What happens during an earthquake? What’s going on inside an erupting volcano? How does a meteorite impact affect the Earth? Why do flash floods happen and can we stop them? 

Follow a programme that takes a very modern approach to Earth science – one that links geology with geography, human society and a multitude of surface and environmental processes. Get out in the field or into the lab to use the principles of geology and physical geography to explore areas such as fossil fuels, geochemistry, earthquakes, volcanoes, geomorphology and hydrogeology. And spend a year in industry to bring your learning to life and put yourself one step ahead of other graduates.

You’ll also explore the relationships between the dynamic Earth and other disciplines in geography and across the environmental sciences – an opportunity not usually available in traditional geology departments.

ABOUT

Studying Geology with Geography will help you understand the solid Earth and the societal consequences of its processes – such as volcanoes, earthquakes and floods. You’ll explore the interaction of human society and the Earth using geology, geography, social science and the core sciences, with the opportunity to focus on areas that most interest you. 

You’ll gain an important foundation in research skills, biodiversity and sustainability in your first year, before specialising in later years. Take your pick from a wide range of modules covering topics such as geomorphology, hydrology, fossil fuels and geophysics. 

You’ll enhance your studies and employability by spending your third year on an industrial work placement, giving you hands-on experience whilst developing your skills, knowledge and industry contacts. 

Our vast research expertise means we provide world-class teaching, and our international reputation ensures UEA graduates are highly sought after. The reputation of our School of Environmental Sciences means that, as a UEA Geology with Geography graduate, you’ll be in demand within the industry. Our graduates are held in high esteem in the wider geosciences community for the high levels of laboratory, field and transferable skills you acquire during the course. You’ll also benefit from a flexible and adaptable degree programme, where conventional subject boundaries are dissolved to give you an integrated learning experience. 

ACCREDITATION

This course has been accredited by The Geological Society of London. This accreditation status provides added assurance to prospective students that the course content and structure has been approved by an independent body of academics and industrialists and that the teaching is of the highest quality. An accredited degree will reduce the amount of post-graduation experience required for applications for Chartered Geologist and Chartered Scientist. A professional geoscientist holding an accredited degree is eligible to apply for Chartered status one year earlier than those with unaccredited degrees. Those holding two accredited degrees (e.g. BSc and MSc) can apply two years earlier.

In order to receive the award of an accredited degree, students are required to follow an accredited pathway – this is something that your advisor and course director will be able to advise you on. The accredited pathway requires students to take some particular modules and also requires the student to undertake a certain amount of field work (partly achieved by taking the required modules and partly by undertaking some fieldwork for the final year project).

The current period of accreditation is for a six-year period, from April 2018. We would expect to apply for renewal of accreditation at the end of this period. For more information about the Geological Society, accreditation and Chartered status see the Geological Society Web pages http://www.geolsoc.org.uk/. 

PLACEMENT YEAR AND STUDY ABROAD

Your year in industry will ensure you graduate with relevant work experience, putting you one step ahead of your peers. 

Not only will you see first-hand how your chosen field operates, but you’ll boost your chances of progressing within that sector through valuable contacts and insight. Your studies will benefit too as you see theory transformed into reality – under the real pressures of time and money. 

You’ll be expected to seek your own work placement and in the first two weeks of your second year you’ll be asked to write a curriculum vitae and to apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, it will also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We will, of course, offer our guidance and support whilst students are identifying and negotiating placement opportunities. 

During this year you’ll be supported by an industrial supervisor and a mentor from the University. You and your industrial supervisor will feed back during the placement to ensure that it is progressing well, and your UEA mentor will visit you during the year. 

Please note that we cannot guarantee any student a work placement as this decision rests with potential employers. 

If you were unable to secure a work placement by the end of your second year you’ll have the option to apply to be transferred onto the equivalent degree programme without a Year in Industry. 

AFTER THE COURSE

As a Geology with Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers and have a high rate of employment. You could work for national and international agencies, private sector or governments, in the areas of geological resource management, economic and social development, planning, or policy making.  Alternatively, you may pursue an MSc or PhD in geology, geography or a related discipline. 

During your studies you’ll meet potential employers during internships and our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical and geological skills

CAREER DESTINATIONS

Examples of careers that you could enter include; 

• Geoscientist 

• Engineering geologist 

• Geological consultant 

• Earth Sciences technician 

• Cartographer