About this program
Geology BSc Hons
The BSc in Geology at St Andrews will provide you with a deep understanding of the materials, structures, and processes that have characterised the solid Earth throughout its 4.6 billion year history. The BSc Geology degree emphasises the origin and chemistry of rocks and minerals, geological mapping, and the processes and events that have shaped the rock record.
Teaching provides training in Earth dynamics, the formation of minerals, rocks and sediments and their interaction with the hydrosphere, atmosphere, and biosphere, using fundamentals of chemistry, physics, and biology to build a deep understanding of the Earth.
Admission requirements
These grades are the overall standards required to consider you for entry. Find out more about Standard, Minimum and Gateway entry requirements using academic entry explained and see which entry requirements you need to look at using the entry requirements indicator.
- SQA Highers
- GCE A-Levels
- IB points
International applicants
If English is not your first language you will need an overall IELTS score of 7.0, with a minimum score of 6.5 in each component (Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking), or an equivalent English language qualification.
For more information about admission requirements, please visit the university website.
Does this course require proof of English proficiency?
The TOEFL® test is accepted by 10,000+ universities and higher education institutes in over 150 countries. Book your test today!
Learn moreProgram content
First Year
Students will take the following compulsory first-year modules alongside other optional modules in geology or in another subject:
- Understanding Planet Earth
- Earth's Resource Challenges
Second Year
Students are required to take the following compulsory modules in their second year:
- DynamicEarth: The Earth System
- Dynamic Earth: Magma, Minerals and Metamorphism
- Dynamic Earth: Earth Surface Processes
Honours
If you decide to take geology in your third and fourth years, you choose from a wide variety of advanced options, including modules in hydrology, geodynamics and geophysics.
Honours modules involve key skills training and first-hand experience linked to new research discoveries and advances in Earth Sciences, and courses that have been offered in the past included the following topics:
- Advanced Petrogenesis
- Data Analysis in Earth Sciences (R and Python)
- Geochemistry
- Geodynamics
- GIS and Spatial Analysis for Earth Scientists
- Global Biogeochemical Cycles
- Igneous and Metamorphic Petrology
- Petroleum Exploration and Geophysics
- Sedimentary Systems
- Structural Geology and Tectonics.
Scholarships & funding
Several scholarship options are available. Please check the university website for more information.
Program delivery
The School’s teaching philosophy is to provide a thorough understanding of Earth sciences through experiential learning via field and lab-based study, first-hand experience in collecting data, testing hypotheses and undertaking analyses, and student-led investigative research.
The BSc in Geology is taught through a combination of:
- lectures
- seminars
- tutorials
- practical classes
- field work
- research projects.
Typical class sizes:
- First year: lectures 80 to 110, tutorials 3 to 6
- Second year: 30 to 40
- Honours: 20 to 30
When not attending lectures, tutorials and workshops, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve:
- reading relevant literature
- working on individual and group projects
- undertaking research in the library
- preparing coursework assignments and presentations
- preparing for examinations.
Tuition
Career paths
The School is proactive about developing career opportunities, and career activities are provided for all students from first year onwards. Assessment styles imitate real workplace scenarios and many modules in Honours years are supported by visits to and by industry partners. As a result, graduates are well prepared for industry and graduate employment prospects are consistently among the best in the UK.
There are multiple career options for Earth and environmental sciences graduates, both specifically in the energy, natural resources, and environmental sectors, as well as in wider science and policy areas.
Message the school
About this institute
University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is Scotland’s first University. As a 600 year-old institution, we are known across the globe for our world leading quality and depth of research. For six centuries some of the world’s brightest and most promising...
Why study at University of St Andrews
The University of St Andrews is situated in a truly beautiful location. Part of a seaside town it is a picturesque and inspirational location to pursue your studies, where you will have the thinking space needed to be your very best. As a smaller university our size is one of our greatest strengths with class sizes allowing for a close and individual learning experience and giving great access and support from your teachers.
Graduates of St Andrews are highly sought after by employers around the world due to our reputation for excellence. A qualification from St Andrews will help you reach your ambitions and kickstart your career.
Consistently ranked as the best student academic experience in the UK by students in the National Student Survey, your time as a student in St Andrews will be unique and rewarding, leaving you with a prestigious qualification, but also memories and connections to treasure for years to come.
Contact info
University of St Andrews
Want to know more about Geology BSc Hons? Fill out the following form and we'll pass your details on to a representative from the school, who will respond to your enquiry.
Be the first to write a review!
