Geology

Geology is the science of the Earth, encompassing the formation and composition of rocks and minerals, the processes that shape landscapes and ocean floors, the history of life recorded in the fossil record, and the resources and hazards that the geological record determines. It is a discipline that requires both careful observation in the field and sophisticated laboratory analysis, and it is one of the few sciences in which you routinely work at geological timescales of millions or billions of years. Geology is also a profoundly practical science, underpinning the discovery and management of mineral resources, the assessment of natural hazards, and the understanding of environmental change.

At Royal Holloway, University of London you will study across three years on a full-time programme, with a sandwich year for professional experience, a year abroad for international geological study, and work placement activity integrated throughout. The curriculum covers the core of the discipline, including mineralogy, petrology, stratigraphy, structural geology, palaeontology, and geophysics, alongside the field and laboratory skills that distinguish a practising geologist. Fieldwork is central to geology education, and Royal Holloway's programme includes field trips to a range of geological environments that develop your ability to observe, record, and interpret rocks in the real world.

The sandwich year and placement give you professional experience in industry or research settings that dramatically enhances your employment prospects.

Geology graduates work across a range of industries. The oil and gas sector and mineral exploration companies have traditionally been major employers, and while the energy transition is reshaping these industries, it is also creating new demand for geologists in geothermal energy, critical mineral supply, and carbon capture and storage. Environmental consulting, engineering geology, hydrogeology, and natural hazard assessment are further significant sectors.

Academic research and museum curation draw on the more fundamental aspects of the discipline. Progression towards Chartered Geologist status through the Geological Society is a recognised professional pathway, and postgraduate study in geology, geophysics, or environmental science is a well-supported next step.