Entry Requirements
A minimum of 5 GCSEs at grade 4 (grade C) or above including preferably a grade 5 in Maths and in Science.
Course Introduction
This popular science course encompasses everything on the Earth - landscapes, oceans, atmosphere, and all life there ever has been. It investigates how these have evolved through the 4.6 billion year history of this planet.
Course Content
You will examine the processes which have evolved the Earth’s landscapes: the study of rocks, and how they are created, fossils and evolution, plus how man interacts with geology and avoids the dangers presented by the constantly changing planet.
It encourages the development of practical, analytical and evaluative skills through fieldwork and laboratory experiments. Geology can explain how Ludlow was once a warm, shallow sea near the equator teeming with now extinct animals; and answer questions such as, what’s inside the Earth? Why do volcanoes exist? What happened to the dinosaurs? What happens when continents collide? How can I survive an earthquake?
It is a practical subject with plenty of opportunity for fieldwork and lab investigations; using rock, fossil and mineral specimens, students piece together the story of the Earth. Good geologists are therefore rock detectives who like solving the Earth’s puzzles!
Other A Levels
Geology interrelates with other sciences and also Geography and Mathematics.
Where will my course lead?
Students can progress to study for a degree in Geology, Earth or Environmental Science, plus any other degree looking for one or more science A Levels. Geology graduates are currently highly sought after by employers, and are amongst the highest paid with excellent opportunities for travel. Careers for Geology graduates are both broad and wide ranging and can include:
- Environmental management
- Mining/engineering to the oil, coal and natural gas industries
- Academic research in subjects such as palaeontology or vulcanology
