BSc in Geology

The BSc in Geology at Durham University offers students extensive hands-on learning to complement their academic studies. From the very first year, you’ll be exploring rock formations, conducting laboratory analyses, and developing practical skills that are highly valued by employers in geoscience and environmental fields. The program is designed to ensure students are confident in fieldwork, laboratory techniques, and using modern geological software, while also gaining experience working in teams and on independent projects.

Students benefit from a variety of experiential opportunities, including:

• Field Trips: Residential and day trips across the UK to study geological formations, tectonic structures, and sedimentary environments in real-world contexts.

• Laboratory Work: Access to state-of-the-art labs for mineral analysis, petrology, and geochemistry, developing hands-on skills in sample preparation and microscopy.

• Research Projects: Independent projects in the final year, guided by expert faculty, to practice scientific research and data interpretation.

• Software and Digital Tools: Training in industry-standard software for geological modeling, mapping, and data analysis.

• Group Work and Collaboration: Team-based exercises to solve real-world geological problems and enhance communication and project management skills.

• Internships and Industry Exposure: Opportunities to engage with geological consultancies, research institutes, and environmental agencies.

• Library and Resource Access: Comprehensive access to Durham University’s geology collections, libraries, and online databases for research and study.

• Specialist Institutes: Interaction with the Durham Energy Institute and Departmental research centers to gain insight into cutting-edge geological and environmental research.

This hands-on, practical approach ensures that students leave with a strong foundation in geology, ready for careers in industry or further academic study.

Graduates of the BSc in Geology at Durham University are well-equipped to launch careers in geoscience, environmental consultancy, and natural resource management. They leave the program with strong practical skills, field experience, and a solid understanding of Earth processes, preparing them for diverse professional roles:

• Career Paths: Environmental Consultant, Geotechnical Engineer, Exploration Geologist, Hydrogeologist, Mineral Analyst, Petroleum Geologist, Research Scientist, Geoscience Educator, Environmental Policy Advisor, Geological Surveyor.

• University Employability Support: Durham’s Careers & Employability Service provides one-to-one guidance, industry workshops, and networking opportunities to connect students with top employers.

• Employment Stats & Salary: Durham graduates in geosciences have high employability, with starting salaries typically ranging from £25,000 to £35,000 depending on sector and role.

• Industry Partnerships: Collaborations with organizations such as the British Geological Survey, energy companies, and environmental consultancies provide internships, project experience, and professional networking.

• Accreditation Value: Accredited by the Geological Society of London, ensuring graduates meet professional standards for recognition in geoscience careers.

• Graduation Outcomes: Graduates move into roles in industry, research, government, or pursue further study, with strong prospects for career progression globally.

Further Academic Progression: Graduates can advance their studies by pursuing an MSc or MPhil in Geology, Environmental Geoscience, or related fields, or professional qualifications through the Geological Society of London, deepening their expertise and enhancing career opportunities in specialized areas.