Year 1

You will have a broad introduction to geoscience and discover the role of geology and geoscientists in today's society.

Modules

• First Year Tutorials
• The Rock Cycle – Our Dynamic Earth (double module)
• Micro to Macro
• Palaeobiology and the Stratigraphic Record
• Natural Resources and Energy for the 21st Century
• Geological Maps and Structures
• Introductory Field Course

All of our geoscience subjects have the same first year so you can transfer between subjects before Year 2 if you wish to. This is the same as Year 1 of the BSc.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 2

You will learn about more advanced aspects of geosciences such as the conditions required to form magmatic, metamorphic, and sedimentary rocks.

Core modules

• Geological Field Skills (Spain, Anglesey and Lake District field courses)
• Magmatic and Metamorphic Processes
• Climate Change: Impacts, Vulnerability and Adaptation
• Introduction to Geochemistry
• Structure and Tectonics
• Depositional Processes and Environments

Option modules

Choose one option module from:

• Mineral Resources for Net-Zero Carbon 1
• Major Events in the History of Life

This is the same as Year 2 of the BSc. At the end of Year 2 your performance must meet a set level to continue on the MGeol. If this is not the case, you will transfer to the BSc and complete your degree in three years.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Optional Year in Industry

If you want to, you can take a year out between your second and third years and spend that time working in industry.

If you choose to do this, you’ll take a module in your second year that will help you to find a work placement and prepare you for the workplace. Throughout your placement, there will be structured support available to you from specialist staff at the University.

You’ll benefit from real-world experience in a commercial setting, enabling you to make an easier transition from studying to working after you finish your degree. It will also strengthen your CV significantly in preparation for entering the graduate labour market. On top of all this, you’ll be paid a salary for your placement.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Year 3 (or Optional Year Abroad)

In your third year you can choose to stay in Leicester, in which case your third year will be the same as the final year of the BSc. During this year you will have the opportunity to take your degree in the direction that you want. The core modules will ensure that you are advancing in the essential areas of geology. Optional modules provide the chance to continue with the fundamental principles of geology at an advance level or specialise in the areas that fascinate you.

Core modules

• Independent Field-Based Project
• Dissertation

Option modules

Choose two option modules from:

• Environmental Geoscience
• Diversity and Evolution of Vertebrates*
• Crustal Dynamics
• Water Quality Processes and Management

Then choose three option modules from:

• Planetary Science
• The Forensic, Archaeological and Geological Application of Microfossils
• Mineral Exploration, Economics and Sustainability
• Mineral Resources for Net-Zero Carbon 2**
• Stable Isotopes in the Environment
• River Dynamics
• The Mining Lifecycle Field Course – Cornwall
• Key Events in the Evolution of Planet Earth Viewed Through the Geological Lens of Wales - a field course*
• Physical Volcanology

This is the same as the final year of the BSc.

*Module available if Major Events in the History of Life was taken in Year 2.
**Module available if Mineral Resources for Net-Zero Carbon 1

This is the same as the final year of the BSc.

Year Abroad

If you want to, you can spend your third year studying abroad at one of our partner institutions (eligibility is dependent on your academic performance in Years 1 and 2).

NB. A year spent abroad still incurs a tuition fee, but this is much lower than for a normal year at Leicester. See our Fees and Funding section for details. If you are eligible for a loan from Student Finance you can apply for a travel grant from them.

Studying abroad is not just for people who are interested in travelling and meeting new people. It is about acquiring life skills that are becoming increasingly significant for a wide range of jobs in our modern globalised society. Whether you go on to work in the private sector, the state sector, a non-governmental organisation or become self-employed you will find the experience invaluable. Find out more from our Study Abroad Unit.

Geology at Leicester has links with the University of Canterbury in Christchurch, New Zealand - Explore the stunning Southern Alps, geothermal sites, mud pools and geysers, the active volcanoes of the Taupo volcanic zone – and Mount Doom!

To be considered for the year abroad requires a 65% average by the middle of your second year. Places are limited, competition is high, and selection is based on academic thresholds.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Final Year

During your final year you will concentrate on specialising within a predominantly optional module structure. Your research project will be an opportunity to delve into an area of geoscience that has captured your interest during the first three years under the supervision of our highly accomplished staff members.

Core modules

• Hot Topics
• Masters Research Project (Geology)

Option modules

• Advanced Field Course
• Anthropogenic Impact on the Urban Environment
• Ore Genesis
• Evolutionary Palaeobiology (available if Major Events in the History of Life taken)
• Igneous Petrogenesis
• Fundamentals of GIS
• Fundamentals of Data Science
• Living the Anthropocene
• Climate of the Future, the View from the Past

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork can be one of the most stimulating and enjoyable experiences of your time on a Geology degree. Your field begins in the very first week of your studies with a day spent investigating the fascinating local geology of Leicestershire.

In Year 1, the Introductory Field Course takes place on Arran, a Scottish island with more geological variety per square kilometre than virtually anywhere else in the world. You’ll rapidly develop observation and recording skills through active participation in scientific discovery. 

In your second year you will focus on developing the skills that will enable you to carry out your own geological fieldwork in a variety of terrains. We’ll guide you through this with field trips to Spain, Anglesey and the Lake District.

In your third year, you will carry out an Independent Field-based Project. You get to choose your own field area, allowing you to develop your geological interests (and showcase an impressive range of transferable skills!). Depending on the specialist modules you choose, there are also trips available to Tenerife, Cornwall and Pembrokeshire.

If you study for (or transfer onto) a four-year MGeol course, your final year will include an overseas trip as well as something more local. Some research projects can involve fieldwork, too.

And you’ll be pleased to know our staff are involved in field-based research worldwide, ensuring that our teaching draws on active field experience.

• Find out more about fieldwork opportunities.

Fieldwork locations may vary and are subject to availability.

Modules shown represent choices available to current students. The range of modules available and the content of any individual module may change in future years.