MSci Geology and Physical Geography with an International Year

Program Overview

The Geology and Physical Geography MSci with an International Year course equips students with a comprehensive understanding of Earth sciences, focusing on natural hazards, climate change, and tectonics. It includes an international year to enhance global perspectives and culminates in an independent research project, preparing graduates for diverse careers in environmental planning, resource management, and academia.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The Geology and Physical Geography MSci with an International Year course is a flexible degree that provides a broad-based knowledge of the Earth sciences. It focuses on understanding natural hazards, climate change, and the movement of tectonic plates. Graduates will have a broad range of experience and independent research skills, making them well-suited for a variety of professional careers.

Outline:

• Year 1:
• Compulsory Modules:
Earth History and Life, Structural Geology, The Earth System, Geoscience Project, Introductory Field and Research Skills, SW Wales Field Course, Earth Materials
• Description:
Provides a broad training across a wide range of Earth Science and Geography topics. All modules are compulsory. Residential field trips to Northern Ireland and South West Wales will train students in key skills in geological observation, data recording and interpretation.
• Year 2:
• Compulsory Modules:
Sedimentology, Field Skills, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Earth Resources, Environmental Impacts and Sustainability
• Optional Modules:
Hydroclimatology: Climate and Water, Hydrogeology and Geomorphology, Ecological Systems, Environmental Management and Pollution, Rock Mechanics, Geophysics and Hydrogeology, Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology, Palaeoecology, Geological Natural Hazards
• Description:
Builds on the knowledge and understanding gained in the first year to develop specialist skill in key areas required to ensure that the degree meets the accreditation requirements. Students will undertake two UK-based residential field courses, which typically includes SW England. They will cover a wide range of field skills on these trips from palaeontology, sedimentology, environmental geology, Quaternary processes to geomorphology.
• Year 3:
• Description:
Spent at a partner institution overseas. Students will have the opportunity to study a number of modules which will count towards their final degree. They will also complete an Independent Earth Science Research Project.
• Year 4:
• Compulsory Modules:
Advanced Project, Field, Research & Communication Skills
• Optional Modules:
Palaeoclimates, Climate Change in the Earth System, Conservation: Theory into Practice, Engineering Geology and Pollution Hydrogeology, Environmental Research at High Latitudes, Evolution of Vertebrates, Evolutionary Palaeobiology, Tectonic and Volcanic Processes, Exploring the Energy Transition, Micrometeorology: Weather, Climate and Society, Catchment Processes, Environmental Change and Restoration
• Description:
Students will specialize further and develop key career skills through leading their own research project. This independent project accounts for half of the final year, and may involve links with industry.

Assessment:

• Methods: Examinations, oral presentations, regular project work, practical and field-based exercises.
Feedback is provided within four weeks of each assessment.

Teaching:

• Methods: Lectures, tutorials, practical classes, extensive fieldwork, residential courses across the UK and overseas.
• Faculty: Research-led teaching by academics who are experts in their fields.
Examples include Dr James Bendle, Dr Seb Watt, and Prof. Tim Reston. The University is also home to the Birmingham Institute of Forest Research (BIFoR), a pioneering facility investigating the long-term impact of climate and environmental change on woodlands.

Careers:

• Potential Career Paths: Environmental planning, land remediation, hydrogeology, pollution control, oil and minerals industries, British Geological Survey (BGS), local authorities, museums, government organizations, engineering and construction companies, teaching.
• Opportunities: Graduates are highly employable with 100% in jobs or further study within six months of graduation.
• Outcomes: Many graduates are engaged in work or study directly related to their first degree, with the remainder choosing career paths in areas outside of the subject where the transferable skills gained on the program prove invaluable.

Other:

• Fieldwork: A key element of the degree programs.
Students will have the opportunity to travel, work independently as well as in a group, and learn valuable technical skills. The field courses help students to develop as observational Earth scientists.
• Lapworth Museum of Geology: One of the oldest and finest specialist geological museums in the UK, housing more than 250,000 specimens.
It is an invaluable study resource.
• Contact Hours: Vary depending on the year of study and optional modules chosen.
• Transferable Skills: Data analysis, problem solving, communication, team-working.
• Careers Network: Provides tailored careers guidance, work experience opportunities, mentoring, global internships and placements, one-to-one support with CV's and job applications, and the Personal Skills Award (PSA).
• Professional Accreditation: Accredited by the Geological Society of London.
Accreditation indicates that the course offers sound training for a professional career in the geosciences, and satisfies the academic requirements to achieve Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.