2024 entry (view 2023 entry)
MSci Geology with Study Abroad (F609)
Course overview

Typical offer
A-level standard offer: ABB
A-level contextual offer: BBC
See entry requirements for full details and eligibility.
Course duration
4 year(s) full-time
Part-time study is not available for this course
Application method
Full-time: UCAS
Fees
£9,250 per year, home students
£27,200 per year, international students
Fees quoted are for 2023 entry only. Fees for 2024 will be confirmed, subject to government approval, later in 2023.
More about tuition fees, living costs and financial support.
Location
Join a University ranked second in the UK for 'Earth systems and environmental sciences' research (THE analysis of REF 2021) with an excellent reputation for teaching and learning (UK top ten for Geology, QS World University Rankings by subject 2023).
If you are curious about our planet and interested in finding solutions to global problems, this course is for you. Learn about the physics, chemistry and history of the Earth through hands-on examination of earth materials such as rocks, minerals and fossils, and use remote sensing techniques to explore the structure and chemistry of its inaccessible areas.
You'll be taught by renowned experts whose research feeds directly into your studies, meaning you'll learn at the cutting edge of scientific developments. Recent options have included Volcanic Hazards, Global Tectonics, Mineral Resources and Hydrogeology.
Your third year is spent abroad studying at one of our partner universities overseas, where you'll study units comparable to those offered at Bristol. Recently, students have been to North America, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. To find out more about studying abroad, visit Global Opportunities.
MSci courses allow you to invest in your skills development by studying more advanced material in greater depth during your final year, preparing you for further research or boosting your career opportunities.
We have a large geology collection and practical study spaces, giving you plenty of opportunities to get a real feel for geology in practice.
You will gain plenty of hands-on experience, with over 40 days of fieldwork both in the UK and overseas, the cost of which is included in your tuition fee. Field trips are a huge part of why our school community is so close-knit, giving you the chance to get to know your course mates and staff while honing your practical skills.
The skills developed throughout your studies are highly valued by employers, from scientific and technical skills including coding, modelling, lab skills and data analysis, to transferable skills such as communication, creativity and resilience.
This course is accredited by the following organisations
The Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.
Course structure
Full details about the course structure and units for this course can be viewed in the programme catalogue.
Go to programme catalogueEntry requirements
We accept a wide variety of qualifications and welcome applications from students of all backgrounds. Below is a guide to the typical offers for this course.
A-level standard offer
ABB including two science-related subjects
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
A-level contextual offer
BBC including BB in two science-related subjects
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerScience-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
BTEC
DDM in Applied Science BTEC National Level 3 Extended Diploma
Find out more about our BTEC entry requirementsScience-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
32 points overall with 16 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
International Baccalaureate Diploma contextual offer
29 points overall with 14 at Higher Level, including 5, 5 at Higher level in two science-related subjects
Find out if you are eligible for a contextual offerScience-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
European Baccalaureate
77% overall, with 8.0 in two science-related subjects
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Scottish Qualifications Authority
Advanced Higher: AB in two science-related subjects, and Standard Higher: AABBB
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Access to HE Diploma
Access to HE Diploma in Science, Biomedical/Medical/Health Science or Psychology (or similar titles). The 45 graded Level 3 credits must include: at least 21 credits at Distinction and 24 at Merit or above; and at least 12 credits at Distinction from units in two science-related subjects.
Mature students can contact mature-students@bristol.ac.uk to check the suitability of their Access course.
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Welsh Baccalaureate
Requirements are as for A-levels, where you can substitute a non-subject specific grade for the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate at that grade.
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
Cambridge Pre-U
Requirements for principal subjects are as for A-level, where D1/D2 is A*, D3 is A, M1/M2 is B, and M3 is C.
Science-related subjects include: Biology, Chemistry, Further Mathematics, Mathematics, Physics, Environmental Science, Geology, Computer Science, Geography and Marine Science.
International qualifications
The University of Bristol welcomes applications from international students, and we accept a wide range of qualifications for undergraduate and postgraduate study.
Search international qualificationsApplicants must also meet these requirements
GCSE profile requirements
Higher numeracy requirement (6 or B in GCSE Mathematics or equivalent)
Further information about GCSE requirements and profile levels.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you need to have one of the following:
- IELTS 6.5 overall with 6.5 in all skills
- GCSE English Language grade C or 4
- An alternative English Language Profile C qualification
Further information about English language requirements and profile levels
More about UK qualifications.
Selection process
- For most candidates, we will only use your information in UCAS or your application form to assess your application. We may interview mature applicants and applicants with non-standard qualifications.
- Full information about our selection processes for this course:
- The admissions statement above relates to 2023 entry. The statement for 2024 entry will be available in summer 2023.
- Regulations and codes of conduct we abide by to create a positive environment for learning and achievement: