Geology

Geology is the science of the Earth: how it formed, how it works, and how it has changed over billions of years. By studying the Earth's internal core, crust, oceans, atmosphere, and the solar system, geologists gain a better understanding of how our planet works. The discipline draws on physics, chemistry, biology, and mathematics to interpret the rocks, minerals, fossils, and structures that record the history of the planet, and its findings are fundamental to our understanding of natural hazards, resources, climate, and the deep past.

At Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, this three-year full-time programme develops your understanding of geology from its physical and chemical foundations through to the major geological processes that shape the Earth's surface and interior. You will study mineralogy, petrology, structural geology, palaeontology, stratigraphy, and geophysics, developing strong quantitative and field skills alongside your conceptual knowledge. Field courses are a central part of geological training, giving you direct experience of reading the rock record in the landscape.

Entry typically requires around 152 UCAS tariff points.

Geology graduates work in the oil, gas, and mining industries, environmental consultancy, civil engineering geology, hydrology, volcanic and seismic hazard assessment, academic research, and government agencies. The quantitative and analytical skills the degree develops are also valued in data science, finance, and any field that requires the ability to interpret complex datasets. Many graduates continue to postgraduate research in earth sciences, applied geology, or environmental geoscience.