Entry requirements for Geology courses
I am currently looking to study geology at uni (starting 2026), but am only taking one science subject at A-level (geology) - other subjects being politics and philosophy. Will universities allow any deviation from the normal subject requirements of taking two sciences at A-Level? I only really became interested in geology after beginning the A-level last year and chose it mainly out of curiosity as I enjoyed that side of geography at GCSE. If I explain this, will universities still consider me for a place or will I have to do something else such as taking a gap year to do another
A-level in science?
A-level in science?
Reply 1
Original post by Owen · Jones
I am currently looking to study geology at uni (starting 2026), but am only taking one science subject at A-level (geology) - other subjects being politics and philosophy. Will universities allow any deviation from the normal subject requirements of taking two sciences at A-Level? I only really became interested in geology after beginning the A-level last year and chose it mainly out of curiosity as I enjoyed that side of geography at GCSE. If I explain this, will universities still consider me for a place or will I have to do something else such as taking a gap year to do another
A-level in science?
A-level in science?
They probably won't relax their requirements for 2 sciences, though you could ask them in advance. Get any reply in writing and be sceptical of any vague wording such as "your application will be considered seriously".
Original post by Owen · Jones
I am currently looking to study geology at uni (starting 2026), but am only taking one science subject at A-level (geology) - other subjects being politics and philosophy. Will universities allow any deviation from the normal subject requirements of taking two sciences at A-Level? I only really became interested in geology after beginning the A-level last year and chose it mainly out of curiosity as I enjoyed that side of geography at GCSE. If I explain this, will universities still consider me for a place or will I have to do something else such as taking a gap year to do another
A-level in science?
A-level in science?
Not all Geology degrees require two sciences :
Geology BSc (Hons) | Courses | University of Liverpool - ABB including one science A level
Geology BSc - University of Birmingham - ABB including one science A level
Geology BSc | Royal Holloway, University of London - ABB including one science A level
BSc (Hons) Earth Science | University of Portsmouth - BBB /120 points - including one science A level
etc
Reply 3
Be aware you may struggle with the course if you don't have a background in chemistry and/or physics. You may have to catch up with self-learning these subjects.
Original post by BetaVersion2.9
Be aware you may struggle with the course if you don't have a background in chemistry and/or physics. You may have to catch up with self-learning these subjects.
If a Uni does not require these subjects at A level, they clearly think that the course is do-able without them, and its likely that Chem and Physics are covered in enough detail in the First year to compensate.
Reply 5
Picking one of the unis listed above (Royal Holloway) one of the six first year modules is Physics and Chemistry of the Earth.
This comprises
"In this module you will develop an understanding of basic concepts in chemistry and physics and how to apply these to geological processes. You will look at atoms and atomic structure, the periodic table of elements, reactions, equations, geochemical analysis, the composition of the earth, interpretation of phase diagrams, solubility of minerals, weathering and the hydrological cycle. You will also consider Newton’s Laws, kinematics, circular motion, planetary orbits, gravity, magnetism, electricity, resistivity, stress, strain, seismicity, isostasy, radioactivity, and geochronology."
Granted they may make an effort to teach this with the assumption of no previous knowledge, but I would consider it a bit daunting without at least some previous knowledge of Chemistry or Physics.
And this is just one of six first year modules.
This comprises
"In this module you will develop an understanding of basic concepts in chemistry and physics and how to apply these to geological processes. You will look at atoms and atomic structure, the periodic table of elements, reactions, equations, geochemical analysis, the composition of the earth, interpretation of phase diagrams, solubility of minerals, weathering and the hydrological cycle. You will also consider Newton’s Laws, kinematics, circular motion, planetary orbits, gravity, magnetism, electricity, resistivity, stress, strain, seismicity, isostasy, radioactivity, and geochronology."
Granted they may make an effort to teach this with the assumption of no previous knowledge, but I would consider it a bit daunting without at least some previous knowledge of Chemistry or Physics.
And this is just one of six first year modules.
Reply 6
Best advice I can offer is to contact a couple of the geology/earth sciences departments directly and explain your position. That way you'll get a better idea of what's involved. Would also recommend going to a few university open days and ask the current students and lecturers about the course.
Reply 7
Original post by BetaVersion2.9
Best advice I can offer is to contact a couple of the geology/earth sciences departments directly and explain your position. That way you'll get a better idea of what's involved. Would also recommend going to a few university open days and ask the current students and lecturers about the course.
Thanks for the advice 🙂 Been searching online for a few days now and found a couple of good courses where only one science is required (Exeter - Cornwall campus, and Cardiff). Out of these, Exeter is definitely the favourite and I live in Devon so it would be very convenient for travel. Also planning to look around unis such as Bristol and UCL so I'll definitely ask about different courses as you suggest; I was considering Oxbridge before, but I assume with that, there would be no exceptions to the 2 sciences requirement.
Reply 8
Original post by McGinger
If a Uni does not require these subjects at A level, they clearly think that the course is do-able without them, and its likely that Chem and Physics are covered in enough detail in the First year to compensate.
I am not doing either (I do biology and environmental science alongside geology) and while I know that they would require it if I needed it, for my own piece of mind I am planning on taking an online chemistry course over the summer for my own peace of mind, so that is always an option. but, you really won't need to.
(edited 1 month ago)
Reply 9
Hello 👋
At Leicester the requirements for Geology are ABB-BBB with a preference for at least two from: Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or Geography. But we also consider one-science profiles with Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Alternatively, you can do a STEM Foundation Year in Geology if you wish to brush up your overall skillset so that modules that require Chemistry or Maths, for example, will be easier to manage aswell.
All the best,
Emma
University of Leicester
At Leicester the requirements for Geology are ABB-BBB with a preference for at least two from: Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Maths, Computer Science, Environmental Science, or Geography. But we also consider one-science profiles with Geology, Maths, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.
Alternatively, you can do a STEM Foundation Year in Geology if you wish to brush up your overall skillset so that modules that require Chemistry or Maths, for example, will be easier to manage aswell.
All the best,
Emma
University of Leicester
Reply 10
Original post by Volcano nerd
I am not doing either (I do biology and environmental science alongside geology) and while I know that they would require it if I needed it, for my own piece of mind I am planning on taking an online chemistry course over the summer for my own peace of mind, so that is always an option. but, you really won't need to.
Hiya! Do you mind sharing which chemistry course you're completing over summer? Is it a self-controlled or face-to-face style course? Thanks!
Original post by Volcano nerd
I am not doing either (I do biology and environmental science alongside geology) and while I know that they would require it if I needed it, for my own piece of mind I am planning on taking an online chemistry course over the summer for my own peace of mind, so that is always an option. but, you really won't need to.
Have you considered Imperial?
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