Course details
This degree has three stages, each comprising 120 credits.
- You’ll start Stage 1 with either a 60-credit introductory science module or a choice of two out of three 30-credit mathematics modules, followed by another 60-credit science module.
- Next, in Stage 2, you’ll study a 60-credit Earth science module and choose a further 60 credits from a range of science and technology modules.
- Finally, in Stage 3, you’ll study a 60-credit and a 30-credit Earth science module, and complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
Stage 1 starts with either a 60-credit broad introductory science module or a choice of two out of three 30-credit mathematics modules. You’ll also study a second 60-credit broad science module.
In Stage 2, you’ll study your first 60-credit Earth sciences module. You’ll also choose 60 credits from a range of science and technology modules.
In Stage 3, you’ll study your second 60-credit Earth sciences module and a further 30-credit Earth sciences module. You’ll complete your degree with a 30-credit project module.
We regularly review our curriculum; therefore, the qualification described on this page – including its availability, its structure, and available modules – may change over time. If we make changes to this qualification, we’ll update this page as soon as possible. Once you’ve registered or are studying this qualification, where practicable, we’ll inform you in good time of any upcoming changes. If you’d like to know more about the circumstances in which the University might make changes to the curriculum, see our Academic Regulations or contact us. This description was last updated on 17 March 2021.
Accessibility
We make all our qualifications as accessible as possible and have a comprehensive range of services to support all our students. This qualification uses a variety of study materials and has the following elements:
- studying a mixture of printed and online material. Online learning resources may include websites, audio/video media clips, and interactive activities such as online quizzes
- using mathematical and scientific expressions, notations and associated techniques
- working in a group with other students
- conducting fieldwork or virtual practical investigations
- undertaking practical work online through our OpenSTEM Labs
- using and/or producing diagrams and/or screenshots
- using specialist software
- finding external/third party material online.
For more detailed information, see the Accessibility Statements on individual module descriptions. If you feel you may need additional support, visit Disability support to find more about what we offer.
Learning outcomes, teaching and assessment
This qualification develops your learning in four main areas:
- Knowledge and understanding.
- Cognitive skills.
- Practical and professional skills.
- Key skills.
The level and depth of your learning gradually increases as you work through the qualification. You’ll be supported throughout by the OU’s unique style of teaching and assessment – which includes a personal tutor to guide and comment on your work; top quality course texts; elearning resources like podcasts, interactive media and online materials; tutorial groups and community forums.
Read the detailed learning outcomes here
Credit transfer
If you’ve already completed some university-level study somewhere else, you may be able to count it towards this qualification – which could save you time and money by reducing the number of modules you need to study. At the OU we call this credit transfer.
It’s not just university study that can be considered, you can also transfer study from a wide range of professional or vocational qualifications such as HNCs and HNDs.
You should apply for credit transfer before you register, at least 4 weeks before the registration closing date. For more details and to download an application form, visit our Credit Transfer website.
Classification of your degree
On successfully completing this undergraduate course, you'll be awarded the BSc (Honours) Geology degree. The class of degree (first, upper second, lower second or third-class honours) depends on your grades at Stages 2 and 3.
You'll have the opportunity to attend a degree ceremony.
Recognition in your country
If you intend to use your Open University qualifications to seek work or undertake further study outside the UK, we recommend checking whether your intended qualification will meet local requirements for your chosen career. Read recognition in my country.
Regulations
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the qualification-specific regulations below and the academic regulations that are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
Entry requirements
There are no formal entry requirements for this qualification.
At The Open University we believe education should be open to all, so we provide a high-quality university education to anyone who wishes to realise their ambitions and fulfil their potential.
- Stage 1 includes an option module, Questions in science (S111) – check you’re ready to study this module.
- Stage 1 also includes optional mathematics modules – check you’re ready to study these modules.
How much time do I need?
- Most of our students study part time, completing 60 credits a year.
- This will usually mean studying for 16–18 hours a week.
Skills for career development
You’ll gain practical experience, spatial skills, appreciation of different scales, confidence with incomplete data sets, and develop resilience during independent projects. All are sought-after assets relevant to many careers, including many outside geoscience. You’ll also understand your strengths and interests and be ready for your next step – whether that’s further study or employment.
You’ll also gain important transferable skills that prove your all-round ability and, including:
- communication
- digital literacy
- problem solving
- self-motivation
- team working.
Career relevance
The Government has identified a shortage of skilled geoscientists to fill professional geoscience roles. And geology graduates are also well-placed to succeed at both scientific and non-scientific jobs.
Possible career areas include:
- data analysis and processing, including Geographic Information System (GIS) and remote sensing
- engineering geology
- environmental management, monitoring, remediation and conservation
- exploration and extraction of natural resources
- geohazard mitigation: seismology, volcanology
- research and investigation
- science communication and public engagement
- teaching
- waste management, recycling and sustainability.
Potential employers include conservation bodies; environmental and geoscience consultants; government agencies; mining and energy companies; science media and others.
Exploring your options
Once you register with us (and for up to three years after you finish your studies), you’ll have full access to our careers service for a wide range of information and advice – including online forums, website, interview simulation, vacancy service as well as the option to email or speak to a careers adviser. Some areas of the careers service website are available for you to see now, including help with looking for and applying for jobs. You can also read more general information about how OU study enhances your career.
In the meantime if you want to do some research around this qualification and where it might take you, we’ve put together a list of relevant job titles as a starting point (note that some careers may require further study, training and/or work experience beyond your degree):
- Data analyst
- Engineering geologist
- Environmental consultant
- Exploration geologist
- Geochemist
- Geological technician
- Geoscientist
- Geospatial consultant
- Hydrogeologist
- Industrial researcher
- Minerals surveyor
- Mud logger
- Museum curator
- Science writer
- Teacher