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Prospective Students

Exploration and Resource Geology (BSc)

UCAS Code:

  • F621 BSc/E , F622 Bsc/ERGASW (4 yrs)

3 years, 4 years (Full-time) / n/a (Part-time) / n/a (Distance / E-Learning)

Earth Science education at Cardiff provides a research-led, holistic view of the Earth, in which the oceans, atmosphere, biosphere and solid Earth are studied in depth as constituent parts of the Earth system. The Earth System Science approach provides a unified basis for the discussion of all aspects of geoscience and introduces students to frontier research into the nature of global change and our role in it.

This is a very opportune time to study for a degree in exploration geology as young skilled people are in great demand to assist in the exploration for natural resources to feed the growing world demand for minerals, oil, gas and industrial minerals. An exploration geologist requires a broad range of skills including: an aptitude for fieldwork, good ICT skills including: an aptitude for fieldwork. Good ICT skills and the ability to make key decisions from limited information. This applied and vocationally orientated course will prepare you for a potentially exciting professional career as a geologist working in the global hydrocarbon, metaliferous or bulk mineral industries.

The course structure is very flexible. All Cardiff's School of Earth and Ocean Science degree programmes share a common first Semester. This is designed to give you a sound foundation in Earth Sciences upon which to build. At the end of your first Semester you will decide whether to continue with your original degree choice or choose another of Cardiff's Earth Science degrees.

In your second summer, you are encouraged to undertake an industrial placement with an exploration company in the UK or overseas. Alternatively, you can complete an exploration project or geological mapping topic under our academic supervision.

In your third year, you will follow core modules for both mineral and hydrocarbon resources, plus an overseas field course. You will meet visiting guest lecturers and learn to design a professional exploration project. You can choose to study specialist final-year options in volcanic processes, sedimentology and environmental law. You can also study other applied geological topics such as engineering geology and water resources.

Typical Offer

ABB

Entry Requirements

Three A level subjects, at least one of which should be Chemistry Biology, Physics, Geology, Geography, Maths, Psychology or PE.

Alternative Entry Requirements

Applications from those offering alternative/vocational/overseas qualifications (eg Access, Vocational A-level) are welcome as are those who may have combinations of qualifications or other relevant work/life experience.

Detailed Admissions Criteria

Please click here for a full list of entry requirements and admissions criteria for this degree programme.

Next intake: September each year

School Contact

Name: Dr Andrew Kerr  

Telephone: +44 (0)29 2087 4830 

Fax: +44 (0)29 2087 4326 

Email: earth-ug@cardiff.ac.uk  

School Website: www.earth.cardiff.ac.uk

More information

Student Views

I am good at geography and have a strong interest in the sea and our planet’s climate – Marine Geography is a flexible course and Cardiff is the only place to offer it away from my home town of Southampton. I really enjoy the practical sides of the course with the sea time out on the boat and field courses. The teaching styles are really varied, and in this way the course caters for most types of student. It is a really happy department and there’s a huge variety of technical equipment available for analysis and research.

In his spare time Dave plays bass guitar in a band and football for one of the student societies.


Dave Westbrook (Marine Geography)

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