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Geology

  • MSci
  • 4 Years
  • Full-time
  • 22/09/2025
  • Undergraduate
Main Site - Highfield Campus
More about University of Southampton

Course options

2025-20262026-2027
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Course summary

Investigate all aspects of Earth sciences from rocks, fossils, and volcanoes through to the ocean and our atmosphere.

On your four-year integrated Geology masters you will take part in comprehensive field-based training with fieldwork opportunities across the UK and Europe, which may include a week-long residential course in Tenerife studying volcanic processes, and a five week Independent Mapping Project.

You will study at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS), one of the world’s largest centres devoted to research, teaching, and technology development in ocean and Earth science.

Many students from this course go on to very successful research careers (often PhD level and beyond), and higher-level employment in multinational companies such as Shell, BP, Anglo American, and Barrick Gold.*

This course is accredited by the Geological Society of London, which means that our teaching is of the highest quality and approved by an independent body of academics and experts, and is ranked ranked 6th in the UK in the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023.

*98% of Ocean and Earth Science graduates were in employment or further study 15 months after graduation (Graduate Outcomes 2020/2021).

Modules

We have a varied range of modules for all years, to offer you the opportunity to tailor your studies to your passions and to equip you with the skills and experiences needed for success as a graduate. Examples of modules for year one include:

Data Literacy and Analysis
Dynamic Earth
Earth Materials
Earth & Ocean System
Key Skills and Fieldwork for Geologists

For full list of all modules available, please visit the course page: https://www.southampton.ac.uk/courses/geology-degree-msci#modules

Please note: information included was correct at time of publication, March 2024.

Assessment method

Your learning is delivered, and assessed, through a wide range of methods to ensure you develop a broad variety of skills that will set you up for success after graduation.

The learning activities for this course include lectures, classes and tutorials, coursework, individual and group, projects, and independent learning.

We’ll assess you using coursework, laboratory reports and essays, individual and group projects, and written and practical exams.

Professional bodies

Professionally accredited courses provide industry-wide recognition of the quality of your qualification.

  • The Geological Society
This course is subject to validation. You can still apply for this course while it is being approved.

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site - Highfield Campus

Study options

  • MSci • Full-time • 4 Years

Start dates

  • 22/09/2025

Apply by
29 January

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
F601
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Southampton has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
29 January

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
F601
Institution code:
S27
Campus name:
Main Site - Highfield Campus
Campus Code:
-

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Qualification requirements

UCAS Tariff - Not accepted

A level - AAB - ABB

AAB including two acceptable/preferred science subjects. (minimum of grade B) OR ABB including two preferred sciences (minimum of grade B) Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics. Where this offer is satisfied by including grades achieved in either Biology, Chemistry or Physics, a Pass in the practical.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DDD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two acceptable science subjects. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be: DDD + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. OR DDD + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Access to HE Diploma - D: 39 credits M: 6 credits

60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3 of which 39 credits must be at Distinction and 6 credits at Merit. A core science Access to HE Diploma must be studied.

Scottish Higher

We normally consider applicants who offer at least 1 Advanced Higher. Applicants presenting with only Highers will be considered on a case by case basis. Where Highers are taken over two years it might be expected that higher grades are achieved, particularly in any specific subjects required. For example, S5 – S6 (2 years): AABBB (A in specific subject) or S6 (1 year): ABBBB (A in specific subject). Unless a more advanced level (Higher or Advanced Higher) is specified in the stated entry requirements, all applicants will be required to have achieved a pass in Mathematics and English at Standard Grade, Grade 3 or National 5, Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/ Grade 4.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DD

We do not accept the BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma without two A-levels to include two acceptable science subjects. If you are studying this qualification a typical offer would be: DD + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. OR DD + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) - D

D + AA at A-Level, to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. OR D + AB at A-Level, to include two preferred science subjects. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Scottish Advanced Higher

Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual's academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of the pre-university education. Please see the University of Southampton's Curriculum for Excellence Scotland statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact the Faculty of Natural and Environmental Sciences Admissions Office at ugafnes@soton.ac.uk for more information. Applicants are also required to have achieved a pass in Maths and English at Standard Grade Grade 3 or National 5 Grade C, the equivalent of GCSE Grade C/Grade 4.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 32 - 34 points

Pass, with 34 points overall with 17 points at Higher Level, including 6 and 5 in two Higher Level acceptable/preferred science subjects. OR Pass, with 32 points overall with 16 points at Higher Level, including 5 in two Higher Level preferred science subjects. Preferred science subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths (Analysis and Approaches or Applications and Interpretation) and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Environmental Science and Geography International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP): The University of Southampton accepts the IBCP for entry to their degree programmes, recognising the value of combining academic skills with practical skills, providing a solid preparation for university level work. Offers will be made on the individual components of the IBCP. Applicants not taking the full IBCP but presenting with a combination of a Level 3 vocational qualification and IB Certificates may still be considered. Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.

Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (last awarded Summer 2024) - B

AA from two acceptable/preferred science A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate OR AB from two preferred science A levels and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Extended Project - A

ABB from three A-levels including two acceptable/preferred science subjects, and grade A in the EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable. OR BBB from three A-levels including two preferred sciences subjects, and grade A in the EPQ. Science practical components must be passed where applicable.

Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) - H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 - H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3

H1, H2, H2, H2, H2, H2 to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects. OR H1, H2, H2, H2, H3, H3 to include two preferred science subjects. Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics.

Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal - D3, D3, M2 - D3, M2, M2

D3, D3, M2 to include two acceptable/preferred science subjects OR D3, M2, M2 to include two preferred science subjects. Preferred Science Subjects are Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths and Geology. Acceptable science subjects are Geography, Environmental Science, Computer Science and Electronics. Cambridge Pre-U's can be used in combination with other qualifications such as A Levels to achieve the equivalent of the typical offer, where D3 can be used in lieu of A Level grade A or grade M2 can be used in lieu of grade B.

GCSEs: Applicants must hold GCSE English Language (or GCSE English), Mathematics and Science (minimum grade C/4).

Find out more about qualification requirements for this course.

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.5Band C: 6.5 with 6.0 in each component
All programmes at the University of Southampton are taught and assessed in the medium of English (other than those in modern foreign languages). Therefore, all applicants must demonstrate they possess at least a minimum standard of English language proficiency.

Find out more about the University’s English Language requirements https://www.southampton.ac.uk/studentadmin/admissions/admissions-policies/language.page

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

Most of the students who enrolled on this course in previous years met their offer conditions at our published entry criteria, securing their place on their chosen course.

We encourage all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, to apply to study with us. Applicants who qualify for contextual admissions will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.

Learn more on the University of Southampton website

Historical entry grades data BETA

This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

LocationFeeYear
England£9535Year 1
Northern Ireland£9535Year 1
Scotland£9535Year 1
Wales£9535Year 1
Channel Islands£9535Year 1
Republic of Ireland£9535Year 1
EU£28800Year 1
International£28800Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

Please see our website for further details and updates: www.southampton.ac.uk/uni-life/fees-funding.page

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