BSc (Hons) Geology with Geography with a Placement Year
Course options
Key Details
- Award
- Degree of Bachelor of Science
- UCAS Course Code
- F645
- Typical Offer
- ABB (specific subjects required)
- Contextual Offer
- BBC (specific subjects required)
- Course Length
- 4 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
Why you should choose us
Course Overview
Explore the classical areas of earth sciences in this modern degree that will equip you with the skills and knowledge required to tackle some of today’s most pressing challenges.
Our BSc Geology with Geography with a Placement Year degree explores questions such as: 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? Why do some landslides carry on for years, but others develop very quickly?
This course combines geology and geography where you’ll follow a programme that takes a very modern approach to Earth science – one that links geology with physical 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 topics including plate tectonics, natural resources, geochemistry, earthquakes, volcanoes, soil health and water quality. You’ll also explore the important relationships between these topics and other disciplines in geography and across the environmental sciences – an opportunity not usually available in traditional geology departments. What’s more, 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.
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 interest you. As well as an introduction to geology and the earth system, in your first year you’ll gain an important foundation in research skills, and exposure to a range of environmental problems in relation to the climate, natural hazards, land use, biodiversity and sustainability. As you progress through the course, you’ll be able to specialise choosing from a wide range of modules covering topics such as plate tectonics, sediments, volcanoes, earthquakes, earth resources and ancient climates.
Our vast research expertise means that we provide world-class teaching, and our international reputation ensures you’ll have a wealth of career opportunity after you graduate. You’ll be held in high esteem in the wider geosciences community for the high levels of laboratory, field and transferable skills you’ll 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. Check out this solar water pump start-up project, founded by UEA graduates.
Placement Year and Study Abroad
Your year in industry will ensure that you graduate with relevant work experience. 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 CV and apply to a range of companies. Not only will this ensure that you work within your preferred field, but it’ll also provide you with the essential job-hunting skills you’ll require after graduation. We’ll offer our guidance and support whilst you're 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 you 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.
Accreditations
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, you’re 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 you to take particular modules and also requires you 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).
Study and Modules
Structure
Your four-year course will cover a broad range of topics, moving from a first year that provides you with an essential foundation, through to more flexibility as you progress.
In your first year, you’ll build a strong foundation of knowledge through compulsory modules that explore topics such as environmental challenges, the atmosphere and oceans. The modules also look at developing fields and research skills. You’re likely to come across subjects that are new to you – sparking interests that may shape your studies over the next three years.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Over the four years, you’ll be taught by leading geologists, geographers and environmental scientists. In year one, you’ll have around 15-18 hours contact time a week, in a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. You’ll work with your peers and give oral presentations in class. You’ll also work in small groups to solve problems, debate important topics, learn to critique and defend theories in geography and geology, develop ideas and create new solutions to real-world problems.
Independent study
You’ll spend time carrying out independent study, researching in UEA’s state-of-the-art library, writing essays or carrying out practical work or projects.
This course will give you an excellent balance of independent thinking and study skills, helping you grow into a self-motivated learner, an expert researcher and analytical thinker. You’ll develop accuracy and precision in your written work through evidence-based analysis. And you’ll become well versed in time management and organisation through self-directed study. Throughout your degree, you'll be given guidance on your work and constructive feedback to help you improve.
Academic support
To make sure you get the most from your studies and help you reach your full potential our Learning Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service are on hand to help in the following areas:
- Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
- Writing skills (including punctuation and grammatical accuracy)
- Academic writing (including how to reference)
- Research skills (including how to use the library)
- Critical thinking and understanding arguments
- Revision, assessment and examination skills (including time management)
If you have additional needs due to disabilities such as sensory impairment or learning difficulties such as dyslexia, please talk to our Student Support Services about how we can help.
Assessment
Each year, you’ll be assessed based on coursework and, for some modules, project and examination results. The balance of assessment by coursework and exam depends on the modules you choose. Typically, a module has one-third of its marks awarded for a piece of coursework and two-thirds for an examination.
For each module you’ll have the chance to test your skills with one or two pieces of practice or ‘formative’ assignments. That assignment might be a coursework essay, project or exam.
You’ll get feedback on your practice assignments from your tutors, helping you to improve your work before your final ‘summative’ assessment. We encourage you to discuss your feedback with your teachers to help you put it into practice.
Structure
In your second year, you’ll take compulsory modules alongside optional modules, giving you the freedom to tailor your course around your interests. You can choose from a wide range of specialist modules such as geomorphology, geophysics and hydrogeology. There is also the opportunity to take part in field courses on some of the modules.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In year two, you’ll continue to be taught by world-class experts through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. Opportunities for group work and developing your communication skills by giving oral presentations in class will continue to enhance your knowledge and skills. You’ll continue to study independently, and our Learning and Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service will be on hand to offer advice and support.
Assessment
In year two, assessment will generally consist of a combination of coursework, projects, and examinations, with the specific weighting varying depending on the modules you select. Typically, each module allocates around one-third of its marks for coursework and two-thirds for examinations.
Before your final assessments, you'll have the opportunity to undertake one or two practice assignments, also known as 'formative' assessments. These assignments could take the form of essays, projects, or exams. Feedback from your tutors on these practice assignments is provided to help you enhance your skills and performance before your final 'summative' assessment.
Engaging in discussions with your tutors about the feedback received is encouraged, as it helps improve your work.
Structure
You’ll spend your third year on an industrial work placement lasting from 9-14 months, gaining relevant experience and developing your skills and knowledge. We have established links throughout the UK and beyond, and we’ll help you in identifying and competing for appropriate positions.
Compulsory Modules
Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Your placement year is not formally taught but offers a wealth of learning opportunities. You’ll reflect on what you gain over the course of the year with support from an academic mentor. Typically, you’ll spend 9 to 12 months working for an employer, gaining real-life experience of a field within or allied to environmental sciences. Example employers include environmental consultancies, local or national government departments and agencies, research institutions, charities and commercial organisations. We have well-established connections throughout the UK and beyond and will support you through highly competitive application processes to secure you the best possible placement. Positions are usually paid, but the amounts vary.
Assessment
You’ll spend your third year on an industrial work placement lasting from 9-14 months, gaining relevant experience and developing your skills and knowledge. We have established links throughout the UK and beyond, and we’ll help you in identifying and competing for appropriate positions.
Structure
In your final year, you’ll spend a substantial amount of time on your Independent Project, giving you the chance to investigate an area of interest in depth and put everything you’ve learnt throughout your degree into practice. You’ll also have the opportunity to select from a range of optional modules – including topics covering geophysical hazards, paleoclimatology and an overseas geosciences field course.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Min Credits: 40, Max Credits: 80)Optional B Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional C Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Optional D Modules
(Min Credits: 0, Max Credits: 20)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
In your final year, teaching styles will continue to vary, offering you a mix of lectures, seminars, workshops, laboratory sessions, field trips and residential field courses. You’ll take part in a final year project. You’ll also take part in group work and develop your communication skills by giving oral presentations in class. Independent study will be the foundation of your learning, and our Learning and Enhancement team, based in the Student Support Service will be on hand to offer advice and support.
Assessment
Back at UEA for year four, module assessments will typically involve a mix of coursework, projects, and exams, with the weighting of each varying depending on the modules you choose. Generally, a module assigns about one-third of its marks to coursework and two-thirds to examinations.
Before your final assessments, you'll have the opportunity to complete one or two practice assignments, known as 'formative' assessments. These assignments, which may include essays, projects, or exams, serve to help you refine your skills and performance. Feedback from your tutors on these practice assignments is intended to assist you in enhancing your work before your final 'summative' assessment.
We encourage you to engage in discussions with your teachers regarding the feedback provided, as this helps improve your work.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Contextual Offers
UEA are committed to ensuring that Higher Education is accessible to all, regardless of their background or experiences. One of the ways we do this is through our contextual admissions schemes.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
A levels
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
Contextual offer: BBC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
BTEC
Level 3 Extended Diploma: DDM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management
Contextual offer: DMM in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation, Countryside Management or Animal Management
Combinations of BTEC and A levels
Diploma: DD plus grade B at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus grade B at A level. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
Contextual offer: DD plus grade C at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR DD in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability, Forensic & Criminal Investigation or Countryside Management plus grade C at A level. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
Extended Certificate: D plus grade BB at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR D in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Forensic & Criminal Investigation plus grade BB at A level. The Extended Certificate in Countryside Management is not accepted, however, we will consider the Foundation Diploma in Countryside Management with D alongside A level grade BB. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
Contextual offer: D plus grade BC at A level including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics OR D in Applied Science, Applied Science (Medical Science), Environmental Sustainability or Forensic & Criminal Investigation plus grade BC at A level. The Extended Certificate in Countryside Management is not accepted, however, we will consider the Foundation Diploma in Countryside Management with D alongside A level grade BC. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
NOTE: For Animal Management we accept Extended Diploma only as content not acceptable for other BTEC suites.
BTEC in Public Services, Uniformed Services and Business Administration are all excluded from our BTEC offers.
Access to HE Diploma
Pass the Access to HE Diploma with Distinction in 30 credits at Level 3 and Merit in 15 credits at Level 3 including 12 credits in either Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
T levels
Obtain an overall Pass including a B in the core of the T Level and a Distinction in the Occupational Specialism. We accept: Science and Design, Surveying & Planning for Construction.
Foundation Year options:
If you do not meet the academic requirements for direct entry, you may be interested in one of our Foundation Year programmes such as BSc Environmental Sciences with a Foundation Year.
- Further Examples of Typical Entry Requirements
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Irish Leaving Certificate
3 subjects at H2, 3 subjects at H3 including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Highers
AAABB including grade A in Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics.
Scottish Advanced Highers
BCC including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. A combination of Advanced Highers and Highers may be acceptable.
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
We welcome and value a wide range of qualifications, and we recognise that some students might take a mixture of different qualifications. We have listed typical examples that we accept for entry.
You should hold or be working towards the specified English and Mathematics requirements and one of the examples of typical entry qualifications listed below. If your qualifications aren’t listed, or if you are taking a combination of qualifications that isn’t specified, please contact Admissions.
- English and Mathematics
All applicants must hold or be working towards GCSEs in English Language and Mathematics at minimum grade 4 or grade C.
We accept a wide range of English Language qualifications, please see our English Language equivalencies page.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
A levels
ABB including Geography, Geology, Mathematics, Economics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science or Physics. Where applicable Science A Levels awarded by an English Exam board require a pass in the practical element. Critical Thinking & General Studies are not accepted.
International Baccalaureate
32 points overall including HL5 in either Geography, Mathematics (Applications and Interpretation or Analysis and Approaches), Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
We accept many international qualifications for entry to this course. For specific details about your country, view our information for International Students.
- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic and/or English language requirements for direct entry our partner, INTO UEA offers progression on to this undergraduate degree upon successful completion of a preparation programme. Depending on your interests, and your qualifications you can take a variety of routes to this degree.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
-
IELTS: 6.0 overall (minimum 5.5 in all components)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not yet meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study.
-
- Deferred Entry
We welcome applications from students who have already taken or intend to take a gap year. We believe that a year between school and university can be of substantial benefit. You are advised to indicate your reason for wishing to defer entry on your UCAS application.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all undergraduate applicants.
- Recent Study
We would prefer you to be able to demonstrate evidence of recent academic study within 5 years of the start of the course. If your last qualification will have been completed more than 5 years ago by the time the course starts, please contact Admissions.
- English Foreign Language
Fees and Funding
Tuition Fees
View our information for Tuition Fees.
Scholarships and Bursaries
We are committed to ensuring that costs do not act as a barrier to those aspiring to come to a world leading university and have developed a funding package to reward those with excellent qualifications and assist those from lower income backgrounds. View our range of Scholarships for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Field courses are available every year of your course. We fully subsidise the cost of one residential field course – the others are 50% subsidised and carry a cost to students of around £250-£400, depending on destination and duration. These costs cover your accommodation, meals and transport.
Find out more about the individual field courses on offer in the module information.
You’re eligible for reduced fees during your Placement Year. Further details are available on our Tuition Fees pages.
There may be extra costs related to items such as your travel and accommodation during your year in industry, which will vary depending on location.
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of other course-related costs.
How to Apply
UCAS Hub is a secure online application system that allows you to apply for full-time undergraduate courses at universities and colleges in the United Kingdom.
Your application does not have to be completed all at once. Register or sign in to UCAS to get started.
Once you submit your completed application, UCAS will process it and send it to your chosen universities and colleges.
The Institution code for the University of East Anglia is E14.
View our guide to applying through UCAS for useful tips, key dates and further information:
Employability
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 could pursue an MSc or PhD in geology, geography or a related discipline.
During your studies, you’ll meet potential employers during internships and at our annual Careers Fair, which attracts a wide range of employers interested in graduates with geographical and geological skills.
Careers
Examples of careers that you could enter include:
- Geoscientist
- Engineering geologist
- Geological consultant
- Earth Sciences technician
- Cartographer
Discover more on our Careers pages.