Applied and Environmental Geology MGeol with Year Abroad

Geology at Leicester provides a friendly, dynamic and supportive environment in which to learn about the evolution of our planet from geoscientists at the forefront of their field. Our teaching is led by our research and you will be taught by staff recognised internationally for their expertise in fields such as palaeobiology, economic geology, volcanology, structural geology, geophysics and palaeoenvironments.

Because all our degrees include common modules in the first year, you can transfer between courses as you discover those aspects of the geosciences which inspire you most and best match your particular interests and career aspirations. We pride ourselves on our excellent staff-student relations and have high student satisfaction levels not least because of our small group teaching and tutorials, which provide individually tailored academic and pastoral support throughout your degree.

Whether you study for the BSc or the MGeol, your Applied and Environmental Geology degree will prepare you to meet the fundamental challenges of locating and managing Earth resources whilst minimising the environmental impact of extraction. You will study how geoscience affects human activities within the ever-changing needs and challenges of a growing world population, and will learn how to apply your geological knowledge and skills to industrial and environmental systems, making you a highly employable geoscience graduate.

There are plenty of chances to get your hands dirty as well! Each year of the degree includes different field work opportunities including trips to Scotland, Spain and Wales where you will be able to apply all that you have learned here on campus.

What's the difference?
Apply for a four-year MGeol degree if you are looking to fast-track your professional geological employment or to continue on to PhD research after graduation. MGeol courses include a major cutting-edge independent research project on a topic chosen by you, giving you the opportunity to work with specialist analytical facilities, learn the skills required to succeed in a research environment and potentially see your work published in a peer-reviewed journal. Plus you may be able to spend your third year abroad.

Apply for a BSc degree if you want an ideal three-year route to becoming a professional geologist or you’re looking to pursue further geological studies through a specialist MSc course.

It is possible to transfer between the BSc and the MGeol up to the end of Year 2.

Fieldwork
In your first year you will receive basic geological field training on the Isle of Arran, one of the most geologically varied spots on Earth. Further field trips will take you to:

Spain - field mapping and training in advanced sedimentological techniques in an arid terrain.
Anglesey - examining and interpreting structurally complex rocks.
Cornwall – investigating a classic area of economic mineralisation and the environmental consequences of mining.
And a choice of either:

Overseas Field Course - using multidisciplinary data to unravel complex geologic relationships and the evolution of a region, or
Leicestershire – investigating the Anthropocene, the geological epoch we live in now.
Following additional field training in your second year, you will undertake an Independent Field-based Project. This is an exercise in practical, deductive geology which forms an important part of the degree. You choose the field area, allowing you to develop your geological interests. This will enable you to demonstrate your determination, motivation and ability to solve problems based on your own observations, as well as developing your self-confidence and organisational skills.

There will be no additional charges for your course but you will incur expenses in completing your own independent fieldwork which is a requirement of the course. You will undertake this at the end of the second year of your course and the Department will provide partial financial support for this. Your own expenses will depend upon where you decide to undertake your independent fieldwork.

There will be no additional charges for your course but you will incur expenses in completing your own independent fieldwork which is a requirement of the course. You will undertake this at the end of the second year of your course and the Department will provide partial financial support for this. Your own expenses will depend upon where you decide to undertake your independent fieldwork.