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Undergraduate Study

BSc Engineering Geology and Geotechnics - 2025 entry

Please note: The below is for 2025 entries. Click here for 2024 entries.
UCAS code F644
Duration 3 years
Entry year 2025
Campus Penryn Campus
Discipline Geology
Contact

Web: Enquire online
Phone: +44 (0)1392 725818

Typical offer

View full entry requirements

A-Level: AAB
IB: 32/655
BTEC: DDM 

Contextual offers

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Overview

  • Designed to prepare you to tackle site investigation, ground engineering and remediation associated with civil engineering infrastructure projects and the safe supply of critical raw materials
  • BSc Engineering Geology and Geotechnics focusses on understanding the Earth, its processes and resources, and the engineering properties of rocks and soils
  • Gain technical experience through over 60 days of fieldwork as well as laboratory classes, opportunities for an industry placement, and independent research possibilities
  • Study in Cornwall with access to world-class geology on your doorstep
  • Taught at Exeter’s Penryn campus by Camborne School of Mines, a combined geoscience and mining department with an international reputation for research-inspired teaching and excellent graduate prospects

View 2024 Entry

Request a prospectus

Open Days and visiting us

How to apply

Contact

Web: Enquire online

Phone: +44 (0)1392 72 72 72

Third icon

3rd in the UK for Geology

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Top 5 icon

Top 5 in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences

4th in The Guardian University Guide 2025

Top 50 icon

Top 50 in the world for Geology and Geophysics

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Third icon

3rd in the UK for Geology

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025

Top 5 icon

Top 5 in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences

4th in The Guardian University Guide 2025

Top 50 icon

Top 50 in the world for Geology and Geophysics

QS World University Subject Rankings 2024

Accreditations

Geological Society logo
Engineering Council accredited degree

Our programmes are accredited by The Geological Society which is the first step on the ladder to Chartered Geologist status after graduation.

This degree has also been accredited by the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) under licence from the UK regulator, the Engineering Council as: 1. fully satisfying the educational base for an Incorporated Engineer (IEng). 2. partially satisfying the educational base for a Chartered Engineer (CEng). A programme of accredited further learning will be required to complete the educational base for CEng. See www.iom3.org for further information.

Accreditation is a mark of assurance that the degree meets the standards set by the Engineering Council in the UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence (UK-SPEC). Accreditation is awarded for a maximum of 5 years under each assessment exercise. The dates applicable to the current accreditation of this degree programme can be viewed on the Engineering Council list of accredited degrees: www.engc.org.uk 

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Entry requirements (typical offer)

Qualification Typical offer Required subjects
A-Level ABB GCE A-Level in two science subjects* (see below) at grade B or A-Level Geology at grade B.
IB 32/655 Two sciences at HL5 or Geology at HL5
BTEC DDM Applicants studying one of the following subjects in the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma or BTEC Extended Certificate will be considered without the specific GCE A-Level subject requirements: Applied Science, Engineering.
GCSE C or 4 English Language and Mathematics
Access to HE 24 L3 Credits at Distinction Grade and 21 L3 credits at Merit Grade. Either 12 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in Geology OR 24 L3 Credits at Merit Grade in two acceptable Science subject areas
T-Level Distinction T-level Design, surveying and planning for construction only
Contextual Offer

A-Level: BBC
IB: 28/554
BTEC: DMM

Specific subject requirements must still be achieved where stated above. Find out more about contextual offers.

Other accepted qualifications

View other accepted qualifications

English language requirements

International students need to show they have the required level of English language to study this course. The required test scores for this course fall under Profile B2. Please visit our English language requirements page to view the required test scores and equivalencies from your country.

NB General Studies is not included in any offer.

Grades advertised on each programme webpage are the typical level at which our offers are made and provide information on any specific subjects an applicant will need to have studied in order to be considered for a place on the programme. However, if we receive a large number of applications for the programme we may not be able to make an offer to all those who are predicted to achieve/have achieved grades which are in line with our typical offer. For more information on how applications are assessed and when decisions are released, please see: After you apply

* Accepted A-Level science subjects include: Biology/Human Biology^; Chemistry; Computing; Design and Technology; Economics; Electronics; Environmental Science; Environmental Studies; Geography; Geology; Maths/Pure Maths/Further Maths^; Physical Education; Physics; Psychology; Science (applied); Statistics.

^If more than one of these is taken they would only count as one 'science' but could count as two A-Levels towards our general requirements.

I knew I really wanted a degree which combined classroom learning with fieldwork.

Cornwall is the perfect place for this, it has amazing geology in some spectacular locations and really lets you put everything you’re learning in the labs into practice in the field.

Read more from Sadie

Sadie

Studying BSc Engineering Geology and Geotechnics at the University of Exeter

Course content

The modules we outline here provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand.

During your first year, which is shared with all Geology students, you will gain a solid foundation in geology and the geosciences. You will undertake nine one-day field classes to iconic locations across Cornwall during terms 1 and 2, and attend a one-week residential field class in Pembrokeshire during early May.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
CSM1042Dynamic Planet15
CSM1031Earth and Environmental Chemistry15
CSM1043Crystallography, Mineralogy and Gemstones15
CSM1044Earth History and Palaeontology15
CSM1036Field Geology and Geological Maps30
CSM1045Surveying and Digital Mapping15
CSM1041Quantitative Methods for GeoScientists15
CSM1904CSM Professionalism Year 10

In Year 2, you will further develop core geological skills as well as your ability to collect and analyse geological data. Fieldwork includes seven one-day field classes, a residential field course in Devon and Dorset, and training in geological mapping on the Isle of Skye.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
CSM2182Structural Geology and Tectonics30
CSM2183Sedimentology and Stratigraphy30
CSM2184Geological Mapping Techniques15
CSM2185Geotechnics15
CSM2051Magmatic and Metamorphic Rocks15
CSM2910Magmatism and Metamorphism15
CSM2904CSM Professionalism Year 20

A key aspect of year three teaching is its flexibility: in addition to the core modules you get to tailor your geological development to the topics which interest you most. The optional modules you’ll be choosing from cover a selection of continually-evolving subjects tackling a variety of global environmental challenges. The ‘Engineering Geology field course’ provides an opportunity to examine an outstanding area of geology famous for its tectonic and mining history, and typically cycles between Spain and Cyprus.

Compulsory modules

CodeModuleCredits
CSM3038Surface Excavation Design15
CSM3047GIS for Geologists15
CSM3069Engineering Geology Field Course15
CSM3152Hydrogeology15
CSM3379Summer Vacation Project30
CSM3904CSM Professionalism Year 30

Optional modules

CodeModuleCredits
In addition, students will select modules totalling 30 credits from:
CSM3041Tunnelling and Excavation Design15
CSM3049Contaminated Land Management and Remediation15
CSM3151Exploration Techniques15
CSM2050Safety and Sustainable Development15

Fees

Tuition fees for 2025 entry

UK students: £9,535 per year
International students: £30,900 per year

Scholarships

The University of Exeter has many different scholarships available to support your education, including £5 million in scholarships for international students applying to study with us in the 2025/26 academic year, such as our Exeter Excellence Scholarships*.

Financial support is also available for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, lower income households and other under-represented groups to help them access, succeed and progress through higher education.

* Terms and conditions apply. See online for details.

Find out more about tuition fees and scholarships

Fieldwork

Geology fieldwork Isle of Skye

All our Geology degree programmes provide a wealth of practical experience of working in the field at amazing locations across the UK and abroad.

The first year includes a six-day residential field course in Pembrokeshire along with nine one-day field-classes in Cornwall. The second year includes 34 days of fieldwork, in locations that include Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and the Isle of Skye in Scotland. The third year includes a geological field course in Cyprus or southern Spain.

Fieldwork is assessed through field notebooks, technical reports, and practical field-based assignments.

For more information see our fieldwork pages.

Learning and teaching

Learning on campus

Learning and teaching are delivered through a combination of lectures, ‘hands on’ practical classes, seminars, tutorials, field-based teaching, and independent study. Laboratory practical classes will develop your understanding of a range of geological topics and help put theory into practice.

On average you will have 18 teaching hours per week and will need to undertake additional independent study (e.g., directed reading, assignments, and project work). You can expect your total workload to average about 40 hours per week during term time.

Our geology degrees are also flexible; you can transfer between any of our BSc and MSci degrees during your first year.

Research-led culture

You will benefit from being taught by experts active in internationally-relevant research. In doing so, you will discuss the very latest ideas, research discoveries and new technologies in seminars and in the field, and you will become actively involved in a research project yourself. All our academic staff are active in internationally-recognised scientific research across a wide range of topics. You will also be taught by leading industry practitioners.

Assessment

Assessment methods vary between modules and may include individual or group reports, presentations, practical write-ups and exams. More innovative assessment techniques are also used, and may include the use of websites, posters, social media, videos, science communication, and dragons-den style presentations. You must pass the first year in order to progress to the second year, but your first-year marks do not count towards your final degree classification.

Support

Optional modules outside of this course

Each year, if you have optional modules available, you can take up to 30 credits in a subject outside of your course. This can increase your employability and widen your intellectual horizons.

Proficiency in a second subject

If you complete 60 credits of modules in one of the subjects below, you may have the words 'with proficiency in [e.g. Social Data Science]' added to your degree title when you graduate.

  • A Foreign Language
  • Data Science
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Innovation
  • Law (Penryn Campus only)
  • Leadership
  • Management
  • Social Data Science

Find out more about proficiency options

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Your future

Geology EMPA lab

Geologists are required to help the global community deal with a range of environmental problems related to climate, energy, water, air pollution, natural hazards, supply of raw materials, and more.

Geology and geoscience 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. The Camborne School of Mines Association and the award-winning University of Exeter Careers Service have the skills and a strong network of alumni to help you find employment.

Employer Visits

We provide regular ‘Pint and Pasty’ employer events throughout term that allow our students to network and meet with potential employers, and learn more about possible career paths.

Career Paths

Our 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. Recent graduates work in fields as diverse as the UK civil service, Arup Geotechnics, the National Trust, the Ministry of Defence and Geomarine Ltd.

The broad-based skills acquired during your degree will give you an excellent grounding for a wide variety of careers, not only those related to Geology but also in wider fields. Examples of roles recent graduates are now working as include:

  • Chartered Surveyor
  • Engineering Project Manager
  • Project Engineer
  • Engineering Professional
  • Estimator, Valuer or Assessor
  • Environment Professional
  • Financial Accounts
  • IT Operations Technician
  • Laboratory Technician
  • Physical Scientist

Employer-valued skills this course develops

Career opportunities for geologists are limitless. 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.

Geologists from the University of Exeter are recognised as being articulate, resourceful and diligent, and claim great job satisfaction and excellent salaries.

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