Geology - with no science A Levels

You sound like me tbh!! (Except I hate English related subjects) I also wanna do physical geography and have a natural talent for maths. I’m also indecisive and hate human geography too but stuck doing it at a level!!
Geology sounds like a good idea, you sound like you have an interest in it and if you think you’re capable you should be fine. I’m not sure what the subject requirements are at different places but you could also look at environmental science courses as most unis do them and it’s basically physical geography.
Maybe look through the modules and see what you’d learn, and decide whether you think this would be too hard for you. But honestly geology shouldn’t be too bad because if you have a natural talent for maths that should come in handy too.

Hey,

I've just graduated from a geology undergraduate. The courses provided by most institutions are generally the same. Some involve a little basic maths but generally maths is not a necessity (they teach you what you need). The three sciences are important however. Geophysics, geochemistry and geobiology are often core modules on most courses in some way or another - so being good at them is useful. Environmental, hydro- and engineering geology are becoming more popular as recent additions to most courses - hydro/engineering being particularly maths-heavy.

Geology is also a field/laboratory science so be aware than you'll be doing more practical lab work and fieldwork than wordy courses like English or Philosophy. And hell, all those years ago when I was choosing my degree, I'm sure I was interested in Keele so it must be good.

I would gladly encourage anyone to go into geology, especially if you enjoyed physical geography and hated human geography (I did too haha!). Compared to other degrees it's a little more broad and variable as there is a lot to learn but that means there are plenty of job prospects from seismologists to palaeontologists to hydrologists to tree-hugging environmentalists to moneybags oil barons and the list goes on... Plus geologists are generally well paid!

You never know, maybe you'll find you love structural geology and you might one day have the luxury of meeting me, or not, who knows. There's only one way to find out.

P.S. as long as you can forget all you have 'learnt' in religious studies and theology and accept that all things geological are natural phenomena, then yes, you'll be fine.

Good luck!

I’ve never enquired on student room before so I’m not really sure how it works, but I’m going to try! (First 4 paragraphs are just setting the scene; sorry, I think it’s the English Lit student in me.)

I’m currently waiting for my results in Religious Studies, English Literature and Media Studies A Levels. I’m predicted 3 As however I feel as though I’ve absolutely flunked all my exams, and I need AAB with an A in English Literature to enrol in BA English and Philosophy in September. I’ve already changed my mind about the course I want to do twice (first I had my heart set on BA Theology at Durham, then switched to the same course at Manchester before the UCAS deadline, before rejecting that and applying to English and Philosophy through UCAS Extra).

Clearly I just don’t know what I want to do. I know the best thing to do would be to take a gap year but there’s no room for me at home. I need to leave and go to uni this year but I keep changing my mind about the course I want to do. I’ve always been a humanities and arts loving student that had a natural talent for mathematics and anything number-based. I achieved an A* at GCSE Maths and almost took it at A Level but wasn’t aware that having a range of subjects was a GOOD thing thus ended up taking 3 limiting arts/humanities subjects.

I didn’t take Geography at GCSE (but was always good at it) and achieved BCC in triple science (B in Biology) although, and I know everyone is quick to blame their teachers but, for 2 of the 3 sciences we were left to teach ourselves the content. I was relieved just to pass them Chemistry and Physics to be honest.

I have an interest in planetary science and always loved physical geography but loathed human geography to the point where I took two languages at GCSE to avoid taking geography GCSE and having to study those annoying humans anymore. I think I would enjoy a career in geology or something like that, perhaps palaeontology? I’m not sure. I just feel like in terms of careers, there’s nothing I would be interested in that relates to any of my A Level subjects.

So my question is: would BA Geology/ Physical Geography be something I might find success in? With absolutely no A Level subjects relating to the degree? I know Keele are offering BA Geology through clearing with no subject requirements and it was one I was thinking of applying to before I changed subjects (again, again). Is it a good idea to do this degree with no prior experience since KS3?

I personally feel I would be capable but if someone else has a different opinion I probably need to hear it!! Also, if anyone knows any universities offering similar courses without subject requirements I would find that useful also!

Thanks, I’ll definitely do that! I figured that, considering I was more interested in physical geography, I should be looking at the bachelor of science degrees as opposed to the humanities ones, but it’s really helpful to know that these courses go by other names. I know when I was considering other degrees that was one thing that really got in the way. Thanks for the advice and good luck in pursuing your interest in physical geography

Religious studies is actually mostly from a secular perspective so that won’t be a problem! I’ve looked at so many different degrees at this point I just settled with English and philosophy in the end because I wanted something I was familiar with (which isn’t a good reason to choose a 3 year degree, that I now know). I loved learning the small amount of geochemistry I covered at GCSE, and could always cope with biology; it was physics that I struggled with mostly due to a shortage of teaching staff (my class ended up teaching ourselves a 2 modules and being a lazy 16 year old I didn’t bother). But I’ve become interested in aspects of physics more as a hobby during a levels.

One of my concerns with an English and philosophy degree is that I will struggle to get a job at the end of it, or at least a job that isn’t teaching, so it’s helpful to know that geology would perhaps be a safer option.

Thanks for the advice!