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? 

You’ll follow an advanced four-year 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. You’ll 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. 

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. 

You’ll have the chance to study abroad at one of our partner universities for a year – learning about a new culture and different areas of your subject.

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 as you progress through the course. Take your pick from a wide range of modules covering topics such as geomorphology, hydrology, fossil fuels and geophysics. You'll also study advanced, Master’s-level modules in your final year and complete an in-depth research project. 

Our vast research expertise means we provide world-class teaching, and our international reputation ensures UEA graduates are highly sought after. As a Geology with Geography graduate you’ll be in great demand within the industry. Graduates of UEA’s School of Environmental Sciences 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. 

What’s more, this degree gives you the opportunity to spend your third year studying and living abroad with one of our university exchange partners in Australasia, North America or Europe. Going to a university in another country is your opportunity to experience other cultures and lifestyles, and to study in a department where different aspects of Geology and Geography are emphasised. 

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

This course gives you the chance to live and study abroad – gaining invaluable knowledge, experience and contacts. 

AFTER THE COURSE

As a Geology with Geography graduate, you could go on to a very wide range of careers with previous graduates achieving high rates 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 a 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