Geology
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Why do earthquakes occur where they do? How is gold formed? What shapes the landscape? How did dinosaurs become extinct? If you’re intrigued by the Earth’s structure, composition and development over time, studying geology with the OU will feed your interest and imagination.
Through practical activities with home kits, interactive media and fieldwork trips to sites of geological interest you’ll gain a better appreciation of how our planet evolved. At the same time you’ll be developing the practical and analytical skills sought by many employers. Students are often attracted to geology because it’s closely related to many other science disciplines. Employment opportunities for graduates with this background are similarly diverse and include energy, mining, engineering and the environment.
Where to start in Geology
If you’re feeling confident and already have some scientific understanding, you could go straight on to the full Level 1 course Exploring science (S104). If you aren’t sure whether you are ready for Exploring Science (S104), our diagnostic quiz Are you ready for Level 1 Science? will help you make a decision about the best place to start.
Students new to higher education, to OU study or to science are advised to begin with our 10-point course Science starts here (S154), specifically aimed at those students who aren’t sure about distance learning, who have done little or no science in the past and whose maths is rusty (or non-existent!).
Worried about your ability? Or the time it will take? If you're a UK resident you can start with one of our Openings courses: short courses with lots of support and no exams, giving you a gradual introduction to your subject and the world of studying.
Don't forget that if you need help considering options you can talk to an adviser. And if you have some previous study experience you may qualify for credit transfer.
Degrees
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Geosciences
In this degree you can study a stimulating combination of Earth, environmental and planetary sciences to gain an understanding our how our planet evolved. -
Natural Sciences
A truly interdisciplinary science degree, giving the opportunity to study a wide range of sciences with a particular emphasis on the scientific issues vital to today’s society. -
Open degree
The BA/BSc Open Degree provides a flexible way to combine a range of courses from different subjects either to suit your particular career or personal interests, or to complete studies you have started elsewhere.
Diplomas
Certificates
Courses in Geology
See the list of all our individual courses in Geology.
Postgraduate options
If you already have a degree, you may want to see postgraduate courses and qualifications in Science.
An undergraduate subject in Science
Spotlight on Geology
Are you ready?
Are you ready for S276? is a set of interactive self-assessment questions for prospective students who are thinking about studying Geology (S276). It will help you decide whether you are sufficiently well-prepared to embark on Level 2 study in geology. Try it
Short courses
If you’ve previously done some science, and would like to try a Level 1 short course relating to geology to see whether it appeals to you, you could start with one of these short courses: Fossils and the history of life (S193), Volcanoes, earthquakes and tsunamis (S186), Planets: an introduction (S196) or Life in the oceans: exploring our blue planet (S180). Even if you are sure that you want to pursue geology, any of these courses would still be a good place to start.
Got a question?
Contact an adviser in our Student Registration & Enquiry Service
Email or call +44(0) 845 300 60 90
