Course overview

What is geology?

Geology is the science that investigates how the Earth was formed, how life arose and evolved, why the Earth looks like it does today, what resources it contains and how we can find them. The discipline draws on knowledge from many different aspects of science such as chemistry, biology, and physics as well as other subjects such as geography and environmental science. Our society is based on the work of geologists in the hunt for natural resources for energy and materials for modern living. This means that future job opportunities for geologists are excellent as society develops increasing needs for these resources.

What is physical geography?

Physical geography focuses on the processes that shape the Earth's surface and how they impact on human lives. You will explore the climate as a whole and the interactions between humans, climate, and landscape. The study of geography is pertinent to the world in which we live, where population growth, climate change and economic inequality pose threats to planet Earth.

Course structure

The course includes a balance of geology and physical geography topics, as well as material from complementary disciplines such as geophysics, meteorology, geomorphology, and environmental science. You will learn about the history of the Earth, its past and present environments, and the planet’s resources and hazards. We look at the Earth as a global system, including the causes and effects of global environmental change. There is strong emphasis on developing both laboratory and fieldwork skills.

Year one

The first year of the programme is carefully designed to bring together the diverse learning experiences across the cohort, enabling common understanding of geological and physical geography. You will study themes such as the formation and structure of the earth, minerals and rocks and climate change. To help you develop the appropriate learning skills and subject-specific practical skills required in the field of geology and physical geography, you will complete a 'core skills' module.

Skills you will learn may include:

• Fieldwork in both laboratory and field-based environments
• Health and safety
• Programming
• Statistics
• Techniques of data capture
• Writing and communication

Year two

During the second year, particular attention is paid to observation, recording and interpretation of geological and geographical phenomena in the field and laboratory. You will also develop a critical understanding of advanced topics relating to geology and physical geography, including igneous and metamorphic petrology, and the earth's changing landscapes. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork and applied problem-solving laboratory classes to prepare you for your final year research project and gain understanding and work relevant experiences through a dedicated employability module.

Year three

In the final year of the programme you will explore core and optional modules aligned to both geology and physical geography. You will also complete an independent field project in geology and physical geology - which is an excellent way to demonstrate your genuine passion and area of interest to future employers. Optional modules topics could include: glaciers and glacial geomorphology, natural hazards, advanced sedimentology, applied GIS, water resources, micropaleontology, structure and geodynamics and coastal environments.

Sector-leading in sustainability education

At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies. In 2021 we were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (Green Gowns International Award, 2021). As a School we are also passionate about protecting the planet, and embed sustainability into all that we do. Our geology courses are aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. This means the content within our modules aims to educate to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability.

Fieldwork

Fieldwork opportunities are fully integrated into the curriculum to enable you to apply your theoretical knowledge to the real world. These practical experiences provide you with the opportunity to develop and refine the skills required for a career within academia or industry. In previous years our students have undertaken field courses in the UK to Pembrokeshire, the Peak District, Snowdonia, Mull in western Scotland and to a variety of overseas destinations including Almeria in Spain and southern Italy. Fieldwork activities may include:

• Designing and interpreting appropriate near-surface geophysical surveys for an environmental or geotechnical investigation
• Interpreting and analysing geological and geographical information from aerial photographs
• Mapping and classification of geological structures and landscape features
• Producing geological maps and properly structured geological reports
• Studying the main rock types and their geological structures
• Using geographical information system and remote sensing techniques to visualise and analyse geoscience data

Learn from our campus - our own 'living laboratory'

Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic experimentation environment to perform fieldwork, test new ideas and discover solutions to real-world problems. The diverse habitats and environments across our campus enable you to learn in an authentic environment whilst practicing sustainably.

Spend a year in industry

In an increasingly competitive job market, employers are seeking to recruit employees who have high-level knowledge, skills and an understanding of the workplace. Between years two and three of your degree, you can spend a year gaining practical experience with a geologically-focused company or organisation. This will benefit you by providing familiarisation with the professional working environment and the opportunity to apply the geological skills and theories you have learnt.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity will enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability.
We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Support 

We offer a multi layered support structure to help you meet your academic and personal needs. Our open-door policy enables you to engage with us directly, meaning you can seek support, gain feedback or discuss any matters relating to your course on a regular basis. You will also benefit from the support of the dedicated Faculty Student Experience and Support team. Additionally you will be assigned an academic mentor who will support you throughout your degree.