Geology (faster route) BSc
Open Day: Wednesday 2 September, 9am – 3pm
Come along to explore our campus, meet current students and staff, and get a real feel for what life at the University of Glasgow is all about.
Geology is the study of the Earth, its structure, composition, history, hazards, climate and resources. Geology uses materials such as rocks, minerals and fossils, together with computational and analytical methods, to provide an integrated understanding of whole Earth processes in 4D, linking the deep Earth, its crust, the surface and associated environments. Many socio-environmental problems can only be solved by a thorough understanding of geological principles. These global challenges include finding sustainable solutions to anthropogenic climate change, driving the energy transition and developing a green economy.
Geology will prepare you for a variety of careers, including sustainable resource exploration, recycling & restoration, geotechnical engineering, and water & renewable energy management.
The Geology Faster Route offers focused, high achieving candidates joining us straight from school the option to complete the Honours Degree in 3 years.
Faster route students receive an additional week of study during welcome week (the week before academic classes commence) to benefit from a series of learning and technical induction activities to prepare for success.
- September start
- Session dates
- Geology (faster route) BSc (Hons): 3 year degree
Programme structure
Year 1
Students on the Geology (faster route) do not undertake Year 1.
Year 2
You will study the major themes of geology linked to important problems and challenges in environmental geoscience, using a problem-based approach to learning integrated with topical examples.
You will cover fundamental geological principles, including plate tectonics, the structure of the Earth, volcanoes, earthquakes, how rocks deform, the evolution of the oceans & continents, the evolution of life and surface processes & environments. These principles are then applied to challenges in the sustainable exploration for resources & energy, climate change, water security and waste & contaminated land management.
You will develop a range of spatial, analytical, and computational skills. You will participate in local field classes including a residential field class where you will develop your practical and problem-solving skills.
You will also study other subjects to pursue your interests and ensure maximum flexibility. See Flexible degrees
Year 3 & 4
You will study a number of core courses covering solid Earth & surface processes (igneous, sedimentary, metamorphic, and structural geology), geological hazards, resources for a sustainable future and engineering & hydrogeology. You will develop spatial, numerical and computational skills, both in the laboratory and in the field.
You will participate in residential field classes in the UK as well as day field classes.
You will also undertake an independent project in your final year where you will develop and answer a research question based on data you have collected.
You will have the opportunity to tailor your degree to align with your interests and career aspirations. You may choose from a range of optional courses in year 4, many of which are focused on applied and environmental aspects of Geology, such as landscape dynamics, aqueous geochemistry and planetary science.
Course details
Year 1
Students on the Geology Faster Route do not undertake Year 1.
Year 2
Core courses:
You will also study other subjects in Year 2 to pursue your interests and ensure maximum flexibility; see Flexible degrees.
Year 3
Core courses:
- Sedimentary Systems and Deposits
- Igneous and Metamorphic Geology
- Orogens and Basins: Structure and Resources
- Minerals, Metals and Materials for Sustainable Futures
- Geological Skills
Year 4
Core courses:
- Advanced Geological Skills
- Independent Geology Dissertation
- Engineering Geology: Geotechnical and Environmental
- Hydrogeology
Plus 40 credits from the following optional courses:
- Geological Hazards
- Landscape Dynamics
- Environmental Aqueous Geochemistry
- Planetary Science
- Glacial Landsystems
- Climates: Past and Future
- GIS A:Applied Spatial Analysis
- GIS B:Theory & Practice
Programme alteration or discontinuation
The University of Glasgow endeavours to run all programmes as advertised. In exceptional
circumstances, however, the University may withdraw or alter a programme. For more information,
please see: Student contract.
Our international links
Travelling and overseas work are major features of a Geology career and we encourage our students to take advantage of the University’s extensive exchange programmes to study abroad. Our students have studied in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Hong Kong, USA and Europe. See Study abroad.
Entry requirements
for entry in 2027
TBC.
Admissions guidance
English language
For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.
English language requirements
International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)
- 6.5 with no subtests under 6.0
- IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
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Common equivalent English language qualifications for entry to this programme
TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome)
Tests taken up to 20 January 2026
- 90 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Tests taken from 21 January 2026
- 92 Overall, no subtest lower than Reading 22; Listening 20; Speaking 23; Writing 21
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test, this includes TOEFL mybest.
Pearsons PTE Academic
- 59 with minimum 59 in all subtests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)
- 176 overall, no subtest less than 169
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Oxford ELLT
- 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
LanguageCert Academic SELT
- 70 overall with no subtest less than 60
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Password Skills Plus
- 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
Trinity College Tests
- Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEII Distinction with Distinction in all sub-tests
- Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.
University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses
- Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.
School Qualifications
- IGCSE English First Language, grade C
- IGCSE English Second Language, grade A
- A Level English, grade C
- International Baccalaureate English A SL5 or HL5
- International Baccalaureate English B SL6 or HL5
- SQA National 5 English or ESOL, grade B
- SQA Higher English or ESOL, grade C
International School Qualifications
- Brunei: O-Level English Language 1120 grade B and above
- Denmark: Studentereksamen English at 7
- European Baccalaureate: English as Language 1 pass, if taken as Language 2 grade 7, if taken as Language 3 grade 7.5
- Finland: Ylioppilastutkinto / studentexamen English grade C or 4
- France: International Option Baccalaureate (OIB) / Baccalauréat Français International (BFI) grade 12
- Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone: West African Examination Council (WAEC) / Senior Secondary School Certificate English grade C6
- Germany: German Abitur English Grade 11
- Hong Kong: Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education, English Language grade 4
- India: Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) / All India School Certificate (ISC) English at 80%
- Kenya: Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) English grade B
- Netherlands: Voorbereidend Wetenschappelijk Onderwijs (VWO) grade 7
- Norway: Vitnemal English grade 4 or above
- Singapore: Cambridge International O Level English Language (1128 Singapore only) at Grace C; Singapore Integrated Programme Secondary 4 English Language at grade B
- South Africa: National Senior Certificate (NSC) / Independent Exam Board (IEB) Grade 4 (English as Home Language) OR Grade 4 (English as First Additional Language)
- Sweden: Avgangsbetyg / Fullständigt Slutbetyg fran Gymnasieskolan English grade VG
- Zimbabwe: Zimbabwe General Certificate of Education at English at Ordinary Level grade C
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Alternatives to English Language qualification
- Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
- Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
- students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.
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Pre-sessional courses
We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:
- direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
- essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
- flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.
For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:
- English for Academic Study: Pre-sessional courses
We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:
- Heriot Watt
- Kingston Upon Thames
- Middlesex University
- Manchester University
- Reading University
- Edinburgh University
- St Andrews University
- UCL
- Durham
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FAQs
What do I do if...
my language qualifications are below the requirements?
The University's School of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a range of Pre-sessional courses to bring you up to entry level. The course is accredited by BALEAP, the UK professional association for academic English teaching.
my language qualifications are not listed here?
Please contact External Relations
If you require a Tier 4 student visa, your qualification must be one of the secure English language tests accepted by UK Border Agency:
- UK Border Agency Tier 4 English Language requirements
- UKBA list of approved English language tests [pdf]
Visa requirements and proof of English language level
It is a visa requirement to provide information on your level of English based on an internationally recognised and secure English language test. All test reports must be no more than 2 years old. A list of these can be found on the UK Border Agency website. If you have never taken one of these tests before, you can get an initial idea of your level by using the Common European Framework self-assessment grid which gives you a level for each skill (e.g. listening B1/writing B2 etc.) However, please note that this is not a secure English language test and it is not sufficient evidence of your level of English for visa requirements.
Further information about English language: English for Academic Study
Careers and future opportunities
Graduate destinations
The following are examples of roles that graduates are in 15 months after completing their programme:
- Geotechnical Engineer
- Data Analyst
- Duo Spatial Developer
- Engineer Geologist
- Environmental Advisor
- Environmental Consultant
- Graduate Dual Environment Engineer
- Junior Exploration Geologist
- Petroleum Geologist
- Public Outreach Officer.
Example job titles are taken from responses received through the HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. Graduates surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Job prospects
Graduate Outcomes data shows that:
- 100% of students are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating
- 100% of those in work are in graduate-level employment
- The average professional salary after 15 months is £31,500.
This subject-level data is from HESA Graduate Outcomes survey. It relates to graduates who completed their programme in 2022–23 and were surveyed 15 months after graduation. Includes single and joint honours programmes.
Skills development
As well as building subject specific knowledge and skills throughout your degree, you’ll also develop transferable skills by:
- Interpreting geological processes independently by analysing rocks, minerals, fossils and structures to understand Earth’s evolution.
- Evaluating geological evidence critically, integrating field, laboratory, numerical and spatial data to test hypotheses.
- Communicating geological interpretations clearly in reports, maps, diagrams and presentations for scientific and applied contexts.
- Applying field, mapping, analytical and geophysical techniques to investigate Earth materials, structures and environments.
- Developing solutions to geological and environmental challenges through the synthesis of observations and conceptual models.
Careers & employability support
Our Careers, Employability & Opportunity team are here to support you at every stage of your career journey. They’ll provide you with opportunities to explore your options, connect with employers in the UK and abroad, build your confidence and develop in demand skills.
You’ll have access to a wide range of support and resources that are designed to help you plan and prepare for your future including: masterclasses, 1:1 career coaching, a dedicated jobs board, employer events and much more.
Degrees and UCAS codes
When applying you will need to know the UCAS code for the subject or subject-combination that you wish to apply to:
BSc (Hons)
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
How and when you pay tuition fees depends on where you’re from: see Tuition fees for details.
Scholarships
The University is committed to supporting students and rewarding academic excellence. That's why we've invested more than £1m in additional scholarship funding in recent years.
The scholarships above are relevant to this programme. For more funding opportunities search the scholarships database
How to apply
Full-time students must apply through the Universities & Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
SQA applicants who are eligible for our Widening Participation programmes are encouraged to participate in one or more of these programmes, including Summer School, to support your application and the transition to higher education.
International students to Arts, Engineering, Law, Nursing, Science, and Social Sciences can also apply using The Common Application: however, if applying to more than one UK university, we recommend using UCAS. Applications to Dentistry, Education, Medicine, and Veterinary Medicine must be made through UCAS.
Application deadlines
- 15 October: if including Dentistry, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine or also applying to Oxford or Cambridge
- 13 January: all other UK applicants (unless otherwise stated on the UCAS website)
- 30 June: international students.
We do not usually accept any applications after these deadlines.
It's your responsibility to ensure the accuracy of your application before submission. Requests to correct application content, change degree programme or change college of entry, will not be accepted after these deadlines. This policy is in place to ensure fairness and consistency to all applicants, and no exceptions will be made.
- Apply at www.ucas.com or through your school or college
- Contact UCAS on 0871 468 0468
- Apply at commonapp.org (international students to certain areas only)
Subject league tables
Guardian University Guide [Earth & Marine Sciences]
Complete University Guide [Geography & Environmental Science]
