examination. Coursework typically includes practical portfolios, essays, project reports, field-related materials (such as maps and notebooks), individual and group oral presentations, and poster presentations.

Teaching:

Teaching is through lectures, fieldwork, practical activities, lab work, tutorials, dissertation supervision, and directed independent learning. We place an emphasis on strengthening the employability of our graduates through the acquisition of a range of subject-specific and transferable skills, as well as the development of knowledge and understanding. Fieldwork is one of the most beneficial and enjoyable aspects of this degree. Current fieldwork locations include Edinburgh, Tenerife, and the Scottish Highlands. You’ll also enjoy field trips to local sites.

Careers:

You’ll end the course with plenty of subject-specific and transferable skills, and be a real asset to public and private sector organisations. Our graduates have job titles like engineering geologist, geotechnical engineer, environmental consultant and GIS technician, working for companies including:

• WSP
• Jacobs
• AECOM
• Balfour Beatty
• Wardell Armstrong LLP
Wondering where you could work? Organisations like United Utilities, the Environment Agency, DEFRA and OXFAM regularly recruit graduates with a geoscience degree. Another option you may want to explore is postgraduate study. This allows you to research an aspect of geology and geography that particularly interests you. After completing this degree, our graduates have also undertaken postgraduate training in engineering geology, GIS, or teaching.

Other:

• The program is offered full-time and part-time.
• The program is accredited by the Geological Society of London.
• The program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a career in the geosciences.
• The program includes a strong emphasis on fieldwork and practical experience.
• The program is taught by a team of experienced and qualified faculty members.
• The program is supported by a range of state-of-the-art facilities.
• The program is offered at a competitive price.