UCAS code

  • F650

Duration of study

  • 3 years or 4 years with international or placement year

Geology (Volcanology) - BSc (Hons)

Course summary

Volcanology – the study of one of the Earth's most dynamic processes. From climate change to natural hazards, our Geology (Volcanology) BSc allows you to explore and understand the Earth’s fascinating history. Our modern programme focuses on developing your practical skills through fieldwork and laboratory scenarios, as well as enhancing your employability by offering the opportunity to spend a year working in industry. These essential skills will prepare you for highly valued careers in geology, including volcanologist, seismologist, or geological surveyor.

Why study Geology (Volcanology) at Keele University?

This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London
Our unique 600-acre campus offers a fantastic natural environment to perform fieldwork
Enhance your employability with study abroad and work placement options
No prior knowledge of geology is required and there are no formal exams
Top 20 in the UK for Earth and Marine Sciences (Guardian University Guide, 2025)
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Studying Geography, Geology and the Environment at Keele

Hear from our students and staff – who share their personal experiences of studying and teaching at Keele.

View video transcript >

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Fieldwork

Fieldwork opportunities in our programmes immerse you in real-world situations, allowing you to apply both theoretical knowledge and practical skills while gaining essential hands-on experience. Past students have participated in field courses across the UK in Pembrokeshire, the Peak District, Snowdonia, and Mull in Western Scotland, as well as international locations like Almeria in Spain and southern Italy. Activities may range from designing and interpreting near-surface geophysical surveys, mapping and classifying geological structures, studying various rock types and their formations, and utilising Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing techniques to visualise and analyse geoscience data.

Accreditation and professional recognition

This programme is accredited by the Geological Society of London.

Accreditation means our course provides you with the opportunity to gain the core skills necessary to continue to a career as a professional geologist. It also ensures programme content remains relevant to the latest developments in the sector.

geology acc logo

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Double Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework

Keele is one of only 15 broad-based universities in England - out of over 100 - to have been awarded Gold in both the 2017 and 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF) exercises, demonstrating our consistent teaching excellence.

Keele TEF Gold 2023
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Additional opportunities

There are a range of additional opportunities for this course.
Please note that undertaking one may impact the availability of another.

Spend a year in industry

A work placement year between years two and three of your degree is a fantastic way to gain industry experience, helping you stand out in the competitive job market. Employers seek to recruit individuals with high-level knowledge and skills in geology who also understand the workplace. Placements provide insight into working in a specific area of the industry, allowing you to familiarise yourself with the professional environment, develop your networks, and apply the theory you’ve been learning.

Study abroad

In between years two and three of your studies you can choose to spend time studying abroad. This exciting opportunity will enable you to understand your field from different cultural perspectives and to establish international networks. It also shows you have the personal attributes to embrace new experiences which can enhance your employability. We offer exchange opportunities with a wide variety of partner institutions.

Entry requirements

These are the typical entry requirements for this course for a range of UK and international qualifications. If your qualifications aren't listed, please contact us to check if we can accept them. If you don't think you'll meet the stated requirements, you may be able to access this course via a Foundation Year.

Typical offer

Please ensure you read the full entry requirements by selecting your qualifications from the menu below. This will include any subject specific, GCSE/Level 2 Maths, and/or English language requirements.

A Level: BBC
BTEC: DMM
T Level: Merit

Please select your qualification from the drop-down list below for the full entry requirement information

A Level

BBC in three A Levels.

Contextual Offer: CCC in three A Levels.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma

DMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

Contextual Offer: MMM in any BTEC Extended Diploma / National Extended Diploma.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Diploma / Diploma

Distinction and Merit in any BTEC National Diploma / Diploma and C in one A Level, or Merit and Merit in BTEC Diploma and A in one A Level.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma

Distinction in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and CC in two A Levels, or Merit in any BTEC National Extended Certificate / Subsidiary Diploma and BB in two A Levels.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

T Level

Merit in any T Level.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Diploma

554 in three Higher Levels or 29 points.

Contextual Offer: 444 in three Higher Levels or 27 points.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, or 3 in IB Middle Years Maths, or 3 in IB Diploma Standard Level Maths (any), plus an English language qualification (see below).

International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme

We encourage applications with the IBCP but recognise that your combination of qualifications may differ depending on where you are studying.

If you are taking a BTEC National Diploma / Diploma with one or more Higher Levels, your offer will be similar to our BTEC + A Level offer (see 'BTEC National Diploma / Diploma') but with an HL requirement of 6 for A, 5 for B, or 4 for C.

For any other combination, please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Access to HE Diploma

112 UCAS points in any Access to HE Diploma including Distinction in at least 15 Level 3 credits.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Welsh Baccalaureate / Bagloriaeth Cymru

The Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate is equivalent to one full A Level at the same grade and can be included alongside 2 other A Levels in a standard A Level offer for this course (see A Level). All subject specific requirements will still need to be met.

Scotland - Highers and Advanced Highers

BCCCC in five Highers, or CD in two Advanced Highers and CC in two Highers, or CCD in three Advanced Highers.

You will also need: C in National 5 Maths, or 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)

If you have B or higher in the EPQ and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate Diploma, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Core Maths

If you have B or higher in Core Maths and are studying A Levels, BTEC, the International Baccalaureate, or an Access to HE Diploma, you will typically receive an alternative offer which will be lower than the standard offer. Please see 'Alternative and contextual offers' below.

Ireland - Leaving Certificate

H3, H4, H4, H4, H4, H4 in the Irish Leaving Certificate.

You will also need: O4 / H6 in Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

China - Gaokao

70% in the Gaokao.

You will also need: 60% in Senior Secondary School or Gaokao Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

India - Standard XII

Average of 65% from four subjects in the ICSE, CBSE or Western Bengal Standard XII, or average of 70% from four subjects in any other Standard XII.

You will also need: 6 or C2 in Secondary School Examination Maths, or Pass in Standard XII Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Germany - Abitur

2.4 overall average in the Abitur.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Abitur, plus an English language qualification (see below).

France - Baccalaureate

12 in the French Baccalaureate / International Option Baccalaureate / Baccalauréat Français International.

You will also need: 10 in Maths in the Baccalaureate, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Hong Kong - Diploma

443 from two electives and one core subject in the HKDSE.

You will also need: 2 in HKDSE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Spain - Bachillerato

Overall average of 7 in the Título de Bachillerato.

You will also need: 5 in Graduado en Educación Secundaria (GES) Maths or 6 in Título de Bachiller Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Italy - Diploma di Esame di Stato

75% in the Esame di Stato.

You will also need: 5 in Maths in the Diploma, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Cyprus - Apolytirion

17.5 / 83% in the Apolytirion.

You will also need: 14 in Maths in the Apolytirion, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Portugal

Overall average of 15 in a Secondary Certificate.

You will also need: 10 in Secondary Certificate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Canada - Diploma

60% / BCCCC in five courses in the Grade 12 Diploma.

You will also need: 50% in Grade 11 Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Kenya - KCSE / Diploma

We do not accept the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept a two year Diploma. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

Nigeria - Senior School Certificate / OND

We do not accept the Senior School Certificate (WAEC or NECO) for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

We may accept an Ordinary National Diploma with GPA of 2.5 or a Merit / Lower Credit. Please contact the University Admissions Team for advice.

USA - Advanced Placement

443 from three Advanced Placement subjects.

You will also need: C in Grade 12 High School Diploma Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Ghana

We do not accept the West African Senior School Certificate Examination for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Sri Lanka - Advanced Level

BBC in three Advanced Levels.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Malaysia - STPM

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the STPM.

You will also need: C in SPM Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Pakistan - Secondary School Certificate

We do not accept the Secondary School Certificate for direct entry. However, you can apply to study an International Foundation Year at Keele University International College. On successful completion, you can progress to an undergraduate degree at Keele.

Singapore - A Levels (H2)

BBC in three H2 Levels.

You will also need: C in O-Level Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

European Baccalaureate

70% overall.

You will also need: 6 in European Baccalaureate Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

NCUK

Pass NCUK Foundation Year with BBC and a C in EAP English Language module and grade A in EAP for Nursing courses.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or international equivalent.

Uganda - Advanced Certificate of Education

BBC in three Principal Level subjects in the Advanced Certificate of Education.

You will also need: 6 in UACE or UCE Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

Zimbabwe - Advanced Level GCE

BBC in three Advanced Level subjects.

You will also need: 4 / C in GCSE Maths or Level 2 Functional Skills Maths, plus an English language qualification (see below).

English language requirements

All our courses require an English language qualification or test. Most students meet this through a 4 or C in GCSE English. Please visit our English Language pages for details, including test information for international students. For students who require a test, this course requires a result from Group A.

Alternative and contextual offers

We're committed to ensuring equality of opportunity for applicants with the potential and motivation to succeed, regardless of background. We offer alternative offer schemes with clear eligibility criteria, including contextual offers, offers for those studying in the Keele region, and recognition of a range of additional qualifications.

General information

The entry grades outlined indicate the typical offer, along with any subject specific requirements. This is for general information only. Keele University reserves the right to vary conditions based upon a candidate's application.

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Geology at Keele

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Sector-leading in sustainability education

At Keele we're leading the sector in sustainability, not just in our ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2030 but also through our teaching and our ground-breaking research into climate change and renewable technologies.

Our geology courses are strongly aligned to the role of geoscience in the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. This means the content within our modules aims to educate to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all.

In 2021, Keele were awarded the prestigious title of Global Sustainability Institution of the Year (International Green Gown Awards).

Find out more about Keele’s commitment to sustainability

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Central Science Laboratories

Develop your practical skills in Keele's state-of-the-art Central Science Laboratories

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Foundation year

Foundation year overview

Our Foundation Year provides an excellent alternative route to Keele, offering preparation for your chosen degree with guaranteed entry onto your undergraduate course once you successfully complete.

This extra year of study can improve your academic skills, expand your subject knowledge, build your confidence, and provide a better understanding of higher education.

On our Foundation Year, you'll join our undergraduate community from the outset, with access to all the facilities and support you'd get as an undergraduate student at Keele.

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Student life at Keele is vibrant, diverse, and packed with opportunities to make the most of your time at university.

We help students manage their money and ensure that they receive any funding for which they may be eligible.

Make yourself more employable after graduation by taking advantage of the whole host of additional opportunities.