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Geology MESci

UCAS code: F601 | Full-time | 4 years

Entry requirements

View entry requirements

UK/Ireland fees:

£9,250 per year

International fees:

£27,200 per year

Starts on:

Not a UK or Republic of Ireland student?

Clearing 2024: find your place at Liverpool

We may have limited places for entry in 2024 for high achieving applicants.

Clearing is open for applications from international students, as well as UK and Republic of Ireland students who have their results. Limited places are available for high-achieving students.

About this course

Discover planet Earth: from natural hazards to natural resources, from the history of life to the history of the planet itself. You don’t need to have studied geology before and this programme can open the door to a career as a professional geologist in industries such as petroleum, mineral resources, engineering geology and environmental assessment. You will gain thorough and highly practical training in modern geology, with a strong emphasis on fieldwork.

Introduction

The Geology MESci (Hons) shares the first three years with Geology BSc (Hons), with the final year providing more advanced training in all aspects of geology.

In years one and two, we provide core training in all key areas of geology. You will undertake an independent field-based project and complete a dissertation in year three. Modules specific to the four-year programme include volcanic processes, mineral deposits, and research methods. Year three and four field classes visit Northern Spain and Tenerife.

In year four, you will work within one of our research groups and complete a major geological research project. This will involve development of research and communication skills through a project proposal, literature review, journal-style manuscript and conference-style talk. Results often get published in international journals.

There is scope for an industrial placement with organisations such as Shell, BP, Exxon-Mobil, RioTinto, Anglo-American, the Environment Agency and the British Geological Survey.

Many of our students successfully complete internships in industry between years three and four.

You will choose from a wide range of applied and more academic modules to create your own pathway. Again, there is high level of field-based training designed specifically to give you skills in data analysis, synthesis, problem solving, research and reporting your results.

This programme also has a year abroad option, an incredible opportunity to spend an academic year at one of our partner universities.  On the 4-year integrated masters programme, you can go abroad either between Year 2 and 3 (apply in Year 2) OR Year 3 and 4 (apply in Year 3).

A number of the School’s degree programmes involve laboratory and field work. Fieldwork is carried out in various locations, ranging from inner city to coastal and mountainous environments. We consider applications from prospective disabled students on the same basis as all other students, and reasonable adjustments will be considered to address barriers to access.

What you'll learn

  • Core training in all key areas of geology
  • Volcanic processes, mineral deposits, and research methods
  • Work with one of our research groups and complete a major geological research project
  • Develop data analysis, synthesis, problem solving, research and communication skills

Accreditation

This degree is accredited by the Geological Society of London, satisfying the requirements of Fellowship and Chartered Geologist status.

Entry requirements

Home entry requirements

If you've received your results, you can apply now. You’ll usually need to have achieved BBC or above at A level or meet our requirements for other accepted qualifications. Higher entry criteria may apply for a small number of courses.

If you live in a postcode area where you’re less likely to go to university, or if you’ve spent any time in social care, we’ll take this into account when considering your application. We may be able to make you a reduced offer for the course you want to study.

International entry requirements

International Baccalaureate

26 points overall including 5 in HL science subject, 5 in SL English or 4 in HL English plus 5 in SL Maths/Maths Studies or 4 in HL Maths/Maths Studies

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

443 from 2 electives (including science subject) plus one core subject (excluding Citizenship and Social Development) and a minimum grade 3 in core Mathematics. Grade 4 (with no component less than 4) in HKDSE English Language

India Standard XII

Overall average of 70% from four core subjects including 75% in a science subject, a minimum of 75% in English dependent on exam board (not including Hindi, Regional Language, Environmental Education and PE) and a minimum of 50% for Standard X Maths.

Course options

Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.

Fees and funding

Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.

Tuition fees

UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year £9,250
Year in industry fee £1,850
Year abroad fee £1,385
International fees
Full-time place, per year £27,200
Fees are correct for the academic year 2024/25. Please note that the Year Abroad fee also applies to the Year in China.

Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support. Learn more about paying for your studies.

Additional costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for a lab coat, geological field kit, and sustenance during compulsory field trips.

Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.

Additional study costs

We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This includes costs for a lab coat, geological field kit, and sustenance during compulsory field trips.

Students should expect to cover the following costs.

Lab coat- approximately £10-20. Students are advised to purchase a lab coat before the start of their studies. The first lab practical will take place in teaching week one and all students are required to wear a lab coat.

Geological field kit – £69.50. Students are advised to purchase the recommended field kit from the School’s online shop before the start of their studies. Field kits will also be available on campus at the start of the semester. The field kit contains:

  • Compass clinometer
  • Helmet
  • Hand lens
  • Stereonet
  • Michel-Levy chart
  • Hi-vis jacket
  • Grain size card
  • Large, clear plastic bag
  • Whistle

Project/dissertation costs – the School may provide a budget of up to £200 for certain field or lab-based projects. Desk-based projects receive no budget from the School.

Compulsory field courses – students will undertake compulsory field courses in years one, two and three. The School will normally cover the cost of accommodation and travel for these courses. Students are required to cover sustenance (food and drinks) costs.

Geophysics (North America) programme only- additional costs of year three in North America are around £1,500‐ £2,000 (costs will vary according to the type of accommodation, flights etc). £600 travel bursary available from the University.

Find out more about additional study costs.

Scholarships and bursaries

We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.

Check out our Liverpool Bursary, worth up to £2,000 per year for eligible UK students. Or for international students, our Undergraduate Global Advancement Scholarship offers a tuition fee discount of up to £5,000 for eligible international students starting an undergraduate degree from September 2024.

Discover our full range of undergraduate scholarships and bursaries

Contact us

Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.

Last updated 27 June 2024 / Programme terms and conditions