Department of Geology
According to students, Leicester is the best place in the UK to come and study for a geology degree. The vibrant atmosphere reflects our commitment to the best teaching and support for students, combined with world class research published in leading international journals. Our research income for the past 6 years exceeds £10M, and we have strong industrial research and teaching links across the environment, minerals and oil & gas sectors.
All our programmes are modular and provide degree-specific optional modules in the third and fourth years. A unique characteristic of our programme structure is the flexibility in degree options. All degree programmes include a common core component in the first year, enabling you to transfer between degrees at the end of the first year, subject to meeting the entry requirements for your intended degree.
Entry requirements
Qualifications in Geology are welcome, although we assume no previous knowledge of Geology.
A/AS levels for all degrees: Preferred subjects include at least two from: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Mathematics or Physics. English, General Studies, a foreign language or other arts subject are normally accepted as the third A level.
Additional requirements for Geology with Geophysics degrees: One A Level must be Physics or Mathematics. If either of Physics or Mathematics are not taken at A level, they must be taken at AS level.
Other qualifications, including those listed below, are welcomed for entry to all our degrees: Access to HE course, BTEC Nationals, European Baccalaureate, International Baccalaureate, Irish qualifications, Leicestershire Progression Accord, OU courses, Scottish qualifications, other international qualifications.
These are normal requirements, but we assess each application individually on its merits. If you have any queries about your eligibility, please contact our admissions tutor.
BSc versus MGeol degrees
Our BSc degrees provide an ideal three-year route if you want to pursue your interest in geoscience and are contemplating becoming a professional geologist. The four-year MGeol degrees include a major cutting-edge independent research project on a topic chosen by you, including training in research methods and access to specialised analytical facilities.
These Master’s degrees also include additional field courses, training in data analysis, and the opportunity to specialise further in your favourite subjects. These programmes are ideal if you aspire to enter professional geological employment at a high level or PhD research after graduation. Students on the MGeol degree programme have the option of a year abroad.
You can change from an MGeol degree to a BSc degree at any time until the end of the second year. You can change from a BSc degree to an MGeol degree before the end of the first year, subject to satisfactory performance. Continuation on the MGeol degree is conditional on achieving a sufficient level of performance in the second year assessment.
Our research is internationally recognised at the highest levels, and each group is engaged in national and international collaborative and interdisciplinary activities. We welcome enquiries from UK, European and overseas research students, postdoctoral and academic researchers interested in working in a thriving, active, well-found university research environment at the leading edge of research in the Earth Sciences. We also engage in range of cross disciplinary environmental research.
