Overview and aims of the Programme
People have been using Earth’s natural resources for centuries to build our cities, power our homes, and make the vehicles, devices and tools we depend on. New resources are increasingly hard to find and require specialist skills and technology to locate and exploit responsibly.
On our Exploration Geology course, you will learn how the Earth’s processes have created the planet’s natural resources and how to explore for them to meet future demand. You will develop skills in fieldwork (both above and underground), analysis and confident...
Overview and aims of the Programme<br/>People have been using Earth’s natural resources for centuries to build our cities, power our homes, and make the vehicles, devices and tools we depend on. New resources are increasingly hard to find and require specialist skills and technology to locate and exploit responsibly. <br/><br/>On our Exploration Geology course, you will learn how the Earth’s processes have created the planet’s natural resources and how to explore for them to meet future demand. You will develop skills in fieldwork (both above and underground), analysis and confident decision making and use modern exploration software. We’ve worked with industry to design our course so you graduate with the specialist skills needed to be a professional exploration geologist.<br/><br/>Our Masters degrees involve a fourth year of study where you work on a research project with a scientist from the School. Your advanced research and problem-solving skills will be invaluable to employers in academia, government and industry. Our degrees are also accredited by the Geological Society, the professional body for geosciences in the UK. <br/><br/>We take regular field trips to explore mining sites across Wales. There will also be opportunities to do overseas trips, in the past we’ve been to Spain and Cyprus. <br/><br/>You don’t need to have studied Geology already as we’ll be starting year one with the basic principles to bring everyone to the same level. <br/><br/>**Distinctive Features of the Programme**<br/>- History and uniqueness – we have been training mining engineers and geologists for over 100 years. Exploration Geology is the only undergraduate degree in the UK to focus on specialist training in resource exploration and we have strong links to industry through placements and through the Exploration alumni network and its mentoring scheme.<br/><br/><br/>- Student satisfaction - belong to a small and friendly community of staff and students. Exploration Geology received a score of 100% Overall Satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2019.<br/><br/><br/>- Flexible degree schemes - all of the School’s degrees have a common first semester that introduce you to geosciences and geography. You can then decide whether to stay with your chosen degree or switch to another in the same School. <br/><br/><br/>- Hands-on fieldwork - you will get plenty of opportunity to develop your fieldwork skills above and below ground with regular day trips and residential trips in Wales and overseas. We have a former gold mine close to Cardiff and many other outstanding natural landscapes for us to explore. <br/><br/><br/>- Access to the British Geological Survey and National Museum of Wales - our school is in the same building as the Welsh office of the British Geological Survey and next door to the National Museum of Wales. We use the exhibition galleries of the National Museum and material from its collections to enhance our teaching. The British Geological Survey Wales also provide ideas for student projects and advice on professional skills and careers.<br/><br/><br/>- Society of Economic Geologists Student Chapter – we have a thriving student society that you can join. Our links to this international society means we often get specialist visiting lecturers and sponsor student-led field visits to mineral deposits and mines across Europe. Recently our students have been to Ireland, Sweden, Finland and Serbia.<br/>
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
4 Years
Start Date
22/09/2025
Campus
Main Site - Cardiff
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
F626
Institution Code
C15
Points of Entry
Year 1
UCAS TariffNot Accepted International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme32 30 32-30 overall or 665-655 in 3 HL subjects (with 1 HL science subject) Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Physics. Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)DDM DMM in a BTEC Extended Diploma in Animal Science, Applied Science, Engineering, Health Science, ICT, or Sports and Exercise Science. GCSE/National 4/National 5You must have or be working towards: - English language or Welsh language at GCSE grade C/4 or an equivalent (such as A-levels). If you require a Student visa, you must ensure your language qualification complies with UKVI requirements. - GCSE Maths gra Extended ProjectA For applicants taking the EPQ qualification, an A in the EPQ can be recognised to lower the entry requirements by a single grade. For example, an AAB offer would be “AAB from 3 A-levels or ABB from 3 A-levels and a grade A in the EPQ”. Please note that any subject specific requirements must be met. Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)The Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate will be accepted in place of one A-level at the A-level grades specified, excluding any subject specific requirements. A levelA,B,B B,B,C Must include a minimum of 1 science subject. Acceptable science subjects: Biology, Chemistry, Computer Science, Environmental Science, Geography, Geology, Maths, Physics. T LevelAcceptance of T Levels for this programme will be considered on a case-by-case basis by the Academic School. Consideration will be given to the T Level grade/subject and grades/subjects achieved at GCSE/Level 2. |
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Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
---|---|---|---|
England, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Republic of Ireland | £9,250 | 2024/25 | Year 1 |
EU, International | £29,450 | 2024/25 | Year 1 |