Geology with Foundation Year
University of Plymouth
UCAS Code: F602 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
University of Plymouth
UCAS Code: F602 | Bachelor of Science (with Honours) - BSc (Hons)
Entry requirements
32-48 UCAS points to include 2 A Levels with a Grade E in a Science Subject (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology)
Considered in combination
Pass an Access course (Science based)
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
To include 3 at Higher Level in a science subject. (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology) Maths and English accepted within.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
32 to 48 UCAS points to include a science subject. (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology) Maths and English considered within
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
from a Science related subject
Considered in combination
Considered in combination
32 to 48 UCAS points to include 2 Advanced Highers and a pass in a relevant science subject (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology)
considered in combination with Advanced Highers
T Level
Pass. Any pathways related to Science/Engineering/Health
UCAS Tariff
To include 2 A Levels with a Grade E in a Science Subject (Biology/Human Biology, Maths/Use of Maths/Further Maths, Statistics, Physics, Electronics, Chemistry, Environmental Science/Studies, Applied Science, Geography, Geology, Design and Technology, Psychology, Computer Science/Programming, Information Technology/Information and Communication Technology)
Considered in combination
About this course
This course has alternative study modes. Contact the university to find out how the information below might vary.
Earth scientists use their knowledge of the earth’s evolution and the physical, chemical and biological process that shape our planet, to pioneer sustainable futures. If you're interested in geology and earth sciences but don’t have the qualifications to apply for a degree, this could be the pathway for you. Successful completion will enable you to progress onto one of our earth science degrees, which we have updated to reflect the changing demands on earth sciences and its role in society.
- Progress onto BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Geology and Ocean Science, Physical Geography and Geology, Geography on successful completion of foundation year.
- Our innovative course provides modules that address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change.
- Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.
- Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme provides opportunities in a variety of UK and overseas locations including Death Valley USA, Spain and Sicily.
- Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.
- Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout degree.
- Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
- Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.
- Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.
- Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
- You also have the option to later transfer from the suite of Earth science degrees to our masters level MGeol degree.
- The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.
- A diverse and respectful place in which to work and study is fundamental to everything we do.
Modules
We provide you with a sound foundation across the sciences which will support your aspirations in geology and Earth sciences. We will help you develop your skills for independent, reflective and self-managed approaches to study, learning, scientific writing, time management and mathematical skills for the study of science. Optional modules include biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics and statistics for science.
The modules shown for this course or programme are those being studied by current students, or expected new modules. Modules are subject to change depending on year of entry and up to date information can be found on our website
Assessment methods
37% of assessment is by exam, 48% by coursework and 15% practical assessment
For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly
The Uni
University of Plymouth
School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences
What students say
We've crunched the numbers to see if the overall teaching satisfaction score here is high, medium or low compared to students studying this subject(s) at other universities.
How do students rate their degree experience?
The stats below relate to the general subject area/s at this university, not this specific course. We show this where there isn’t enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
Teaching and learning
Assessment and feedback
Resources and organisation
Student voice
Who studies this subject and how do they get on?
Most popular A-Levels studied (and grade achieved)
After graduation
The stats in this section relate to the general subject area/s at this university – not this specific course. We show this where there isn't enough data about the course, or where this is the most detailed info available to us.
Earth sciences
What are graduates doing after six months?
This is what graduates told us they were doing (and earning), shortly after completing their course. We've crunched the numbers to show you if these immediate prospects are high, medium or low, compared to those studying this subject/s at other universities.
Top job areas of graduates
The market for geologists is has been quite linked to the oil industry for some time now, and the drop in the price of oil has meant the industry has stopped recruiting as many people for the time being. Geologists are still in demand, though, so the main effect has been to reduce the opportunities - and salaries - for geologists working abroad. At home, the oil industry remains a big employer, and so are the mining, civil engineering, construction and consultancy industries, with geology graduates working as geologists, geophysicists, civil engineers and environmental professionals.
What about your long term prospects?
Looking further ahead, below is a rough guide for what graduates went on to earn.
Earth sciences
The graph shows median earnings of graduates who achieved a degree in this subject area one, three and five years after graduating from here.
£20k
£25k
£30k
Note: this data only looks at employees (and not those who are self-employed or also studying) and covers a broad sample of graduates and the various paths they've taken, which might not always be a direct result of their degree.
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Higher entry requirements
Lower entry requirementsSame University
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Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF):
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This information comes from the National Student Survey, an annual student survey of final-year students. You can use this to see how satisfied students studying this subject area at this university, are (not the individual course).
This is the percentage of final-year students at this university who were "definitely" or "mostly" satisfied with their course. We've analysed this figure against other universities so you can see whether this is high, medium or low.
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This information is from the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), for undergraduate students only.
You can use this to get an idea of who you might share a lecture with and how they progressed in this subject, here. It's also worth comparing typical A-level subjects and grades students achieved with the current course entry requirements; similarities or differences here could indicate how flexible (or not) a university might be.
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Post-six month graduation stats:
This is from the Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education Survey, based on responses from graduates who studied the same subject area here.
It offers a snapshot of what grads went on to do six months later, what they were earning on average, and whether they felt their degree helped them obtain a 'graduate role'. We calculate a mean rating to indicate if this is high, medium or low compared to other universities.
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Graduate field commentary:
The Higher Education Careers Services Unit have provided some further context for all graduates in this subject area, including details that numbers alone might not show
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The Longitudinal Educational Outcomes dataset combines HRMC earnings data with student records from the Higher Education Statistics Agency.
While there are lots of factors at play when it comes to your future earnings, use this as a rough timeline of what graduates in this subject area were earning on average one, three and five years later. Can you see a steady increase in salary, or did grads need some experience under their belt before seeing a nice bump up in their pay packet?
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