Subject Areas

Geology degrees

Geology at Exeter is taught through cutting-edge research in mining, minerals, applied geology, and renewable energy.

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Study Geology at the University of Exeter

Our Geology programmes are taught at the internationally established Camborne School of Mines, a combined mining school and geoscience department. Based at the University’s £100 million Penryn Campus in Cornwall, Camborne School of Mines has an international reputation for research and teaching related to the understanding and management of the Earth's natural processes, resources and the environment.

Studying at our Penryn campus, you’ll have access to our outstanding research environment with state-of-the-art analytical facilities and laboratories.

Our Geology degrees and courses

Our Geology degrees are taught on our Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

Related subjects

We offer degrees that intersect with Geology in subject areas including Mining Engineering, Renewable Energy, and Engineering. These degrees share core principles with Geology and may better reflect your interests, strengths, or future career direction.

You can search a full list of subject areas taught at the University of Exeter.

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6th in the UK for Geology

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2026 and the Complete University Guide 2026

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Leading research facilities include £2 million analytical mineralogy labs and an automated QEMSCAN scanning electron microscope.

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Multidisciplinary expertise in mining and minerals engineering, geology and surveying

 

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The University of Exeter is 155th in the QS World University Rankings 2026 and 170th in the THE World Rankings 2026

Frequently asked questions about studying Geology

We've answered some of our most frequently asked questions below to help you decide if a Geology degree is right for you.

What career prospects would I have with a Geology degree?

Career opportunities for geologists are limitless. The broad-based skills gained during a Geology degree providing an excellent foundation for a variety of careers both within and beyond the field. A geology degree will equip you with essential skills in data collection and analysis, information management, report writing, and problem-solving, all of which are highly transferable and valued across many sectors and roles.

Geology degrees not only prepare you to tackle the world’s biggest environmental challenges, but they also lead to high employment rates and decent salaries, with graduate opportunities in the UK and around the world.

Find out more about a career in geology.

Can international students apply for Geology degrees?

Yes. Our international student community is part of what makes Exeter a top worldwide university. International students are welcome to apply for Bachelors (undergraduate) and Masters (postgraduate taught) degrees with us, as well as for postgraduate research opportunities.

For more information, visit our international students webpages.

"Studying in Cornwall has been really good. The facilities are great, there are several different types of labs, a lot of space for learning and loads of learning resources. The lecturers are always really helpful, supportive and there when you need them. The MSc Mining Geology programme has been really good as it covers all the aspects of all the different types of Geology. I’ve been able to learn a broad range of skills and the field trips have been great."

Omolara

MSc Mining Geology

Your future career with a Geology degree

Our programmes provide the essential skills for employment in a modern workplace, including discipline specific skills like Geographical Information Systems (GIS), geological mapping and fieldwork, mineral deposit identification and exploration, scientific programming, and use of technical software, in addition to transferable skills such as problem solving, communication, teamwork, leadership, and quantitative data analysis.

Exeter geology graduates enjoy excellent career opportunities in a range of subjects, including mineral exploration, hydrogeology, geophysics, geotechnics, and environment-related industries. Graduates also go on to roles outside of geology, utilising the array of transferable skills they have developed.

Explore your career options with a Geology degree

The modules on our course are really varied, which helps you to start deciding exactly where you want to take your degree from the start.

The smaller class and campus size also allow for a more intimate and supported experience, creating a very pleasant working environment where you never feel overwhelmed.

Read more from Martin

Martin

Studying BSc Applied Geology at the University of Exeter

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