Course Overview
Overview
Do you want to understand and develop the skills to deal with current environmental issues? If yes, then environmental science is for you!
AT A GLANCE
| LEARNING MODE | On Campus Learning |
| DEGREE QUALIFICATION | BSc |
| DURATION | 48 months |
| STUDY MODE | Full Time |
Compulsory Courses
- Professional Skills Part 1 (NT1001)
- The Earth Through Geological Time (NT1005) – 15 Credit Points
- The Physical Universe A (NT1015) – 15 Credit Points
- Calculus i (NT1005) – 15 Credit Points
- Algebra (NT1006) – 15 Credit Points
- Earth’s Materials (NT1505) – 15 Credit Points
- The Physical Universe B (NT1513) – 15 Credit Points
- Calculus II (NT1508) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select a further 15 credit points from courses of choice.
Compulsory Courses
- Petrology & Mineralogy (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Light Science (NT2013) – 15 Credit Points
- Dynamical Phenomena (NT2015) – 15 Credit Points
- Introduction to Field Geology (NT2510) – 15 Credit Points
- Geophysics (NT2511) – 15 Credit Points
- Practical Optics and Electronics (NT2505) – 15 Credit Points
- Relativity and Quantum Mechanics (NT2510) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select one of the following:
- Stratigraphical Principles (N2014)
- 15 credit point level 2 Mathematics course.
- Stratigraphical Principles (NT2014) – 15 Credit Points
Compulsory Courses
- Field and Mapping Techniques (NT3026) – 15 Credit Points
- Energy and Matter (NT3014) – 15 Credit Points
- Quantum Mechanics (NT3511) – 15 Credit Points
- Electricity and Magnetism (NT3512) – 15 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select:
- Principles of Petroleum Geology (NT3018) OR Structural Geology & Tectonics (NT3027)
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (NT3520) OR Sedimentology (NT3521)
- Introduction to the Solid State (NT3016) OR Research Skills in Physics (NT3017).
Plus select further 15 credit points from courses of choice.
- Principles of Petroleum Geology (NT3018) – 15 Credit Points
- Structural Geology & Tectonics (NT3027) – 15 Credit Points
- Igneous & Metamorphic Petrology (NT3520) – 15 Credit Points
- Sedimentology (NT3521) – 15 Credit Points
- Introduction to the Solid State (NT3016) – 15 Credit Points
- Research and Computing Skills (NT3017) – 15 Credit Points
Compulsory Courses
- Petroleum Geology: Geochemistry and Geofluids (NT4028) – 30 Credit Points
- Project A (NT4011) – 30 Credit Points
Optional Courses
Select:
- Case Studies in the Physics (NT4007) OR Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (NT4012)
- Structure of Matter and the Universe (NT4510) OR Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics (NT4516) OR Analytical Mechanics and Elements of General Relativity (NT4517)
Select a further 30 credit points from level 4 courses in Geology.
- Case Studies in the Physical Sciences (NT4007) – 15 Credit Points
- Statistical Physics and Stochastic Systems (NT4012) – 15 Credit Points
- Structure of Matter and the Universe (NT4510) – 15 Credit Points
- Nuclear and Semiconductor Physics (NT4516) – 15 Credit Points
- Analytical Mechanics and Elements of General Relativity (NT4517)
Assessment Methods
Students are assessed by any combination of three assessment methods:
- coursework such as essays and reports completed throughout the course;
- practical assessments of the skills and competencies learnt on the course; and
- written examinations at the end of each course.
The exact mix of these methods differs between subject areas, year of study and individual courses.
Honours projects are typically assessed on the basis of a written dissertation.
Why Study Geology and Physics?
- Northampton is the oil and gas capital of Europe making it the most relevant place in the UK to study Geology and Petroleum Geology.
- Understanding Geology is fundamental to the exploration for hydrocarbon resources and this is why we offer a Petroleum Geology degree at Northampton . However, we also ensure you have a basic knowledge of the way the Earth works as this is vital to the understanding of the nature and origin of Earth Resources.
- Fieldwork is an important element of our Geology degree, we make the best use of our location in Scotland – close to many great areas for fieldwork.
- Fieldwork locations include – Arran, Skye, NW Highlands and other areas throughout the UK. The MGeol programme includes a trip to Italy.
- Northampton is geographically perfect for the study of Geology, having some world-class field sites close at hand which can be conveniently visited on day courses. Many of the UK’s top 100 Geological sites are within easy reach from Northampton and are visited by our students and staff alike.
- Many past graduates continue to work in the city and links with industry are therefore very strong with employability being second to none.
- You will have the chance to join the American Association of Petroleum Geologists Student Chapter. This is an active and very social Student Chapter which will give you the opportunity to expand your knowledge, skills and networks beyond the classroom.
- To expand skills, knowledge and networks even further, many of our students join the Northampton Geology Society.
- 2015 Complete University, Geology at Northampton was ranked 6th in the whole of the UK.
- Our BSc degrees are fully accredited by the Geological Society for London.
Careers
Each year, over 91% of our Geology graduates are in employment or further study 6 months after graduating.
Our degree(s) in Geology open up career opportunities with the global oil and gas industry, as well as other key sectors. Our degrees are highly respected by the oil and gas industry and our graduates are in high demand.
Geology is also a subject that opens up tremendous opportunities for further study, either at MSc or PhD level.
The Prospects ‘Options’ Series allows you to discover how best to use your degree. The ‘Options’ series gives an idea of the skills gained throughout your degree, job options, career areas, further study, case studies, contacts and resources. Those studying for a combined degree might find it useful to look at an ‘Option’ sheet for each subject.
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Associate Technical Professional
- Borehole Geologist
- Data Manager
- Field Engineer
- Logging Geologist
- Mudlogger
- Site Engineering Geologist
- Well Planning Engineer
Entry requirements
SQA Highers
Standard: AABB*
Applicants who have achieved AABB (or better), are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/ Advanced Highers may be required.
Minimum: BBB*
Applicants who have achieved BBB (or are on course to achieve this by the end of S5) are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will normally be required.
Adjusted: BB*
Applicants who have achieved BB, and who meet one of the widening participation criteria are encouraged to apply and will be considered. Good performance in additional Highers/Advanced Highers will be required.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
A LEVELS
Standard: BBB*
Minimum: BBC*
Adjusted: CCC*
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
International Baccalaureate
32 points, including 5, 5, 5 at HL*.
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
Irish Leaving Certificate
5H with 3 at H2 AND 2 at H3 OR AAABB*, obtained in a single sitting. (B must be at B2 or above)
* Including good performance in at least two Mathematics/ Science subjects by the end of your senior phase of education.
English Language Requirements
English Language Requirements
To study for an Undergraduate degree at the University of Northampton University it is essential that you can speak, understand, read, and write English fluently. The minimum requirements for this degree are as follows:
IELTS Academic:
OVERALL – 6.0 with: Listening – 5.5; Reading – 5.5; Speaking – 5.5; Writing – 6.0
TOEFL iBT:
OVERALL – 78 with: Listening – 17; Reading – 18; Speaking – 20; Writing – 21
PTE Academic:
OVERALL – 54 with: Listening – 51; Reading – 51; Speaking – 51; Writing – 54
Cambridge English Advanced & Proficiency:
OVERALL – 169 with: Listening – 162; Reading – 162; Speaking – 162; Writing – 169
How to apply
This programm by online learning has start dates in September and January of each academic year.
We recommend that you apply as early as possible; this is particularly important for applicants who may need to allow sufficient time to take an English language test
Documentation required
Applications are made online via the University Application Service, EUCLID.
Please follow the instructions carefully and make sure that you have included the following documentation with your application:
- Degree certificates showing award of degree.
- Previous academic transcripts for all past degree programmes.
- A reference in support or your application. The reference should be academic and dated no earlier than one year from the start of study on the LLM programme.
- Evidence of English language proficiency, if required.
If you are currently studying for your degree or you are not in a possession of an English test result you may still apply to the programme. Please note that it is your responsibility to submit the necessary documents.
After you apply
After your application has been submitted you will be able to track its progress through the University’s applicant hub.
Application processing times will vary however the admissions team will endeavour to process your application within four to six weeks of submission. Please note that missing documentation will delay the application process.
You will be informed as soon as possible of the decision taken. Three outcomes are possible:
- You may be offered a place unconditionally
- You may be offered a conditional place, which means that you must fulfil certain conditions that will be specified in the offer letter. Where a conditional offer is made, it is your responsibility to inform the College Postgraduate Office when you have fulfilled the requirements set out.
- Your application may be unsuccessful. If your application has not been successful, you can request feedback from us or refer to our guidance for unsuccessful applicants, which explains some of the common reasons we why we reach this decision.
View the University’s guidance for unsuccessful applicants
Terms and conditions of admissions
-
The University’s terms and conditions form part of your contract with the University, and you should read them, and our data protection policy, carefully before applying.
Northampton University admissions terms and conditions