COURSE CURRICULUM

In the first year, students build a strong foundation in geological science, studying key principles such as Earth’s structure, plate tectonics, minerals, and the evolution of life. They develop essential skills in mapping, surveying, microscopy and GIS, supported by local field trips in South Wales and a week-long residential trip to Pembrokeshire. All geoscience and geography students share the same semester one modules, with the flexibility to switch degrees afterwards. Year one consists of six core 20-credit modules. In the second year, students deepen their understanding of sedimentary processes, igneous and metamorphic rocks, and geological structures formed by earthquakes and mountain building. They choose optional modules that guide them toward environmental or mineral resource pathways and gain extensive fieldwork experience through trips to West Wales, Cornwall and Dorset. A five-week independent mapping project takes place in the summer, either in the UK or abroad. In the final year, students tailor their studies to their interests and career goals, taking specialist optional modules such as natural hazards, advanced fieldwork, and environmental or engineering geology. Core modules include a dissertation and Geodynamics, with opportunities for an overseas field trip applying knowledge gained throughout the degree.