best university for geology

@Plagioclase might be able to advise?

My general impression is outside of Oxford, Cambridge and Imperial, Southampton is quite strong in earth sciences especially in relation to e.g. marine geology/climate. They do cover those kinds of solid-earth geology/geophysics topics too and I think that is one of their other research areas. Leeds I think is also quite strong but I believe they focus a bit more on carbon exploration type things.

If you're mainly interested in those kinds of solid-earth geophysics topics like volcanism and tectonics you might want to look at geophysics courses as well maybe?

yeah i do see that southampton is good ,im just not as intersted in marine geology . I have looked a little at geophysics but i havent taken physics as an a level. I was hoping there was a uni which is known to focus on more the tectonic side of things .

Hi i am in yr 13 and am trying to decide on a university .Most courses are very similar so i want somewhere where the lecteres bring the subject to life and where there are great links to bring about opportunity . I am mainly facinated by volcanoes and tectonics . Any help would be much appreciated .

There are lots of great geology/earth sciences courses in the UK! I'd be slightly hesitant suggesting you worry too much about specialisms for now (particularly if you haven't studied geology before) since your interests will likely change and, as @artful_lounger said, you will study tectonics in any geology degree since this is a fundamental aspect of geology. Having said that, aside from Oxford and Imperial, I would recommend having a look at Bristol if you're interested in volcanology since they have a very well-known volcanology research group. A non-exhaustive list of other universities with a very good reputation for geology are St. Andrew's, Southampton, Durham, Exeter, UCL, Birmingham, and Leicester. Have a look at the modules each of them offer, but I'd also pay attention to things like where the university is (it'll be very different studying in a tiny village in Cornwall at Exeter's Penryn campus versus central London at Imperial!) and intake size.

I think you'll cover those topics in any geology degree (including at Southampton). Note that undergraduate degrees tend to be fairly "general" in STEM fields to meet accreditation requirements that require more or less all grads to cover a core set of material no matter which uni they go to. So while Southampton might specialise in research in marine geology, their undergrad course will also include all the "usual" geology topics expected!

ye i know that most courses are very similar but southampton does look more at the ocean and has modules on it which sort of put me off . Exeter would be great if it werent in the middle of no where (i love nature but its quite remote).I feel i am edging towards bristol as i saw a lecter online and she was very interesting compared to others i have seen .Also what are the thoughts on royal halloway and keele , i cant fins any lecteres ir anything so cant get a feel for them .

I think you'll cover those topics in any geology degree (including at Southampton). Note that undergraduate degrees tend to be fairly "general" in STEM fields to meet accreditation requirements that require more or less all grads to cover a core set of material no matter which uni they go to. So while Southampton might specialise in research in marine geology, their undergrad course will also include all the "usual" geology topics expected!

The reason the Exeter course is at Penryn is the Cambourne connection - it's perfect for local studies and the course is highly rated. People flock to Cornwall for the local llife - there is plenty to do. I would say go and visit ....

Yeah its kind of why chosing a uni is so hard because the courses are so so so similar


I would go and visit but i cant because id have to drive like 4 hours to get there.Whats there to do there ?

I think you'll cover those topics in any geology degree (including at Southampton). Note that undergraduate degrees tend to be fairly "general" in STEM fields to meet accreditation requirements that require more or less all grads to cover a core set of material no matter which uni they go to. So while Southampton might specialise in research in marine geology, their undergrad course will also include all the "usual" geology topics expected!

I think you'll cover those topics in any geology degree (including at Southampton). Note that undergraduate degrees tend to be fairly "general" in STEM fields to meet accreditation requirements that require more or less all grads to cover a core set of material no matter which uni they go to. So while Southampton might specialise in research in marine geology, their undergrad course will also include all the "usual" geology topics expected!

I looked at it and it looks beautiful , i just dont think i want to sacrifice going to concerts ect

I looked at it and it looks beautiful , i just dont think i want to sacrifice going to concerts ect


This was meant to be a reply to @Muttley79

Hi i am in yr 13 and am trying to decide on a university .Most courses are very similar so i want somewhere where the lecteres bring the subject to life and where there are great links to bring about opportunity . I am mainly facinated by volcanoes and tectonics . Any help would be much appreciated .

I looked at it and it looks beautiful , i just dont think i want to sacrifice going to concerts ect

This was meant to be a reply to @Muttley79

Penryn is not a good pick for you if you are into concerts and nightlife. You would be better off picking a uni in a much livelier place like London/Bristol/Birmingham.

I'm just being factual that you very often do recommend Exeter but the Penryn campus in particular is not a good pick for OP if they are into concerts and nightlife.

Clearly you've never been to Falmouth then? Yes I do often recommend Exeter - why? It's a beautiful campus and has some great courses - no student I've taught has been unhappy there or failed to get a great job.

I don't see you making the same comments about any other poster