Course options
Key information
Duration: 4 years full time
UCAS code: F60F
Institution code: R72
Campus: Egham
The course
BSc Geology with Integrated Foundation Year
Our Integrated Foundation Year for science is a thorough, skills-building course that will give you everything you need to start your study of BSc Geology with confidence.
Science underpins society and can help us provide answers to fundamental questions. Our Foundation Year sets you up so that you’re ready to take on those questions - providing you with opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding of how to get started in studying the sciences at university, including Geology. You’ll have theoretical and hands-on experiences to equip you with the skills and confidence to progress.
To understand the physical Earth and the dynamic processes that continue to alter and change our environment it is important to understand the geology of our planet. BSc Geology combines disciplines including chemistry, physics, maths, and geography to fully comprehend the past, present, and future of our planet.
A degree in Earth Sciences develops your ability to successfully apply scientific knowledge and transferable skills. A programme of fieldwork enables you to put into practice all aspects of the taught programme in Earth Sciences, as well as providing a chance for staff and students to get to know each other. The fieldwork programme is designed to provide progressive training through projects, involving either geological mapping or environmental data collection.
On successful completion, you’ll be equipped with:
- a broad understanding of the fundamental scientific knowledge and terminology of Geology/Earth Sciences
- an awareness of current areas of debate and discovery in Earth Sciences, and their investigation by scientific knowledge and methods
- the skills required to conduct standard fieldwork and laboratory procedures in Geology/Earth Sciences, together with skills in monitoring, observation, documentation and quantitative or qualitative measurement in the laboratory and field.
From time to time, we make changes to our courses to improve the student and learning experience. If we make a significant change to your chosen course, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.
Course structure
Core Modules
Foundation Year
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Global and Planetary Health is built around global issues. Each topic will embody issues of global importance and be based on authentic and topical world events.
The module is intended to deliver an interdisciplinary, academically authentic introduction to global issues, which satisfies a wide range of interests appealing to students wanting to progress onto a range of life science subjects. Therefore, readings and lectures will approach the topics from a life sciences perspective. Topics covered are likely to include Virtual reality, Health apps, Internet of medical things, Mental Health, Climate catastrophe, Global biodiversity crisis, Technology for monitoring the environment and The ‘One Health’ approach. The module also aims to help students develop their study skills to succeed on the Integrated Foundation Programme and as undergraduates. It introduces students to thinking and reading critically. It explains what it means to be 'critical'. The module also focuses on writing, teaching students about the writing process, how to find and review literature, how to build an argument in essays, how to use academic English, and how to cite and reference to avoid plagiarism. Finally, it offers practical advice on planning study work, becoming more organised, and finding further guidance if needed.
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Students will learn key topics in pre-HE-level biological and earth sciences through an interdisciplinary, chronological curriculum. The module content is divided into three broad sections: origins, present and future. The history of the earth affords the opportunity to learn topics in biological chemistry, metabolism and physiology alongside planetary science and palaeontology. The second section of the module gives students the chance to learn about key challenges in communicable and non-communicable disease, climate change, biodiversity and the impact of environmental pollutants on human health. In the module’s final section the focus will shift to the future, and students will learn some of the opportunities presented in the management of ecosystem services, nucleic acid-based technologies and renewable energy sources.
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This module aims to develop the mathematical skills of students on Life Sciences degrees with an Integrated Foundation Year, in order to prepare them for their undergraduate degrees. Students will learn to apply mathematical principles to a variety of applications within Life Sciences, including applications in healthcare, chemistry, microbiology and marine biology. Each week, students will cover a new mathematical concept and practice calculations in areas including (but not limited to): unit conversions, balancing equations, functions, logs, exponentials and trigonometry. With each mathematical concept, they will apply the skills they have learnt to real-world situations within the different Life Sciences disciplines.
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Students will learn about key topics in pre-HE level Environmental Science, through an interdisciplinary, chronological curriculum. The course will start with an overview of the origins of the planet, and then consider important concepts in Environmental Science such as nutrient cycling and succession. Finally, it will consider how the environment and the species within it are affected by human actions and how these effects might be mitigated.
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Students will learn about the key systems, e.g. circulatory, ventilatory and reproductive in a broad range of species including humans, plants and a wider range of vertebrate and invertebrate species. This approach will allow key chemical concepts to be explored at this level, as well as anatomical and physiological adaptations to life. They will also learn about the impact of disease on these systems. This module will be beneficial to the biological science, biomedical science and health studies students, for whom a detailed knowledge of the range of organ systems will enable them to not only extend their knowledge but, particularly for health studies students to put into context the anatomy and physiology that will form part of their practice in the workplace.
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This module aims to develop the statistics skills of students on Life Sciences degrees with an Integrated Foundation Year, in order to prepare them for their undergraduate degrees. Students will learn to apply statistical analysis to a variety of applications within Life Sciences, including applications in geology, ecology, biomedical sciences and health studies. Each week, students will cover a statistics concept or statistical test and practice calculations in areas including (but not limited to): interpreting p-values and errors, linear regression, Chi-squared tests, Wilcoxon test, and principal component analysis. With each concept, they will apply the skills they have learnt to real-world datasets within the different Life Sciences disciplines.
Year 1
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This module introduces the 4.6 billion-year history of our Evolving Earth and provides you with the skills to interpret that history. The module is subdivided into two complimentary streams that closely integrate. One stream (palaeontology) considers the story of life from its origin to the rise and fall of the dinosaurs, concluding with our own recent human evolution. It focuses on major events in evolution, and introduces you to the key concepts including systematic palaeontology, palaeoecology, palaeobiology, evolution, and taphonomy. The other stream (sedimentology) considers earth surface processes and palaeoenvironments and teaches you how to recognise the changing environments through time using techniques including rock classification, textural analysis, facies analysis and graphic logging, palaeoflow analysis, and stratigraphy. Because life and environments have co-evolved and are co-dependent, palaeontology and sedimentology need to be taught in close parallel, providing you with a powerful synthetic understanding of how our Earth has evolved in the past and continues to change in the future.
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Earth is a dynamic and evolving planet with a record of plate tectonic and environmental change over its 4.6 billion year history. This module explores the geological structure and the processes that shape our planet and other planets within our solar system, from the planetary heat engine that powers plate motion and leads to the surface expression of these forces in volcanoes and earthquakes, to the use of maps, minerals and rocks to unlock the story in the rocks beneath our feet.
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With the adoption of the Paris Agreement and the recent COP26, a seismic societal shift towards issues related to sustainability and climate change is taking place globally. The next generation of geoscientists are now required to understand the complex interrelations between human activities and a changing Earth system. With this module, students will explore key themes at the core of human-Earth interaction such as anthropogenic climate change, geohazards, environmental pollution, and sustainable exploitation of energy resources and energy-critical elements.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of basic concepts in chemistry and physics and how to apply these to geological processes. You will look at atoms and atomic structure, the periodic table of elements, reactions, equations, geochemical analysis, the composition of the earth, interpretation of phase diagrams, solubility of minerals, weathering and the hydrological cycle. You will also consider Newton’s Laws, kinematics, circular motion, planetary orbits, gravity, magnetism, electricity, resistivity, stress, strain, seismicity, isostasy, radioactivity, and geochronology.
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In this module you develop an understanding of the skills required to practice geology in the field, carrying out a series of activities in South Devon and Pembrokeshire. You will learn to describe and interpret the origin of sedimentary, igneous and metamorphic rocks and how to prepare a geological map and cross-section using standard symbols. You will examine stereographic projections, sedimentary logging, the construction of stratigraphic columns for the identification of rocks, and the analysis of structural features using stereonets.
Year 2
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the key events in the history of life and their environmental impact using the fossil and sedimentary record. You will analyse fossil assemblages using stratigraphic principles such as absolute dating, lithostratigraphy, biostratigraphy and sequence stratigraphy. You will consider how to interpret sedimentary rocks, and examine the importance of fossil assemblages in the interpretation of events in earth history.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of the geological evolution of the British Isles, interpreting regional geological history from geological maps. You will learn to describe rock specimens and examine how palaeoenvironments can be reconstructed using case studies. You will also consider the application of stratigraphic techniques and use evidence from several different fields of geology to evaluate competing hypotheses for geological evolution.
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In this module you will further develop your understanding of igneous and metamorphic geology. You will look at the characteristics and origins of alkaline igneous rocks, the nature and controls on metamorphic reactions, and the links between metamorphism and tectonic processes. You will consider hand specimen and thin section techniques for study of minerals and igneous and metamorphic rocks, and examine analytical approaches to the interpretation of metamorphic rocks, including the quantification of metamorphic rates and processes.
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In this module you will develop an understanding of advanced chemical concepts relevant to the Earth Sciences. You will focus on isotope geochemistry and consider techniques that are directly applicable in most geological contexts. You will attend practical classes and conduct a small project involving the analysis and interpretation of a real geochemical dataset.
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In this module you will develop advanced geological field skills. You will carry out a series of activities in an area of igneous and metamorphic rocks, and in an area of sedimentary rocks. You will learn to describe and interpret the origin of the rock types in the field and will prepare a geological map and cross-section using standard symbols. You will analyse structural features using stereonets, and infer the geological history of a region through the construction of scaled cross-sections through structurally complex terrains.
Year 3
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The module aims to teach students advanced level key geological and transferable skills. Data Handling - a lecture and practical course on retrieval and handling of geological data which revises and extends numerical skills introduced in years 1 and 2. Presentation skills – presentation exercise to improve spoken, visual and other aspects of communication in geology. Advanced Field Skills - includes data collection, teamwork and site investigations.
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In this module, students rank their preferred field mapping areas and are allocated one based on their choices. They live in small groups for a minimum of four weeks in their second year, creating a geological map of a 15-25 sq km area. The chosen areas meet safety and academic requirements, offering diverse opportunities to apply theoretical knowledge in earth science. Students familiarise themselves with base maps, remote sensing data, and area risks before the fieldwork. Field supervision is initially provided by academics, followed by independent work to produce a field map and record. In the third year, students discuss and analyse field data, notebooks, maps, and interpretations with supervisors and staff. They also study rocks and data from the field area. By the second term of the third year, students submit a written report and geological map, aiming to understand the area's stratigraphy, structure, and geological history.
Optional Modules
In addition to mandatory modules, there will be a number of optional modules available during year 2 and year 3 of your degree.
Teaching & assessment
In your Foundation Year, teaching methods include a mixture of lectures, practical classes and workshops, laboratory classes, individual tutorials, and supervisory sessions. Outside of the classroom you’ll undertake guided and independent practice. You will be assigned a Personal Tutor in the Department of Earth Sciences and will have regular scheduled sessions. In the Foundation Year, you’ll also be assigned a Personal Tutor in the Centre for the Development of Academic Skills (CeDAS). Assessments are varied; practical exercises, weekly problem sheets, set exercises, written examinations, laboratory reports. In addition the Foundation Year offers a full range of skills-based training.
For your degree course, teaching methods will include a mixture of lectures, seminars, individual tutorials, and practical field and laboratory work. Outside the classroom, students will be expected to undertake study to understand the taught material, and to carry out the assessed coursework. Assessment tasks are viewed as complementary opportunities for students to show how they have achieved module objectives, and may be carried out through a combination of reports, projects, examinations and/or tests to assess coursework. Your Personal Tutor will be supportive for your academic progress and wellbeing throughout your studies.
Entry requirements
A Levels: CCC
This course is suitable for non-standard entrants, including mature returners to study, those without Science qualifications or with Science qualifications below the standard required for entry to a degree.
T-levels
We accept T-levels for admission to our undergraduate courses, with the following grades regarded as equivalent to our standard A-level requirements:
- AAA* – Distinction (A* on the core and distinction in the occupational specialism)
- AAA – Distinction
- BBB – Merit
- CCC – Pass (C or above on the core)
- DDD – Pass (D or E on the core)
Where a course specifies subject-specific requirements at A-level, T-level applicants are likely to be asked to offer this A-level alongside their T-level studies.
Other UK and Ireland Qualifications
EU requirements
English language requirements
All teaching at Royal Holloway is in English. You will therefore need to have good enough written and spoken English to cope with your studies right from the start.
The scores we require
- IELTS: 6.5 overall. No subscore lower than 5.5.
- Pearson Test of English: 61 overall. Writing 54. No subscore lower than 51.
- Trinity College London Integrated Skills in English (ISE): ISE III.
- Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) grade C.
Country-specific requirements
For more information about country-specific entry requirements for your country please visit here.
Undergraduate preparation programme
For international students who do not meet the direct entry requirements, for this undergraduate degree, the Royal Holloway International Study Centre offers an International Foundation Year programme designed to develop your academic and English language skills.
Upon successful completion, you can progress to this degree at Royal Holloway, University of London.
Your future career
The Integrated Foundation Year will lay the foundations for further undergraduate study of Earth, Environmental, Energy, Climate, Geological, and Planetary Science, which will equip graduates for employment within the environment, energy, and space sectors, or indeed for research studies.
Geologists develop knowledge and a set of transferrable skills that prove attractive to a wide range of employers. Our jobs fairs, skills workshops and visits from industry representatives provide students with excellent career development opportunities.
Fees, funding & scholarships
Home (UK) students tuition fee per year*: £9,250
Eligible EU students tuition fee per year**: £28,900
Foundation year essential costs***: There are no single associated costs greater than £50 per item on this course.
How do I pay for it? Find out more about funding options, including loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students who have already taken out a tuition fee loan for undergraduate study should check their eligibility for additional funding directly with the relevant awards body.
*The tuition fee for UK undergraduates is controlled by Government regulations. The fee for Integrated Foundation Year courses starting in September 2025 in the academic year 2025/26 will be £9,250 for that year. The fee for UK students in 2026/27 and beyond has not yet been set.
**This figure is the fee for EU students starting a degree in the academic year 2025/26.
Royal Holloway reserves the right to increase tuition fees annually for overseas fee-paying students. The increase for continuing students who start their degree in 2025/26 will be 5%. For further information see fees and funding and the terms and conditions.
*** These estimated costs relate to studying this particular degree at Royal Holloway during the 2025/26 academic year and are included as a guide. Costs, such as accommodation, food, books and other learning materials and printing, have not been included.
