MGeol (Hons) Geology

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Our BSc and MGeol degrees in Geology are focused on developing a holistic understanding of Earth systems, enabling you to learn from the past, comprehend the present and influence the future. As Geology sits at the crossroads of the natural sciences, it provides an enriching alternative to a single-honours degree in subjects such as maths, physics, chemistry, geography or biology, and can open the door to an exciting range of career options.

On our course, you will learn to read the 4.5-billion-year record of the Earth, including the formation of our Solar System, the evolution of living systems and changing environmental conditions, while also studying the sustainable development of Earth's energy and resources. On your doorstep, you will find some of the UK's wildest settings, ideal for outdoor learning. Head to geologically fascinating locations in the UK and abroad on CV-enhancing field trips that will equip you with valuable transferable skills.

Our course will provide you with an armoury of skills to take into the world of work, including the ability to analyse problems, work collaboratively as part of a team, and develop field, laboratory, numeracy and communication skills.

The integrated natural science first year, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, allows you to discover where your interests lie.

Field courses are a key component of our undergraduate degrees, providing you with opportunities to travel to fascinating locations in the UK and abroad every year. Fees include all compulsory taught field courses.

You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods suited to the content and aims of each course unit, including formal lectures, interactive workshops, laboratory classes, field-based classes and small-group tutorials.

Two-thirds of your contact time will be focused on the development of practical skills. Teamwork, problem-solving and fieldwork play a key role in integrating all the elements of your subject, while also developing transferable skills across areas of specialisation and enabling you to succeed in your future career.

This course is assessed through a variety of methods, including exams, written assignments, projects, oral and written presentations, and field assessment.

During your time with us, you will be part of a dynamic community working to answer some of the most pressing global issues that we all face. Your work could contribute to solving some of the world's greatest challenges.

Study at a UK top 10 university for Geology, Environmental, Earth and Marine Sciences (THE World University Rankings 2026).

The programme aims to:

• Develop a multidisciplinary understanding of Earth systems, grounded in the fundamental sciences, to learn from the past and understand the present, enabling us to plan for and influence the future.
• Develop knowledge and practical skills that can be applied to further our understanding of Earth's systems and address matters of significance to the economic and environmental well-being of society.
• Allow students to specialise in the areas of the subject that interest them most, while also providing opportunities to study topics across the breadth of Geology.
• Develop the qualities and transferable skills necessary for employment in a rapidly evolving job market within the Earth Sciences.
• Provide a breadth and depth of knowledge, understanding and skills consistent with professional accreditation by the Geological Society (London).
• Within your fourth year y ou will carry out an extended individual research project working alongside world-leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities, study subject-related units, and attend specialist lectures.

• Study in one of the largest departments of Earth and Environmental Science, giving access to a wide range of specialisms;
• An integrated natural science first year, tailored to the Earth, planets and their environments, allows you to discover where your interests lie;
• Develop knowledge and practical skills that you can apply to interpreting and predicting the Earth's structure and resources;
• Field trips are a key component of our undergraduate degrees, providing you the opportunity to travel to fascinating locations in the UK and abroad in every year. Fees include all compulsory, taught field courses. Previous locations include: Spain; France; Guatemala; Italy; Montserrat; Nicaragua; Scotland; USA and Wales;
• Undertake a final-year research project of your choice working alongside world- leading scientists using state-of-the-art research facilities.

How will you learn?

We take pride in our excellent teaching standards, our distinguished lecturers and research staff ensure that you have all the support available to develop your learning, skills and employability prospects.

You will benefit from a wide range of teaching and learning methods that suit the content and aims of each course unit, including:

• Formal lectures;
• Laboratory classes;
• Field classes;
• Small-group tutorials.

Two-thirds of your contact time will be focussed on the development of practical skills. Teamwork, problem-solving and field work play a key role in integrating all the elements of your subject, and will also develop transferable skills across areas of specialisation, enabling you to succeed in your future career.

Field work

Field work is a key component of our undergraduate degrees and is an essential part of all our courses and provides a unique learning experience:

Field work gives you the chance to apply knowledge learned in lectures and practical classes to real settings, allowing you to develop the skills of a professional earth and environmental scientist, such as observing, collecting, recording and interpreting a range of data;

Venues vary from classic areas of the British Isles to locations across the globe. Field courses are tailored to meet the needs of each pathway;

Most field courses are residential and provide a great chance to form friendships with staff and your fellow students in an informal setting, and to travel and experience different cultures.

Lecturers and world-leading researchers

Our department has a diverse mix of respected lecturers and research staff who are at the forefront of their fields. Find out more about our lecturers, researchers and support staff in the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences, including information about their specific areas of interest and research, qualifications and publications.

Personal academic advisor

Throughout your degree course, you'll be assigned an Academic Advisor, who is there to support you and give advice about any academic issues throughout the duration of your course. Your advisor will be able to help you with the transition from school or college to university, and can help you get to grips with studying and learning more independently. They'll also be able to help you develop your skills in academic writing or research, making presentations, or any other skills that are specific to your degree programme.

Peer support scheme

Our peer support scheme is one of the largest in Europe. Peer mentors are higher-year students on the same degree programme as you, who will help you find your feet when you arrive here and adjust to student life. As they'll have already been a student at Manchester for at least a year, they should be able to help you with anything you might be worried or unsure about.

PASS (Peer Assisted Study Sessions)

Led by volunteer students, PASS sessions will often be based around a specific area of study. You'll have the opportunity to consolidate and build on your existing knowledge through discussion with other students in an informal and supportive environment, where you can compare notes, analyse, ask questions and talk through ideas.

Research project

You'll also undertake an independent project in Year 4 that is tailored to your chosen pathway.

This course is assessed by a variety of methods, including:

• Exams;
• Essays and written assignments;
• Projects;
• Oral and written presentations;
• Field assessment.

We place a strong emphasis on practical skills and project work. Around one-third of your assessment in Year 3 and half in Year 4 will be based on independent research projects.

I valued my time at The University of Manchester.

Studying at a world-leading academic institution which also has strong ties to industry is a great way to start your career.

Rosanne Mckernan / MEarthSci graduate, Exploration Geoscientist at Shell

We teach our practical sessions in custom-designed, well-equipped laboratories with enough space for you to have your own microscope and work comfortably on your own or in a group.

All our courses are driven and inspired by the latest research in the department, so we also give you access to our most advanced and sophisticated research facilities:

Teaching resources

• Innovative, research-led, eLearning tools to enhance your understanding;
• A well-equipped, dedicated undergraduate study area providing a place for relaxation and somewhere to work with your fellow students within the Department;
• Close supervision and pastoral care by an academic staff member during the whole degree course.

World-leading research facilities:

• Analytical Geo-Chemistry Unit, for analysing water and solid geological matter;
• Scanning Electron Microscope - for imaging a wide range of samples, from polished rock sections to bacteria to Egyptian mummies;
• CAMECA Electron Probe - used for the quantitative analysis of a wide variety of geological samples In-situ and remote sensing instrumentation for the study of clouds, aerosols, radiation and dynamics;
• Advanced Isotope Geochemistry and Cosmochemistry suite.

The Manchester Museum

The Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences has close links with the Manchester Museum and its extensive geological collections.

Study at the number one targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers* and enrich your employability with a degree in Geology.

We work closely together with employers to ensure that the training our undergraduates receive during their Geology degree equips them for getting a great graduate job and excelling in it.

Our contacts in industry highlight the key skills they desire in our graduates. Key amongst these is an enthusiasm for learning. Your ability to handle large three dimensional data sets, analyse and solve problems and work closely with others as part of a team will provide you with opportunities to work in a range of fields. Typical professions our graduates go on to include:

• Energy;
• Public policy;
• Environmental consultancy and earth resources;
• Teaching.

And our graduates have secured roles with prestigious employers including:

• Atkins;
• KPMG;
• RSK;
• the Met Office;
• United Utilities
• The Environment Agency.

In the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences we are passionate about our work on climate science, ecosystem conservation, micro-plastic pollution, dinosaur evolution, volcanoes, Earth's formation and the distribution of resources within it. This passion is shared with our students, producing an enthusiasm and capacity for learning which serves them throughout their careers and lives.

Integrated Masters:

As a part of our four year integrated master's course, you are able to dedicate a year of your study to a range of extra activities that allow you to stand out from other graduates, including a year spent in industry, studying abroad or conducting an extended research project.

Nurturing dynamic skill sets:

Further key skills sought by graduate employers are flexible problem-solving using a variety of approaches, teamwork, communication skills, numeracy and computer programming. Our graduates are trained in these skills from day one of their degrees.

Internships:

With our support, Manchester undergraduates successfully apply each year for highly competitive summer internships across the globe. Prestigious destinations include the Juneau Icefield Research Programme: Mass Balance. Many students also gain prestigious industrial placements such as working in Group Manufacturing Sustainability at UniLever.

*The Graduate Market in 2026, High Flier's research

You should not normally apply for more than one first year undergraduate course offered by the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester. Applicants to this course can change to any one of the courses offered within the Department at any time before the start of the academic year.

It is also possible to transfer between any of our 3-year BSc and 4-year MGeol, MEarthSci or MEnvSci courses at the end of your first year or, in some cases, later, subject to academic achievement.

Our common first year provides a solid foundation for our Geology, Earth and Planetary Sciences, and Environmental Sciences degrees.

Factors contributing to a successful application include:

• Past academic performance;
• Predicted academic performance
• Enthusiasm for, and realistic grasp of, chosen degree programme;
• Evidence of interpersonal skills and non-academic interests/achievements.

Your referee should give realistic grade predications for all qualifications that you are currently studying at the top of their reference. If you attend a non-UK school or college that does not provide predicted grades your referee should explain this policy within their reference.

Further guidance on how to apply can be found on our How to Apply webpage .

Where you have mitigating circumstances, these should be reported to your education provider and relevant exam board. We cannot make further allowances.

We would normally only consider applicants who obtained the relevant qualification within the two years prior to entry. Applicants who have left education for more than two years should contact the Admissions Team to discuss their particular circumstances.