Quick Links: Geology, Geoscience & Earth Science | Engineering Geology & Geotechnics | Energy, Mining & Quarrying | Environmental Geology | Geophysics | Geochemistry | Marine Science & Hydrogeology | Palaeontology & Palaeobiology | Planetary Science | Geological Hazards | Geology with Geography | Geology with Consultancy Skills

Geology / Geoscience / Earth Science

Also known as ‘geoscience’ or ‘Earth science’, geology is the study of the structure, evolution and dynamics of the Earth and its natural mineral and energy resources. Geology investigates the processes that have shaped the Earth through its 4500 million (approximate!) year history and uses the rock record to unravel that history. It is concerned with the real world beyond the laboratory and has direct relevance to the needs of society.

University of Aberdeen	University of Birmingham
University of Brighton	University of Bristol
University of Cambridge	University of Cardiff
University of Derby	University of Durham
University of Edinburgh	University of Exeter
Heriot-Watt University	University of Hong Kong
University of Hull	University of Keele
King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals, Saudi Arabia	Kingston University
University of Leeds	University of Leicester
University of Liverpool	Birkbeck College, University of London
Imperial College, London	Royal Holloway, University of London
University College London	University of Manchester
Oxford University	University of Plymouth
University of Portsmouth	University of Southampton
University of South Wales, Pontypridd	University of St Andrews
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman

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Engineering / Geotechnics

Engineering geologists use their understanding of surface and sub-surface geology in engineering projects, from building construction to slope stability, mining, tunnelling or coastal defences.

University of Exeter	King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
University of Leeds (MSc Only)	University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (MSc Only)
University of Portsmouth (1st Degree & MSc)

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Energy, Mining or Quarrying

Many geologists are employed in the petroleum sector, in a huge range of jobs related to the search for and extraction of oil and natural gas. Palaeontology and geophysics are just two of the specialisms. Geologists also work in the nuclear sector, and the growing area of sustainable energy, developing geothermal energy, wind and tidal power. 

Working in the mining and quarrying sector involves locating and extracting natural resources including metals and minerals, with applications from agriculture to high-tech industry.

University of Aberdeen	University of Cardiff
University of Derby (MSc Only)	University of Exeter (MSc only)
Heriot-Watt University (MSc Only)	King Abdulaziz University, Saudi Arabia
University of Leeds (MSc Only)	Royal Holloway, University of London
Imperial College, London (1st degree & MSc)	University of Manchester (1st Degree & MSc)
University of Newcastle Upon Tyne (MSc Only)	University of the West Indies, St Augustine, Trinidad & Tobago

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Environmental Geology

Environmental geologists work to address environmental problems affecting water and land, which may have resulted from human activities or natural processes. Many geologists use their knowledge of geochemistry to specialise in remediation of contaminated land, often working for engineering consultancies.

University of Birmingham	University of Bristol
University of Cardiff (1st degree