Course Overview
On this course you will discover how geology is a science that applies to a range of physical, chemical and biological principles.
You will study the risks posed to human beings from natural hazards such as earthquakes, volcanoes, tsunamis and landslides and how these may be minimised by prediction, prevention or hazard management.
You will also learn about the finding and extraction from the earth of vital resources as oil, coal, water and metals.
Updated October 2021
Entry Requirements
Grade C in GCSE Science and Maths.
Course Delivery
Classroom based teaching (4.5 hours per week) with one or two fieldtrips a year. Internal exams in December; external exams in May/June.
At A2 Level there is a coursework element.
Progression Opportunities
Geology or earth science degree courses are offered by many universities. Please note that many of these require Maths A Level and some, such as Oxford or Cambridge, Physics or Chemistry A levels.
Geologists are very employable due to the ever-growing global requirements for energy and mineral resources. Engineering firms also increasingly employ geologists to ensure the stability of structures such as roads, buildings, dams or coastal defences. New Geology jobs are emerging in such areas as the finding of water resources (hydrogeology), the management of pollutants and waste and environmental management.
Because of the breadth and the variety of skills involved, a Geology degree is also widely valued as a preparation for many other careers. Geology or earth sciences also play a vital role in biology, environmental science, geography engineering and oceanography and can be studied in conjunction with them.
Additional Information
Geology students from Gower College won the Geological Society Schools Challenge for Wales for the third year running at a contest with four other schools and colleges in South Wales. The team, consisting of Rhys Samuel (Captain), Sara Hicks, Sam Cheshire, Josh Evans and Danny Lugg, produced a poster, gave a presentation on ‘Geology and the future of the Welsh Economy’ and competed in a series of geological challenges. The poster was particularly praised, winning a prize from WJEC, and the team came first overall in the challenge, winning an engraved trophy and over a hundred pounds worth of books.
The Schools Geology challenge is organised by the prestigious Geological Society of London, the world’s oldest geological society.