- 4th for Geology in the National Student Survey (2011)1
- 5th in the UK for Physical Science in The Sunday Times University Guide 2012
- International reputation with excellent employment prospects after three years of study
- 2nd for graduate level employment and postgraduate study rates2; 21 of our 22 graduates of 2011 have secured employment or postgraduate study in geology/geotechnics
- Specialist facilities include world-class analytical laboratories
- Typical group size of 25 students ensures an effective learning environment
- Emphasis on field-based training
- Accredited by The Geological Society
- Merit scholarships of £2,000 per year
The study of geology applies many different branches of science and engineering to understand how the Earth ‘works’ and has evolved over the last 4.6 billion years. It ranges in scope from the atomic through the continental to the cosmic, and encompasses such spectacular natural processes as earthquakes, landslides and volcanic eruptions. Many applicants choose to study geology for these reasons alone. However, geology has many applied aspects and knowledge of these provides opportunities for work in a variety of landscapes and environments worldwide.
Geologists who can successfully apply their knowledge of how the Earth works are employed in the exploration and production of metals, industrial minerals, hydrocarbons and water (the basic materials that underpin all technological societies). Geologists also have an understanding of the engineering properties of rocks and soils and are employed on civil engineering projects such as tunnels, road cuts, dams, reservoirs and foundations. Geologists are increasingly employed within the environmental sector, in site investigation and the remediation of contaminated land.
Our Geology degrees provide comprehensive training for students aiming to become professional geoscientists. The mixture of pure and applied earth science and engineering modules, and associated transferable skills, is appropriate for subsequent employment in many sectors or study towards a postgraduate degree (MSc/PhD).
Emphasis is placed on practical training in field-based skills, including geological mapping (surface and underground), core logging and surveying. Residential field courses take place, along with one-day courses based around the outstanding local Cornish geology, extractive industry and environmental case studies.
Our Geology programmes are taught by the University’s Camborne School of Mines (CSM), which has a very strong national and international reputation for providing applied geoscientists for industry. CSM has research strengths in applied geology (ore deposits, environmental mineralogy, igneous petrology, geostatistics and structural geology) and geotechnical engineering (rock mass modelling).
Both our programmes are accredited by The Geology Society which is advantageous should you wish to proceed to Chartered Geologist status after graduation.
Numbers
Cornwall
Entrants: 25
Applicants: 171
I would always suggest to anyone to choose a university based on the course it offers. Camborne School of Mines delivers a superb geology programme, with excellent academic staff and exceptional departmental facilities. There is also the chance to get some considerable funding from scholarships, awards and sponsorship.
Tom Styles, Recent Geology Graduate
1 Based on the average percentage of positive responses across all survey categories for full service universities
2 Based on proportion of UK domiciled, full-time, first degree graduates in Geology with a known career or study destination (HESA 2009/10)
