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Why study with us

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Accredited courses

All our courses are accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geology. We also provide professional placements and study abroad opportunities.

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Local connections

Our School is based in the same building as the Welsh office of the British Geological Survey and next door to the National Museum of Wales.

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Skills society needs

Climate change, water management, resource management and natural hazards are at the forefront of many global challenges, creating an ever-increasing demand for geological skills.

Studying geology at Cardiff University was great, especially being able to tailor modules to your preference. This flexibility gave me an advantage in applying for jobs as the modules and my research were related to my preferred field of work. After graduating, I joined Bibby HydroMap as a graduate geophysicist.
Sarah Newnes, MSci Geology with a Year Abroad

Courses

Entry year

Environmental Geoscience (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Environmental geoscientists explore human-made and natural geoenvironmental issues, such as geohazards, engineering geology, pollution, sustainability, climate change and sea-level rise.

Environmental Geoscience (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

This four year degree combines components of Geology and Physical Geography, with a focus on learning how to conduct your own research project.

Environmental Geoscience with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Environmental geoscientists explore human-made and natural geoenvironmental issues, such as geohazards, engineering geology, pollution, sustainability, climate change and sea-level rise.

Exploration Geology (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Exploration geologists are responsible for identifying and assessing the location, quantity and quality of mineral deposits.

Exploration Geology (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

Specialise in the exploration of our natural resources and gain valuable research skills on this four-year degree.

Exploration Geology with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Exploration geologists are responsible for identifying and assessing the location, quantity and quality of mineral deposits.

Geology (MSci)

Full time, 4 years

This accredited four-year Master's degree investigates the formation of Earth and its constant evolution with a focus on learning how to conduct research.

Geology (BSc)

Full time, 3 years

Geologists study the minerals and rocks that form the solid Earth, the processes that occur on and within our planet, and the evolution of life on its surface.

Geology with a Year of Study Abroad (BSc)

Full time with year abroad, 4 years

Geologists study the minerals and rocks that form the solid Earth, the processes that occur on and within our planet, and the evolution of life on its surface.

Facilities and location

Our talks

Dr Jenny Pike, Deputy Head of School, explains our broad subject areas and gives you a flavour of the degree programmes we offer.

Our School and subject areas

Dr Jenny Pike, Deputy Head of School, explains our broad subject areas and gives you a flavour of the degree programmes we offer.

Dr Jenny Pike describes the structure of our degree programmes including our teaching methods, contact hours and our wide module selection.

Our degree programmes

Dr Jenny Pike describes the structure of our degree programmes including our teaching methods, contact hours and our wide module selection.

Dr Andrew Kerr, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, provides general guidance on entry requirements. Specific course entry requirements can be found on the course pages.

Entry requirements

Dr Andrew Kerr, Director of Recruitment and Admissions, provides general guidance on entry requirements. Specific course entry requirements can be found on the course pages.

Dr Iain McDonald explores the field trip opportunities available to students studying our geology and geoscience degrees.

Fieldwork for geologists

Dr Iain McDonald explores the field trip opportunities available to students studying our geology and geoscience degrees.

Dr Andrew Kerr reviews some of the possible careers that can be pursued after studying with us, including case examples from former students.

Graduate career opportunities

Dr Andrew Kerr reviews some of the possible careers that can be pursued after studying with us, including case examples from former students.

Studying Exploration Geology at Cardiff University provided me with a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for the rest of my career in the exploration and mining industry. Cardiff is such a wonderful and energetic city where I made so many fantastic memories. We had such a strong community of geology students, some of whom became my lifelong friends.
Eleanor Capuano, BSc Exploration Geology

Explore Cardiff University

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Student support

Get free, impartial and confidential advice on disability and dyslexia, money, careers, counselling and more.

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Guaranteed accommodation

If you arrive in September, you're guaranteed a single occupancy room, and you'll be allocated with other first-year students.

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Student life

Learn more about our sport and recreation, free language programmes, living costs, learning support and the Students' Union.

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Living costs

See how far your money goes by using our living costs calculator.

Next steps

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Download brochure

Learn more about our School in our subject brochure.

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Contact us

Ask a question and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

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How to apply

Everything you need to know about our application process.

Other subjects you may be interested in

Underwater species survey in Samos

Geography (Physical)

Explore the landscapes, climate and the dynamic physical processes that shape the Earth's surface, with a focus on the global challenges facing our oceans or the effect humans are having on our planet.

Bird's eye view of a beautiful landscape

Earth and environmental sciences

Gain the scientific knowledge and skills required to impact key environmental developments and decisions and learn how to preserve our planet for generations to come.

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Geography (Human) and Planning

Passionate about tackling global social, political, economic and development challenges to improve where and how we live? Our human geography and planning programmes are the choice for you.


Source: Higher Education Statistics Agency, latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.

Copyright: Contains HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2022. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data.