Plymouth University
Geology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons)
Plymouth University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 105 graduates of Geology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) and other courses in Earth Sciences at Plymouth University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Earth Sciences.

Overall student satisfaction
86 /100
105 total respondents

Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in Earth Sciences

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Earth Sciences at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £25000 £23000 £27500
25-75 percentile range £23000 - £30000 £17500 - £27000 £22000 - £33000


Salary of all UK Graduates of Earth Sciences

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24981 £24496 £28785
25-75 percentile range £21491 - £29019 £19181 - £30313 £22339 - £36076

Course Description

Earth Scientists use their knowledge of the earth’s evolution and the physical, chemical and biological process that shape our planet, to pioneer sustainable futures. If you are interested in geology and earth sciences but don’t have the qualifications to apply for a degree, this could be the pathway for you.

This four-year degree route incorporates a foundation year, successful completion of which will enable you to progress onto one of our exciting Earth science degrees, which we have recently updated to reflect the changing demands on Earth sciences and its role in society.

  • Progress onto BSc (Hons) Environmental Geoscience, Geology, Geology and Ocean Science, Physical Geography and Geology, Geography on successful completion of foundation year.
  • Our innovative course provides modules that address critical sustainability challenges: reducing risk from natural hazards, harnessing cleaner energy sources and how to combat climate and environmental change.
  • Our approachable staff share their cutting-edge research and expertise through varied teaching practices in lectures, tutorials, practical classes and field courses.

- Learn to apply the latest techniques in the field and laboratory. Our substantial fieldwork programme provides opportunities in a variety of UK and overseas locations including Death Valley USA, Spain and Sicily.

  • Improve your skills in our open access laboratory, LABplus.
  • Develop your confidence with your personal tutor, providing you with regular guidance throughout degree.
  • Get support from students in the year ahead via our PALS mentoring scheme.
  • Live and study close to the sea, Dartmoor and two geological UNESCO World Heritage sites.
  • Receive free essential field safety equipment as part of your welcome package.
  • Work towards becoming a Chartered Geologist, our accreditation by the Geological Society, the world’s oldest and most prestigious national learned society for geology, helps you to gain the required experience.
  • Take the opportunity to spend your second year studying abroad in Europe, Canada, Australia, USA or elsewhere through our bilateral and ISEP exchange programmes.
  • You also have the option to later transfer from the suite of Earth science degrees to our masters level MGeol degree. - The foundation year is an integral part of the extended degree. Completion of the foundation year will not lead to a separate award or qualification its own right but will provide access to Year 1 of your degree.

Accredited by the Geological Society for the purpose of partially meeting the experience requirement for Chartered Geologist.

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Geology with Foundation Year BSc (Hons) at Plymouth University

20% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
13% Media Professionals
10% Information Technology Professionals
9% Information Technology Professionals
9%
7% Administrative occupations
6% Finance Professionals
4% Secretarial and related occupations
3% Business and public service associate professionals
3% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals

37% of assessment is by exam, 48% by coursework and 15% practical assessment For up to date details, please refer to our website or contact the institution directly

Grading Distribution

Students of the course received the following grades

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Qualification requirements

Including one in a relevant subject/science (80 UCAS tariff points)

Including one in a relevant subject/science (90 UCAS tariff points)

GCSE Maths and English at a Grade C/4

English language requirements

test Grade Additional Details
IELTS (Academic) 6

With 5.5 in all elements.

The University of Plymouth has a dedicated International Student Advice (ISA) service who will support you from the day you accept an offer at the University, right through to graduation. They will offer help and advice so you can get the most out of your studies, and your time in the UK, visit www.plymouth.ac.uk/student-life/services/international-students/international-student-advice for more information. Once you have applied through UCAS, your conditional offer letters will also be sent to you by email, so be sure to enter your current email address on your application and to check this email regularly. You'll need your unconditional letter, and the Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) that we'll send you, when applying for your student visa to the UK. A tuition fee deposit will be required before we'll send you the CAS. We're a licenced Sponsor under the Points Based System. To comply with our duties as a Sponsor, we're required to check other aspects of your application in addition to your academic achievements, for example any previous studies, financial status and your immigration history in the UK. For course entry requirements (inc. English requirements) please refer to the specific page for the course you are interested in (www.plymouth.ac.uk/study). A recognised English language qualification (e.g. IELTS) would be required or successful completion of one of the University's pre-sessional English Language courses. Check our country pages to find out more about application from your specific home country www.plymouth.ac.uk/international/study/international-students-country-guides. International fees, please visit our fees and funding pages www.plymouth.ac.uk/study/fees. If you have any questions please contact [email protected]
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Geology with Foundation Year, BSc (Hons), if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

How to apply

Application deadline:

January 1, 2025

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Possible Entry Points:

  • Foundation

University Rankings

Positions of Plymouth University in top UK and global rankings.

Rankings of Plymouth University in related subject specific rankings.

Natural Sciences

    • #19 
    • #24 
    Geology
    CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
    [Published 08 June, 2023]
    • #14 
    • #101 
    Geology
    QS World University Rankings By Subject
    [Published 22 March, 2023]
    • #20 
    • #307 
    Geology
    URAP University Ranking by Academic Performance - By Field
    [Published 22 July, 2023]

Social Studies & Humanities

    • #26 
    • #101 
    Geography
    GRAS Global Ranking of Academic Subjects - ShanghaiRanking
    [Published 19 July, 2022]
    • #61 
    • #501 
    Social Sciences
    THE World University Rankings by Subject
    [Published 26 October, 2022]

See all 28 university rankings of Plymouth University

About Plymouth University

Founded in 1992, Plymouth University is established in the small city of Plymouth, South West England. The university has a variety of residence halls at distinct price points, and all within walking distance of your classrooms. When wandering off-campus, students will find a blend of both urban and rural surroundings, ensuring that there’s something for everyone here.

List of 221 Bachelor and Master Courses from Plymouth University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Plymouth University

undergraduates:
13880
postgraduates:
2275
Total:
16155
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site
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