Geology A-Level

Geology is the study of the Earth - how it was formed, its history, features and the processes that act on it. 

The course typically looks at eight geological concepts: earth materials and natural resources; rock forming processes; rock deformation; earth structure and global tectonics,; time and change; elements, minerals and rocks; surface and internal processes of the rock cycle; past life and past climates; earth materials and natural resources. 

The five themes of core content includes: geohazards; geological map applications; quaternary geology; geological evolution of Britain; geology of the lithosphere. 

Some exam boards allow you to perform investigative fieldwork which you will then analyse and critique. 

Key Skills Acquired

Scientific skills, present scientific investigation and analysis, data analysis,  analysis, problem solving, critical thinking, presenting and communicating scientific arguments

Complimentary A-Levels

Biology, Mathematics, Chemistry, Physics, Geography, History, Economics, Politics, Modern Languages, Sociology, Psychology.

Typical Assessment

Open-book and closed-book exams and coursework. 

Exam Boards

England, Wales and Northern Ireland Exam Boards: WJEC

Career Options

Geologist, geophysicist, environmental engineer, geochemist, hydrogeologist, environmental technician, civil engineer, GIS specialist, environmental scientist, surveyor, oceanographer, seismologist, petroleum engineer, marine geologist, forester, earth scientist, teaching. 

UK Universities Include

University of Portsmouth, University of Leeds, University of Greenwich, University of Cambridge, University of York, University of Brighton, University of Hertfordshire, University of Lancaster, University of Sheffield, University of Liverpool, University of East Anglia, University of Exeter, University of Leicester, University of South Wales, Bangor University, University of Birmingham, University of Durham, University of Buckingham, University of Reading, University of Oxford, University of Keele, University of Glasgow, University of Ulster, University of Newcastle, University of Hull, University of Gloucestershire, University of Sunderland, University of St Andrews, University of Worcester, Royal Holloway University of London, Queen Mary University of London, University of Derby, Cardiff University, University of Lincoln, University of Bristol, University of Aberdeen, University of Plymouth, University of Southampton, University of Manchester, University of Edinburgh, Lancaster University, University of Oxford